Procore vs Buildertrend: Which One Runs a Construction Business Better? (2026)

Updated: February 13, 2026 • 18 Minute Read

In the construction world, there are two types of software buyers: The Commercial GC building schools/hospitals, and the Custom Home Builder doing renovations and new builds.

If you pick the wrong software, you will either (A) Go broke paying $20,000 for enterprise features you don't need, or (B) Get sued because your "cheap" software didn't track a Change Order correctly.

🏁 The Fast Verdict
Best for Commercial GC
Procore is the industry standard for large projects ($50M+). It handles RFI's, Submittals, and Drawings perfectly.
Visit Procore
Best for Residential
Buildertrend wins for Home Builders and Remodelers. The "Client Portal" lets homeowners see photos of their kitchen daily.
Visit Buildertrend

The Pricing Elephant in the Room

Neither of these tools is cheap. In 2026, software costs have skyrocketed.

Feature Procore Buildertrend
Pricing Model % of Construction Volume (Revenue) Flat Monthly Fee (Tiered)
Starting Price ~$375+/month (per user/module) ~$399+/month
Implementation Fee $2,000 - $10,000+ Usually included in annual
Client Portal Basic (Commercial focus) Excellent (Homeowner focus)

1. Procore: The Commercial Standard

If you are building a school, a mall, or a skyscraper, you must use Procore. Why? Because the Architects and Engineers engage with it. They expect RFI's to come through Procore.

The Killer Feature: Drawing Management

Procore's drawing tool is magic. When an architect issues a new revision (A2.1), Procore automatically overlays it on the old sheet and highlights the changes in red. This prevents the "I built the wall in the wrong spot because I had the old plans" error, which saves $10,000 instantly.

2. Buildertrend: The Residential King

Buildertrend (which acquired CoConstruct) is designed for the "Custom Home Builder." It understands that your client is a husband and wife who want to see photos of their tile selection.

The Killer Feature: Selections

The "Selections" module allows you to present options to a homeowner (e.g., "Granite vs Quartz"). They log in, see the price difference, and click "Approve." This digital paper trail protects you when they later say, "I didn't pick the expensive one!"

Verdict