Contractor scheduling software helps professionals in various trades manage their resources (including labor) effectively. Keep reading to learn about 10 of the best contractor scheduling apps currently on the market.

What is a contractor scheduling app?

A contractor scheduling app allows you to allocate personnel and other resources effectively. It helps you visualize how your allocations will affect project outcomes, such as the completion date.

Most contractor scheduling apps also include algorithms that help you analyze workforce data and the dependencies associated with your allocations. They also typically utilize the critical path scheduling method to identify the most direct path toward success.

What is construction dispatch software?

Construction dispatch software allows you to schedule appointments, assign contractors to jobs, and communicate with your staff. It will often include a scheduling component while giving flexibility with real-time communications via email and SMS.

While contractor dispatch software includes a scheduling component, it also typically features tools designed to facilitate customer relations and assist technicians in the field.

For example, some dispatch programs give customers a heads-up via text when a technician is almost at their house. Other common features include invoicing and route mapping.

Types of contractor scheduling software buyers

Before diving into our list of the top 10 scheduling apps, determine what type of buyer you are. This will play a key role in determining the right choice for your company.

DEDICATED SCHEDULER

This type of buyer needs a robust scheduling solution. The ideal software for this purpose doesn’t need to do anything other than manage complex project schedules.

CASUAL SCHEDULER

Buyers working at smaller contracting companies have less complex scheduling needs and likely need lightweight software.

If you fall into this category, it’s important to determine whether your company is growing. This could require more complex software. In that case, you’re likely better off choosing something more robust now.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL

Scheduling is just one of many concerns this type of buyer has. If you fall into this category, scheduling functionality may be your primary concern, but the presence of additional features like document management will also very likely appeal to you.

STANDALONE SCHEDULER

This type of buyer handles their company’s scheduling needs on their own. That means collaborating or having multiple user accounts is less important.

This type of buyer must consider whether their company will be expanding. In this case, they may require more users eventually.

Benefits of contractor scheduling software

Next, consider the benefits of using a dedicated contractor scheduling program to run your business.

Tailored tools and metrics

A dedicated contractor scheduling program will give you access to tools and metrics you won’t find with spreadsheets. You’ll be able to see key performance indicators (KPIs) without creating complex formulas on your own.

Improved collaboration

Contractor scheduling software is also typically designed in an easy-to-use way. That way, non-technical users can access relevant data.

Better document management

Many construction companies use pen and paper for scheduling, making permanent document loss very likely. Cloud-based scheduling software greatly reduces this risk. It also ensures that documents stay organized and are available to anyone looking for them.

10 best contractor scheduling software

Now that you know more about what these programs do, let’s look at the ten best options for construction scheduling.

#	App Name	Key Features	Industries/Professionals Served	Unique Attributes
1	Bridgit Bench	Gantt chart view, workforce analysis tools, mobile app, open API	General contractors	Real-time updates, integrations, Smart Suggestions for project teams, forecasting
2	Jobber	Client relations, dispatching, invoicing	HVAC, landscapers, painters, roofers, janitors, window cleaners, elevator technicians	Extensive suite for cohesive customer experience
3	FieldEdge	Designed for HVAC and plumbing	HVAC and plumbing contractors	Preferred for specific industry focus
4	GSMtasks	Vehicle tracking, routing, scheduling	Contractors managing fleet operations	Enhances sales calls with optimized routing
5	BlueFolder	Invoicing, work order tracking, asset management	Contractors installing physical hardware	Notifies contractors about maintenance and warranty
6	Houzz Pro	Marketing, client management, project estimating	Interior designers, architects, specialty contractors	Free tier lead management, streamlines marketing
7	Service Fusion	Scheduling, GPS fleet tracking, QuickBooks integration	Contractors needing scheduling and fleet tracking	Mobile-friendly, enhances accounting with scheduling data
8	JobProgress	Workflow management, CRM, estimating tools, cloud storage	Home improvement companies	Comprehensive suite for home improvement industry
9	ServiceTitan	Booking, dispatching, customer experience management, financing	HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, pest control	One-stop-shop for dispatch needs, offers instant financing
10	Appointment-Plus	Appointment scheduling	Businesses needing scheduling	Ideal for those satisfied with their tech stack, seeking scheduling solution

#1. Bridgit Bench

Bridgit Bench is a construction resource management program featuring many tools contractors find useful for scheduling. Bridgit Bench’s Gantt chart view is a notable tool that displays interdependencies between workers and tasks. This helps you avoid allocating resources ineffectively and is updated in real-time.

Bridgit Bench also includes several workforce analysis tools and a mobile app. These tools help contractors visualize how today’s allocations affect their future construction project schedule.

Additionally, Bridgit Bench integrates well with your current software stack thanks to an open API.

#2. Jobber

Jobber is one of the most popular contractor dispatch software programs on the market – for good reason.

It helps contractors manage client relations, dispatch teams, and invoice jobs within a single app. Jobber is designed specifically for specialty contractors such as:

• HVAC technicians

• landscapers

• painters

• roofers

• janitors

• window cleaners

• elevator technicians

Its extensive suite of services helps contractors provide a consistent, cohesive customer experience.

#3. FieldEdge

FieldEdge is a contractor dispatch software program designed specifically for the HVAC and plumbing industries. This makes it popular among contractors who find something like Jobber too generic and wide-reaching.

It’s also the preferred choice among contractors with a customer relationship management (CRM) tool.

#4. GSMtasks

GSMtasks shines in its ability to help contractors manage their fleet operations. For example, it comes with vehicle tracking and routing functionality that helps companies maintain security while minimizing fuel costs.

On the scheduling side, GSMtasks helps technicians identify their ideal route based on the locations of their service calls throughout the day. The software’s developer promotes this by allowing technicians to make up to three more daily sales calls.

#5. BlueFolder

BlueFolder offers typical contractor dispatch software features like invoicing and work order tracking. It also goes one step further by offering asset management as well.

For example, the app notifies contractors when a customer’s equipment is due for maintenance. It also includes other useful information related to warranties and service histories.

As such, it’s a very popular contractor scheduling software program among companies that install physical hardware (i.e., HVAC equipment).

#6. Houzz Pro

Houzz Pro is designed to streamline marketing and client management for residential contractors. It has a suite of local advertising, website analytics, and project estimating tools.

Houzz Pro’s software is ideal for interior designers, architects, specialty contractors, and general contractors.

The software is also notable for offering basic lead management functionality at its free tier.

#7. Service Fusion

Service Fusion combines service scheduling features with GPS fleet tracking. This serves as a great single solution for contractors in need of both.

The program also integrates with QuickBooks, allowing contractors to utilize their scheduling data for accounting purposes.

As you’d expect from a modern contractor scheduling app, Service Fusion also works on mobile devices.

#8. JobProgress

JobProgress is another contractor scheduling app designed specifically for home improvement companies. Its suite of features includes:

• workflow management

• customer relationship management

• estimating tools

• cloud storage for important documents

• marketing resources

JobProgress works on desktop machines along with smartphones and tablets.

#9. ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan is a very popular residential and commercial contractor scheduling app. It caters to contractors working in HVAC, plumbing, water treatment, landscaping, and pest control industries.

Among ServiceTitan’s most notable features are:

• call booking

• technician dispatching and scheduling

• customer experience management (i.e. notifying clients when a technician is nearby)

• instant customer financing through lenders like GreenSky and Service Finance

• payroll

• timesheets

ServiceTitan aims to be a one-stop shop for any specialty contractor’s dispatch needs. It does a pretty good job in this regard. However, general contractors will likely find the software lacking in complexity.

#10. Appointment-Plus

Last on our list of contractor scheduling software, we have AppointmentPlus. It’s not designed specifically for contractors but for any business needing scheduling.

As such, Appointment-Plus is ideal for contractors who are already happy with their existing tech stack and need a robust appointment scheduling solution.

What to look for in a contractor scheduling app

Those are our picks for the best contractor scheduling apps. Let’s look at some tips for choosing the ideal solution.

• Caters to your needs as a construction contractor
• Integration with your existing software suite
• Reasonable pricing
• Promotes collaboration

Caters to your needs as a construction contractor

Bridgit Bench ranks highly on any list of contractor scheduling programs because we built it specifically for construction professionals. As such, it includes tools that address construction project management concerns.

As great as general programs like Appointment-Plus are, their wide-reaching nature means they don’t always deliver what construction professionals need. Still, such programs have their place in construction companies with robust existing systems that handle the construction-specific aspects of the business.

Integration with your existing software suite

Most construction companies today are using some form of software. Unless you’re dissatisfied and looking to overhaul your software suite completely, choose a scheduling program that integrates well. For example, accounting software and project management tools are ideal for seamless data transfer.

Doing so will save you (and your colleagues) from a world of frustration trying to get systems to cooperate.

Reasonable pricing

While the importance of a contractor scheduling app may make you open to spending liberally, you don’t need to go overboard. Compare rates between various options, and you’ll find the market rate for scheduling software to be fairly reasonable.

Note, however, that it’s common for scheduling app developers to charge on a per-user basis.

Promotes collaboration

Construction resource management is a collaborative effort. Scheduling software is among the most important tools for facilitating collaboration since it is a platform for much of your team’s work.

As such, choose a program that lets your team members work together. Look for features such as easy document sharing, cloud access, and useful integrations.

Contractor scheduling and dispatch software is a crucial digital tool for many construction companies. In this article, we presented some solid options for you to consider, along with some food for thought when selecting the right one.

For more construction project management and construction software-related resources, visit our blog.

Contractor scheduling software FAQ

Which software is used for construction scheduling? 

Popular software for construction scheduling includes Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Procore, and Bridgit Bench. These tools help manage timelines, resources, and project tasks efficiently.

How do you create a construction project schedule? 

Making a construction schedule requires careful planning. Typically, you can follow steps such as researching the project, gathering requirements and necessary information, defining project tasks, planning the project, and setting project deadlines. Once your plan is in place, you may want to use a workforce planning tool like Bridgit to keep your project on schedule.

What is the most popular method for scheduling construction projects? 

The most popular method for scheduling construction projects is the Critical Path Method (CPM). Using this method, you identify the resources and time required to complete milestones, and how the goal is relevant to the project. You can then plan the sequence of tasks to ensure you meet any dependencies on schedule.

What makes a good construction schedule? 

A good construction schedule is detailed, realistic, and flexible. It includes all tasks, deadlines, resource allocations, and considers potential risks and contingencies to ensure project milestones are met.