Built Simple vs CoConstruct: Which Is Best for Your Building Business? (2025)

A Detailed Comparison for Custom Home Builders and Remodelers

Last Updated: November 2025 | Reading Time: 20 minutes | 5,500+ words

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Quick Summary

Factor	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Best For	Small-medium builders wanting all-in-one simplicity	Custom home builders with heavy client interaction
Starting Price	~$99/month	~$99/month (basic), ~$399/month (full features)
Unique Strength	Advanced crew time tracking, integrated takeoff	Selection management, client communication
Complexity	Low-Medium	Medium-High
Ideal Company Size	1-30 employees	5-50 employees

Bottom Line: CoConstruct specializes in the custom home builder niche with excellent client-facing tools. Built Simple offers broader functionality with standout crew tracking at better value for most small builders.

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Company Backgrounds

Built Simple

Built Simple is a modern, cloud-based construction management platform designed specifically for small to medium builders and contractors. The platform takes an all-in-one approach, combining estimating with digital takeoff, project management, scheduling, advanced crew time tracking, and document management.

Key philosophy: Powerful features without enterprise complexity.

Target market:
– Custom home builders (1-20 homes/year)
– Renovation contractors
– Specialty trade contractors
– Small commercial builders

CoConstruct

CoConstruct launched in 2012 and has built a strong reputation specifically serving custom home builders and remodelers. The platform emphasizes client communication and selection management, making it popular among builders whose clients are heavily involved in design decisions.

Key philosophy: Streamline the client-builder relationship for custom work.

Target market:
– Custom home builders
– High-end remodelers
– Design-build firms

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Pricing Comparison

Built Simple Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Key Limits
Tradie	~$49-99	5 projects, 5 estimates, 10MB storage
Builder	~$149-199	10 projects, 10 estimates, 10GB storage
Pro	~$199-299	Unlimited projects, 20GB storage

All plans include: Unlimited users, core PM features, time tracking, estimating with takeoff

CoConstruct Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Key Features
Essential	~$99/month	Basic PM, limited features
Plus	~$399/month	Full feature set, financial tools
Custom	Contact sales	Enterprise features

Note: CoConstruct’s pricing structure means full functionality requires the higher tier.

Cost Analysis

For a 10-person custom home builder:

Scenario	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Full features	~$200/month	~$399/month
Annual cost	~$2,400	~$4,788
Cost per user	~$20	~$40
3-year TCO	~$7,500	~$15,000+

Built Simple advantage: ~50% lower cost for comparable functionality

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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Project Management

Feature	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Project creation	✅	✅
Job types/phases	✅	✅
Status tracking	✅	✅
Team assignment	✅	✅
Project templates	✅	✅
Activity history	✅	✅
Custom fields	Limited	✅
Multi-location	✅	✅

Verdict: Both platforms handle core project management well. CoConstruct has more customization options.

Scheduling

Feature	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Gantt chart	✅	✅
Calendar view	✅	✅
Dependencies	✅	✅
Drag-and-drop	✅	✅
Progress tracking	✅	✅
Resource assignment	✅	✅
Mobile access	✅	✅
Schedule templates	✅	✅
To-do lists	✅	✅ (strong)

Verdict: Comparable scheduling capabilities. CoConstruct integrates to-dos tightly with schedule.

Estimating & Takeoff

Feature	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Estimate creation	✅	✅
PDF plan upload	✅	✅
On-screen takeoff	✅ (integrated)	Limited
Area calculation	✅	Limited
Count tool	✅	Limited
Scale calibration	✅	Limited
Cost categories	✅	✅
Specifications	✅	✅ (strong)
Estimate templates	✅	✅
Proposal generation	✅	✅ (excellent)

Verdict: Built Simple wins on integrated digital takeoff. CoConstruct has strong specification management but less robust measurement tools.

Time Tracking & Labor

Feature	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Digital timesheets	✅	✅
Job code allocation	✅	✅
Ordinary/overtime split	✅ (native)	Basic
Overtime multipliers	✅	Basic
Weekly planner	✅	❌
Reconciliation	✅	❌
Approval workflow	✅	✅
Mobile entry	✅	✅
GPS tracking	Planned	✅

Verdict: Built Simple wins decisively on time tracking. The crew tracker with ordinary/overtime differentiation, weekly planning, and reconciliation is far more advanced than CoConstruct’s basic time tracking.

Client Communication

Feature	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Client portal	✅	✅ (excellent)
Progress photos	✅	✅ (excellent)
Messaging	✅	✅ (excellent)
Selection management	Limited	✅ (excellent)
Allowance tracking	Limited	✅ (excellent)
Daily logs sharing	✅	✅
Client approvals	Basic	✅ (excellent)
Change order workflow	Basic	✅ (strong)

Verdict: CoConstruct wins on client communication. Their selection management, allowance tracking, and client approval workflows are industry-leading for custom home builders.

Financial Management

Feature	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Budget tracking	✅	✅
Cost tracking	✅	✅
Change orders	Basic	✅ (strong)
Invoicing	Basic	✅
Selection-based pricing	Limited	✅ (excellent)
QuickBooks integration	Planned	✅
Job costing	✅	✅

Verdict: CoConstruct has stronger financial tools overall, especially for selection-driven pricing typical in custom homes.

Document Management

Feature	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Cloud storage	✅	✅
Folder organization	✅	✅
Version control	✅	✅
PDF viewing	✅	✅
Plan annotation	✅ (strong)	Basic
Search	✅	✅
Photo management	✅	✅ (strong)

Verdict: Built Simple has better plan annotation. CoConstruct has better photo management tied to client communication.

Mobile Experience

Feature	Built Simple	CoConstruct
iOS app	✅	✅
Android app	✅	✅
Offline mode	✅	✅
Time entry	✅	✅
Photo capture	✅	✅
Schedule updates	✅	✅
Client-facing app	❌	✅

Verdict: CoConstruct has a dedicated client app. Both have solid field worker mobile apps.

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Ideal Use Cases

Choose Built Simple If…

Your profile:
– Small to medium builder (1-30 employees)
– Mix of project types (not just custom homes)
– Cost-conscious
– Need strong time tracking for crew payroll
– Want integrated estimating with takeoff
– Don’t need extensive selection management

Examples:
– Renovation contractor with 8 employees
– Spec builder doing 10 homes/year
– Commercial tenant improvement contractor
– Specialty trade contractor

Choose CoConstruct If…

Your profile:
– Custom home builder with heavy client interaction
– Extensive selections and allowances
– High-end remodeler with demanding clients
– Client communication is your differentiator
– Budget allows for premium pricing
– Need QuickBooks integration now

Examples:
– Custom home builder doing 5-15 luxury homes/year
– High-end kitchen/bath remodeler
– Design-build firm with architect partners
– Builder with extensive client selection process

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The Selection Management Question

If your business involves extensive client selections (flooring, fixtures, finishes, appliances, etc.), this is a key decision point.

CoConstruct’s Selection Strengths:

• Detailed selection tracking by room/area
• Allowance management with overages
• Client self-service selection submission
• Selection-driven pricing updates
• Approval workflows
• Historical selection tracking

Built Simple’s Approach:

• Specifications module with custom fields
• Category-based organization
• Basic selection tracking
• Less client self-service for selections

If selections drive your business, CoConstruct has the edge.

If selections are a small part of your workflow, Built Simple’s broader capabilities and lower cost win.

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Time Tracking: The Hidden Differentiator

For many builders, time tracking is where the real money is made or lost. Labor is 40-60% of project cost, and tracking it accurately impacts:

• Payroll accuracy
• Job costing
• Future estimates
• Overtime control
• Profitability analysis

Built Simple’s Time Tracking Advantage:

Crew Tracker features:
– Separate ordinary and overtime entry
– Multiple overtime rates (1.5x, 2x, custom)
– Weekly labor planner
– Planned vs. actual reconciliation
– Supervisor approval workflow
– Labor cost reports by project
– Payroll-ready exports

CoConstruct’s Time Tracking:

• Basic time entry
• Job code allocation
• GPS verification
• Standard reporting

For builders where crew hour tracking is critical, Built Simple’s advanced time tracking can save thousands per year in overtime management and payroll accuracy alone.

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Implementation Comparison

Factor	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Setup time	1-2 weeks	2-4 weeks
Learning curve	Low	Medium
Admin training	4-8 hours	8-16 hours
User training	2-4 hours	4-8 hours
Data migration	Self-service	Assisted available
Onboarding support	Email, video	Dedicated rep

Built Simple: Faster to implement, designed for self-service setup.

CoConstruct: More involved implementation but more hands-on support.

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Customer Support

Aspect	Built Simple	CoConstruct
Email support	✅	✅
Phone support	✅	✅
Live chat	✅	✅
Knowledge base	✅	✅ (extensive)
Video tutorials	✅	✅ (extensive)
Webinars	Periodic	Regular
Dedicated rep	Pro plans	Higher plans
Community	Limited	✅

CoConstruct has more mature support infrastructure. Built Simple offers more personalized support (smaller company, faster decisions).

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Real User Perspectives

Built Simple Users Say:

“The crew tracker alone justified switching. Knowing exactly what overtime is going to each job has transformed our job costing.”

“Way more affordable than CoConstruct and we use all the features. CoConstruct felt like paying for client tools we didn’t need.”

“Love being able to measure on PDF plans right in the estimate. No more separate takeoff software.”

CoConstruct Users Say:

“Selection management is incredible. Our clients love being able to make selections online and see how it affects their budget.”

“The client portal has reduced our phone calls by 50%. Clients check progress themselves.”

“QuickBooks integration works seamlessly. Financial tracking is solid.”

“Gets expensive, but if you’re doing high-end custom homes, it’s worth it.”

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Migration Considerations

Switching FROM CoConstruct TO Built Simple

Why people switch:
– Cost savings (40-50%)
– Better time tracking for crews
– Don’t need extensive selection features
– Want simpler interface

What you’ll gain:
– Advanced crew time tracking
– Integrated digital takeoff
– Lower monthly cost
– Simpler operation

What you’ll lose:
– Selection management depth
– Client approval workflows
– QuickBooks integration (temporarily)

Switching FROM Built Simple TO CoConstruct

Why people might switch:
– Growing into high-end custom market
– Need extensive selection management
– Clients demanding better portal
– Need QuickBooks integration now

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Verdict and Recommendations

Built Simple is the better choice for:

✅ Small to medium builders (1-30 employees)
✅ Renovation and remodeling contractors
✅ Spec builders
✅ Trade contractors
✅ Builders needing advanced time tracking
✅ Cost-conscious operations
✅ Those who value simplicity

CoConstruct is the better choice for:

✅ Custom home builders with extensive selections
✅ High-end remodelers
✅ Design-build firms
✅ Builders where client portal is crucial
✅ Those needing QuickBooks integration immediately
✅ Larger operations (20-50 employees)

The 80/20 Rule

For 80% of small builders: Built Simple offers better value—you get powerful features including superior time tracking and estimating at half the cost.

For the 20% in high-end custom: CoConstruct’s selection management and client communication tools may justify the premium.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Built Simple handle custom home builds?

A: Yes. Built Simple handles custom home projects well—scheduling, estimating, documents, and especially crew tracking. What it lacks compared to CoConstruct is the extensive selection management and client approval workflows specific to high-customization projects.

Q: Does CoConstruct have time tracking?

A: Yes, CoConstruct has basic time tracking with GPS. However, it lacks the ordinary/overtime differentiation, weekly planning, and reconciliation features that Built Simple’s Crew Tracker provides.

Q: Which has better estimating?

A: Built Simple has stronger integrated takeoff tools (on-screen measurement). CoConstruct has strong specification management. For builders who measure from plans, Built Simple has the edge.

Q: Can I try both before deciding?

A: Both offer free trials. We recommend testing with a real project to see which fits your workflow.

Q: What about integrations?

A: CoConstruct has more integrations currently, including QuickBooks. Built Simple is building out integrations, with QuickBooks planned.

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Conclusion

Both Built Simple and CoConstruct are quality platforms for residential builders. The right choice depends on your specific needs:

Choose Built Simple for: All-in-one value, superior time tracking, integrated takeoff, and cost efficiency.

Choose CoConstruct for: Client-centric operations with extensive selections, high-end custom work, and established integration needs.

For most small to medium builders, Built Simple delivers more capability at better value. For custom home specialists where client selections drive the business, CoConstruct’s specialized tools may be worth the premium.

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Ready to see the difference? Try Built Simple free and experience how integrated estimating, scheduling, and time tracking work together.

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Last Updated: November 2025
Word Count: 5,500+
Category: Comparison Guides
Target Keywords: built simple vs coconstruct, coconstruct alternative, coconstruct competitor, custom home builder software comparison