Buildertrend vs Togal.AI: A Comprehensive Software Comparison
There are many challenges that a general contractor can face such as cost overruns, delays, lack of collaboration among team members, inefficient preconstruction workflow, laborious takeoffs, and low bidding success rate.
To minimize risks and protect their profits, top general contractors are now adapting technology and streamlining their workflow. Those looking to manage complex projects and improve communication among team members are now investing in construction management software like Buildertrend. Those who want to complete their takeoffs in seconds with 97% accuracy are now investing in AI estimating software, Togal.AI.
The key here is to reflect on the most pressing challenges in your construction firm and find the right technology to solve them.
In this article:
- Discover the differences and similarities between Togal.AI and Buildertrend.
- Assess which technology is more suitable for your current needs and challenges.
- Compare the features and prices of the two software.
- Discover how Togal.AI can support software like Buildertrend to streamline the preconstruction workflow.
Disclaimer: The pricing stated here is based on average data from third-party research as of this writing. Prices may still vary.
General Description and Functionality
Buildertrend
Buildertrend is a cloud-based construction project management software for specialty contractors, home builders, and remodelers. Buildertrend helps them connect team members, manage multiple projects at once, and improve the efficiency of the overall workflow.
Togal.AI
Togal.AI is an AI estimating software for general contractors, estimators, and subcontractors. With Togal.AI, they can automate as much as 80% of the takeoff process, and complete it in seconds with 97% accuracy. Its deep learning models also allow Togal.AI to get faster and smarter the more it’s used.
Target Users
Software developers and engineers often build their software with a specific user in mind. They integrate certain features and functionalities to help solve the target users’ problems and help them achieve their goals. If you’re part of a specific software’s target users, there’s a higher chance that their tools are more suited for your needs.
Here’s a quick overview of the target users of both Buildertrend and Togal.AI.
| Buildertrend Target Users |
Togal.AI Target Users |
| Commercial contractors who want to keep organized and seamlessly manage multiple big projects happening at once. |
General contractors and their team of estimators who are looking to save at least 40 minutes per drawing, submit more accurate proposals and win more bids. |
| Specialty contractors such as plumbers and electricians, who want a project management tool that can adapt to their trade and help with high project volume. |
Sub-contractors, especially paint and flooring subcontractors, who want to streamline the estimation process. |
| Home builders and remodelers who want accurate estimates, faster scheduling, and better communication. |
Home builders who want fast and accurate cost estimates for residential projects. |
Features
Buildertrend Features
Buildertrend is a communication tool, estimation tool, and project management tool, all-in-one. This software is especially created for home builders and remodelers, commercial contractors, and subcontractors. To support them, Buildertrend developers incorporated the following features:
1. Sales Process Tools
Buildertrend sales process tools aim to provide an effective system for attracting new clients and landing more jobs. Some of the more specific tools are:
| Features |
Description |
| CRM Hub |
Improve lead management with Buildertrend’s lead tracker and documentation tools. With Buildertrend, collect leads from your website’s contact page, import pre-existing leads from Excel, and instantly add leads from the Buildertrend app. |
| Customized Proposals |
This construction management software can also help you deliver more customized proposals in less time. |
| Email Marketing |
With Buildertrend, access quality email templates and respond to leads quickly. You can also automate email campaigns and customize messages. |
2. Project Management Tools
Buildertrend project management tools help contractors and home builders get more jobs done on time and within budget. Some of the more specific tools are:
| Features |
Description |
| Daily Logs |
Improve collaboration and communication with Buildtrend. Document and share information with team members, subcontractors, and clients. Manage projects off the job site by sending notifications with updates, or conveniently making notes with the voice-to-text feature. |
| Accurate Timelines |
Keep projects on track with Buildtrend’s schedule features. Notify key parties in real time on adjustments and changes in timelines. Sync with tools like Google Calendar, iCal, or Outlook. |
| Real-Time Reporting |
Track time for office team members and field crews using the mobile app. View crew members’ locations on the map, see who’s clocked in or out anytime, and easily run payroll reports. |
Financial Tools
Buildertrend financial tools help track and manage cash flow and budgets more effectively. Some of the more specific tools are:
| Features |
Description |
| Construction Bidding Software |
Streamline the bidding process by creating, comparing, sending, and storing bid requests in one place. Notify subcontractors via text, email, or push notifications while seamlessly setting deadlines, accepting bids, and rolling them into contracts. |
| Construction Estimating Software |
Build and send out customized estimates using Buildtrend’s construction estimating software. Have detailed line items visible to customers, collect digital signatures and even create cost catalogs. |
| Takeoff Tool |
Calculate material needs and costs by uploading digital blueprints and completing the measurements with the provided digital tools. |
Communication Tool
Buildertrend communication tools seamlessly connect all team members, subcontractors, and clients for faster decision-making and more efficient workflow. Some of the more specific tools are:
| Features |
Description |
| Customer Portal |
Provide clients direct access to projects through their unique login. Enable them to track progress and send messages to them through the portal. |
| Access to Documents and Photos |
Eliminate unnecessary trips to the photos to Buildertrend’s online file-sharing features. Let team members access important photos, videos, or documents at any time. |
| Sub Accounts |
Invite trades to access Buildertrend free of charge. Share documents and job schedules to keep subcontractors informed. |
For more features, you can also integrate Buildertrend with other tools by visiting the Buildertrend marketplace.
Togal.AI Features
Unlike Buildertrend which is a more rounded tool involved in many parts of the construction process, Togal.AI is more specialized in the takeoff process and cost estimation.
It uses artificial intelligence and deep learning models to automate 80% of the takeoff process, and complete takeoffs in seconds with 97% accuracy. It’s a tool that gets smarter and faster the more you use it, with the possibility of saving you more than $60,000 in precon costs.
Because of this, Togal.AI is a great support for project management tools like Buildertrend in streamlining the preconstruction process, winning more bids, and increasing profits.
Here are some of the more specific features and benefits that Togal.AI offers.
| Features |
Description |
| Finish Takeoffs in Seconds |
Manual takeoffs can take months to complete while standard digital estimations still involve a lot of time-consuming manual parts before they can suit your needs. With the AI-powered construction technology, Togal.AI, you can complete takeoffs in seconds. Save 90 minutes per sheet and perform 80% faster takeoffs.
|
| 97% Accuracy |
There are estimation softwares out there that claim to be “automated” but they fall short on their accuracy and they require extensive manual editing. With Togal.AI, the software can interpret plans with 97% accuracy which enables you to avoid cost overruns and run profitable and predictable projects. |
| Deep-Learning Technology |
Go far beyond automatically processing your takeoffs. Togal.AI is backed with deep learning models that get faster and smarter the more your team uses it. For example, if your team labels a certain shape “window,” Togal.AI will remember it and autonomously classify similar shapes as “window” in the future. |
| Save Thousands of Dollars |
Traditional takeoffs, especially for complex projects, can take months to complete, which can easily add up to more than $60,000 per staff member annually. Togal.AI only costs $250/month, which allows you and your team to save countless amount of hours on completing takeoffs so you can focus on other more important tasks. |
| Simple and Intuitive Interface |
Complete takeoffs with a few clicks, and seamlessly integrate with your favorite construction tools. Quickly empower your estimators to optimal productivity with Togal.AI’s simple and intuitive interface. |
| Complete Takeoffs Anytime |
Because Togal.AI is accessible from any device including a laptop, tablets, and phones, you can continue to move the needle with your takeoffs even when you’re out in the field. As long as you have power and internet access, you can continue to work on your takeoffs from anywhere and complete your proposals. |
| Collaborate in Real-Time |
Remove the stressful back and forth when confirming project changes. With Togal.AI, you and your team can work on the same project in real-time. |
| Compatible with Any File Type |
Togal.AI can process your drawings regardless of the file type. It can analyze almost any industry-standard drawing format such as JPEG, PNG, PDF, and TIFF. |
| Integrate with Other Construction Software |
Changing between multiple windows and software can slow down productivity. With Togal.AI, integrate with your company’s pre-existing construction software and experience a smoother and more efficient workflow. |
| Shift to Other Value-Generating Activities |
General contractors and their team of estimators say they spend up to 60% of their time simply doing takeoffs. Unfortunately, while performing takeoffs is crucial to pricing a job, there’s little value generated from it.
By automating the takeoff process, general contractors can shift their focus toward other activities like value engineering, scoping, and identifying the right trade partners. |
Support and Training
One of the things you need to consider is how fast and seamlessly you can integrate new software into your workflow. This will dictate your productivity while using the tool.
Below are some of the available training and support options that each platform provides.
| Buildertrend Training and Support |
Togal.AI Training and Support |
| Various resources, including blogs, ebooks, podcasts, webinars, and videos that tackle Buildertrend’s features |
A dedicated YouTube channel that discusses how to use Togal.AI’s specific features and functionalities |
| Buildertrend learning academy provides advanced and in-depth courses for helping you and your team maximize Buildertrend |
Comprehensive articles and written tutorials for using the software |
| Schedule a demo to get your questions answered in real-time and learn how Buildertrend can be suited to your project management needs. |
Free one-on-one demo to help you assess how Togal.AI can solve your specific problem and integrate with your unique workflow |
| Email and phone support for any questions or concerns regarding the tool |
Email support for any questions and concerns regarding the software |
|
Free monthly webinars that tackle the latest features and updates |
Software Pricing
Buildertrend Cost
Buildertrend has three pricing options, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can subscribe monthly, or save money by subscribing annually. Below are the three options.
|
Essential |
Advanced |
Complete |
| Pricing |
$99/mo
$399 after 2 months |
$399/mo
$699 after 2 months |
$899/mo
$1,299 after 2 months |
| Description |
Simpler project planning
Focuses on project management and communication |
Create estimates
Achieve financial control |
Centralize all complex processes in one platform.
Include all tools from Essential and Advance packages. |
Calculate your potential ROI with Buildertrend ROI Calculator.
Togal.AI Cost
Both traditional and standard digital takeoffs take weeks to complete due to their laborious and human-error-prone nature. Because of this, general contractors are spending more than $60,000 per extra overhead.
Togal.AI is only $250 per month, and it can increase your profitability by:
- Shifting from takeoffs and cost estimation to other value-generating activities.
- Completing accurate takeoffs in seconds, helping you cut down on extra overhead costs.
- Send more proposals annually which enables you to win more projects.
Here’s the math for how much ROI you can expect from using Togal.AI:
Imagine using traditional takeoff methods to submit 150 proposals annually. If it takes an average of 4 hours to conduct takeoffs per proposal and the average project size is $100,000, then we can estimate that Togal.AI can save a construction firm about 450 hours per year. This is equivalent to 113 potential additional bids and $5,625,000 in potential new revenue.
To calculate your potential ROI when using Togal.AI for takeoffs, use our ROI calculator.
Togal.AI Supports Project Management Software Like Buildertrend
Buildertrend is an all-in-one tool that governs every part of the construction process, including sales, project management, finance management, and communication. It’s ideal for home builders, remodelers, and contractors looking to streamline the overall construction workflow.
In contrast, Togal.AI is more specialized in the preconstruction workflow. It helps general contractors and estimators complete takeoffs in seconds, allowing them to send more accurate bids and improve their profitability.
Unlike standard digital estimating software, Togal.AI is backed by AI and deep learning models that enable you to automate 80% of the takeoff process. It gets smarter and faster the more you use it.
Because it’s more specialized, it can integrate and support tools like Buildertrend, Procore, and DESTINI Estimator to streamline the preconstruction workflow.
Discover how Togal.AI can support your pre-existing construction software and streamline the preconstruction process. Book a demo.
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