BuildBook vs Foundation

BuildBook is construction management software for residential custom home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. It brings sales, project work, and client communication into one system, with tools for pipeline and contact management, estimates, branded proposals, digital approvals, and a reusable price book. Project features include Gantt scheduling, task management, budgets, change orders, client selections, expense tracking, and file sharing. Project chat rooms, daily logs, client portals, inline comments, notifications, and public links support communication. BuildBook syncs project data, bills, expenses, and invoices with QuickBooks Online, and schedules can sync with iCal. The native iOS and Android apps include device notifications, camera roll access, and video recording; web access is also available. A free plan is limited to one user, and guests can access projects. Paid plans start at $79/user/mo (annual); a 10-day trial includes every feature and requires no credit card. BuildBook is not designed for large commercial firms or tract builders with internal sales teams and custom systems.

Foundation is a custom home management app for builders and remodelers, bringing schedules, budgets, draws, contracts, selections, and client communication into one system. Scheduling includes Gantt-style timelines with movable phases and tasks, templates, and a cross-project crew calendar. Financial tools cover budget tracking, cost-plus budgets, draw requests, homeowner payments by ACH or card, and a payment ledger; QuickBooks sync is also listed. Users can upload plans, measure quantities and areas, count fixtures, and export takeoff quantities as CSV. AI features include estimates and specifications from plans, selections from vendor quotes, and a budget assistant. Digital signing, private-link bid packages, spec sheets, and subcontractor insurance tracking support contracts and procurement. Homeowners have a portal, and subcontractors can use token links. Foundation runs in a browser on phones, tablets, and desktops, including iPhone, Android, and iPad; it can be added to a home screen without an app store download. The monthly base plan is $199 a month plus an $8 service fee, totaling $207 monthly. An annual plan is $2,200 a year plus an $80 service fee, totaling $2,280. A 14-day free trial is available.