JOB CHECKLIST
Construction software vs spreadsheets for contractors.
Spreadsheets are flexible and familiar. A project platform becomes useful when your team needs job details, the right access for each teammate and the whole job in one system.
How it works
Compare how each product handles the work your team does.
Use one real job and check each vendor's current prices and plan terms.
Use one real job. Include an inquiry, estimate revision, schedule change, field update, and customer decision.
Run the job through each product. Check where you enter the job details and what your homeowner, trade, and supplier can see.
Check what each person can see. Preview the office, manager, homeowner, trade, and supplier views to check the details each person sees.
Choose your plan. Compare the total team cost, setup, and job tools before you decide.
Getting-started project help explains the steps.
Compare how the work moves through the job.
| Job step | Spreadsheet-based setup | HHM Core PM |
|---|---|---|
| Lead to project | Contacts and job requirements can be organized in sheets; the team maintains links to other job details. | Add the lead, set the next action, then create the project when you are ready. Each person sees the job details you share with them. |
| Estimate to budget | Formulas are flexible; quantities, revisions and budget links need a maintained structure. | Build the quote and takeoff in the project, check the draft, and send it when it is ready. |
| Change orders | A sheet can log changes; approvals and supporting documents need a separate process. | Record the changed scope and approval in the project. Approved changes update the budget. |
| Schedule to field | Dates can be tracked; supporting photos, inspections and job questions usually need linked tools. | Set the schedule dates, then give the field team the job details they need beside logs, inspections, documents, and photos. |
| Client access | Sharing permissions depend on the spreadsheet tool and file structure you use. | Share the project records each homeowner and trade partner needs. |
| Total cost | Include spreadsheet licensing, supporting tools and the time required to maintain job details. | Choose a plan, review usage prices, and decide which outside services to add. |
Make the comparison concrete.
Use a past job with a revised estimate, a delayed trade and a client selection change. Ask each platform to show where those job details live, who can view them and how the details move to the next step. Compare current features and prices against the way you build.
Where HHM Core PM is different
- Built and used every day by an active general contractor and master tradesmen.