Buildertrend serves over 1 million users globally from its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. But Australian builders face a unique set of challenges — from BAS reporting to cyclone season scheduling — that US-built software wasn’t designed to handle. Here’s why Australian builders are choosing Built Simple as their Buildertrend alternative.
Quick Comparison: Built Simple vs Buildertrend
| Feature | Built Simple | Buildertrend |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From Free (Starter plan) | $499–$699/mo USD |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Australian-Built | Yes — AU-based team | No — US-based (Nebraska) |
| Mobile App | Yes — mobile-first design | Yes |
| Estimating | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduling | Yes — drag-and-drop | Yes |
| Team Tracking | Yes — real-time GPS | Basic time tracking |
| Client Portal | Yes | Yes |
| Weather Alerts | Yes — Australian BOM integration | US weather only |
| Offline Mode | Yes | Limited |
Where Buildertrend Wins
Buildertrend is one of the most popular construction platforms in the US for good reason:
- Mature platform: With over a decade of development and a massive US user base, Buildertrend’s feature set is broad and well-tested across residential construction.
- Client experience: Buildertrend’s homeowner portal and selection process tools are polished, making it easier for clients to choose finishes and track progress.
- Financial tools: Invoicing, purchase orders, and budget tracking are deeply integrated — though built around US accounting standards.
Where Built Simple Wins
- Australian pricing: Built Simple charges in AUD. Buildertrend charges in USD, meaning you’re paying $749–$1,049+ AUD after exchange rates — plus potential foreign transaction fees on your credit card.
- Built for Australia: GST calculations, BOM weather integration, Australian building codes, and local support during AEST hours. Buildertrend’s support operates on US Central Time.
- Dramatically cheaper: Built Simple’s most expensive plan ($99/mo AUD) costs less than Buildertrend’s cheapest plan ($499/mo USD). That’s a saving of over $7,800 AUD per year.
- Free tier: Start using Built Simple today at no cost. Buildertrend has no free option.
- GPS team tracking: Real-time location tracking for your team — essential for builders managing multiple Australian job sites spread across large distances.
- Offline mode: Works without internet — critical for remote Australian job sites where mobile coverage is patchy.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Built Simple | Buildertrend |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / Free | $0/mo AUD (Starter) | N/A — no free tier |
| Mid Tier | $49/mo AUD (Pro) | $499/mo USD (~$749 AUD) |
| Top Tier | $99/mo AUD (Business) | $699/mo USD (~$1,049 AUD) |
| Currency | AUD | USD — you pay exchange rate |
Who Should Choose Buildertrend?
Buildertrend could make sense if you’re a large Australian builder already integrated with US-based partners or systems, or if you specifically need Buildertrend’s selection management tools for high-end custom homes. If budget isn’t a primary concern and you need the specific feature depth Buildertrend offers, it’s a capable platform.
Who Should Choose Built Simple?
Built Simple is the obvious choice for Australian builders who want professional construction management software built for the local market at a fraction of the cost. If you’re tired of paying US prices in USD, struggling with US-timezone support, and working around features designed for American building practices, Built Simple was built specifically for you.
“Australian builders need Australian software. Tax calculations, weather patterns, building codes — it all needs to be local. That’s why we built everything from the ground up for the Australian market.”
— Tom Nguyen, Construction Project Specialist, Built Simple
The Bottom Line
Buildertrend is a strong platform — in the US market. But Australian builders shouldn’t have to pay premium USD prices for software that wasn’t designed for Australian conditions. Built Simple delivers comparable (and in many areas, superior) functionality for a fraction of the cost, with Australian-specific features, AUD pricing, and local support. The savings alone — over $7,800 per year — make the switch worth serious consideration.
Try Built Simple Free — No Credit Card Required
See why hundreds of Australian builders are making the switch.
