PlanGrid vs BuildingBlok

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Our analysts compared PlanGrid vs BuildingBlok based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Construction Management Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

PlanGrid is a mobile-enabled management suite that gives users the ability to store blueprints and documents in the field. Its collaborative framework boosts field team efficiency, and an easy-to-use design gives users intuitive control over a wide array of helpful capabilities.

It provides access to all critical project-wide documents, photos and drawings through a single source of truth so that everyone is always on the same page. Built for projects of all sizes, it is a valuable inclusion for anyone looking to raise productivity and strengthen communication on the job site.
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BuildingBlok is a cloud-based construction management platform designed to streamline and optimize business processes. It provides SSL/TLS encryption to secure web communications. Project managers can access documents off-site via mobile devices. Create accurate estimates and track finances using accounting modules.

Share project files with team members, promoting a collaborative work environment. Contractors can generate and analyze cost and activity reports to help make strategic business decisions. Manage projects from inception to completion from an accessible location.
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$49/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$50 Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small
Medium
Large
Small
Medium
Large
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Improved Collaboration: Teamwork makes a job site succeed or fail, and this system gives users a set of strong collaborative tools that aid communication and document access. Instantly distribute critical project documents to relevant parties that are automatically hyperlinked and in version order.  
  • Ease of Access: This system gives users intuitive access to all project information regardless of location. Access punch lists, documents, photos and drawings with mobile-enabled search functions.  
  • Better Data Turnover: With tools that accurately collect data throughout the project’s lifecycle, users can easily turn over digital as-built documentation for their projects.  
  • Numerous Integrations: Hang on to preferred apps with integrations that include Basecamp, Amazon Redshift, eSUB Construction, Dropbox and more.  
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  • Simplify Workflows: Automate business operations to save time. Create to-do lists to manage tasks. Distribute memos to team members to keep everyone on the same page. Convert Excel spreadsheets to CSV to better organize data. 
  • Improve Productivity: Enable employees to track hours using electronic timesheets. Keep teams connected using communication modules such as automated notifications and virtual meeting rooms. 
  • Manage Finances: Predict project costs to avoid financial risks. Generate weekly cost reports to evaluate the company’s economic performance. Create and send electronic invoices to contractors for speedy payments. 
  • Generate Error-free Schedules of Values: Automatically calculate project costs when subcontractors complete specific tasks. Enable subs to submit payment applications to help administrators focus on other vital activities. 
  • Stay Mobile: Access project information from remote locations using internet-enabled devices. 
  • Deploy on the Cloud: Store data in an accessible location. Grant role-based access permissions to workers to protect sensitive information. 
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  • Mobile Accessibility: Get teams on track, no matter where they are located with powerful mobile tools. Markup documents, compare sheets, view punch lists and sync teams up all from internet-enabled smart devices.  
  • Field Reports: Submit and complete forms from the field and leverage pre-loaded reports with commonly used forms that can be uploaded to PDFs as needed. Attach relevant materials to reports like photos, tasks and documents in less time and compile all necessary reports as they are turned in.  
  • Smart Drawings: As drawings are revised in real time, edits are automatically inserted in order and ensure that teams are always working on the latest data without losing historical changes.  
  • BIM Tools: Models in 2D and 3D can be accessed and edited from anywhere. Data can be seamlessly pushed from Revit to PlanGrid without double entry. View important data like dimensions, material type and manufacturer directly on their sheets. Instantly toggle between 2D and 3D project views.  
  • Punch Lists: Resolve and track punch lists with tools that let users track defects, inspection notes and design changes in real time. Filter sheets in seconds to rapidly identify punch list items and assign them to relevant teams.  
  • Workflows: Cut down on the complexity of all daily submittals that are required. Users can leverage a submittal log that tracks them by type and progress. RFIs can be resolved faster to free up time for more important tasks.
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  • Cost Management: Manage and monitor financial activities to avoid budget overshoots. 
    • Estimating: Allocate resources to the right tasks to help prevent negative cash flow. Track and share financial data with employees to avoid costly errors. Automatically estimate labor costs according to project requirements. View and analyze contracts using accounting functionality. 
    • Job Costing: View current and projected costs to help make data-driven decisions. Review, approve or reject budget proposals directly from the system. Generate daily and weekly financial reports to analyze spending patterns. 
    • Change Orders: Create and access change orders from a centralized location. Add revision notes to COs generated by team members. Prepare forecast models to avoid unnecessary expenses. 
    • Payment Applications: Automatically calculate wages based on total work completed by team members. Enable subcontractors to submit payment requests. 
    • Invoice Tracking: Manage invoices electronically, eliminating the usage of paper trails. Encourage workers to submit invoices directly through the system. Create customized bills to ensure smooth transactions. 
  • Project Management: Access project details and share documents using the mobile app. 
    • Bidding: Check whether subcontractors downloaded bid requests, declined to bid or submitted bids. Grant permissions to access and download blueprints to subcontractors to give them a clear understanding of the tasks involved. 
    • Bid Invitations: Create invitation lists and keep track of bid statuses. Add notes to bid invites and send them via email with just a click. 
    • Submittals: Assign submittal items to respective employees and keep teams informed about project updates. Attach relevant files to submittals to gain in-depth insights about projects. 
    • Punch Lists: Create punch lists to avoid missing out on important safety procedures. Mitigate risks by generating inspection reports. 
    • RFIs: Create and send RFI requests to subcontractors. Respond to RFIs quickly to keep projects on track. Prepare questionnaires to extract essential details from subcontractors. 
  • To-do Lists: Receive notifications about task completions and plan further operations without delays. Create checklists to ensure all procedures are completed in a timely manner. 
  • Timesheets: Enable employees to clock in and out from job sites via mobile devices. View workers’ locations in real time using GPS technology. Encourage project managers to track workers’ actions to help maintain productivity levels. 
  • Reporting: Create reports to help predict timelines and manage tasks effectively. Compare daily reports side by side to help monitor project progress. Track labor hours using man-count functionality. 
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Product Ranking

#3

among all
Construction Management Software

#90

among all
Construction Management Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 860 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 20 reviews
90%
of users recommend this product

PlanGrid has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 860 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

92%
of users recommend this product

BuildingBlok has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 20 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.7 (17)
n/a
4.4 (134)
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4.6 (10)
4.6 (580)
4.6 (10)
4.2 (129)
n/a

Awards

PlanGrid stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

BuildingBlok stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User Friendly: The system is easy to use and intuitive, as noted by approximately 92% of users who mention its usability.
Support: Support for the system is helpful, with some users noting that their queries were resolved quickly, as reported by 80% of users who mention support.
Functionality: Plangrid offers a robust suite of successful construction management tools, as reported by 65% of the users who talked about the product’s functionality.
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Intuitive Interface: Users praise BuildingBlok for its user-friendly design, making it easy to navigate and manage projects, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Centralized Communication: BuildingBlok acts as a central hub for all project-related communication, streamlining collaboration and reducing the risk of miscommunication.
Real-Time Progress Tracking: The platform provides real-time updates on project progress, allowing users to stay informed and make informed decisions.
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Cost: Nearly 92% of users who mentioned cost reported that Plangrid’s offerings were too expensive for smaller businesses.
Learning Curve: The learning curve is steep for new users and can be difficult to use initially, according to 93% of reviewers.
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Difficult to Use: Some users have reported that BuildingBlok is not user-friendly and requires extensive training to use effectively. This can be a major drawback for construction companies that need a system that is easy to learn and use.
Limited Functionality: BuildingBlok may not have all of the features that construction companies need to manage their projects effectively. For example, some users have reported that the software lacks robust reporting capabilities.
Poor Customer Support: Some users have complained about the quality of customer support provided by BuildingBlok. This can be a major problem for construction companies that rely on timely and effective support to resolve issues.
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Is PlanGrid the grid you need to keep your construction projects on track? User reviews from the past year paint a mixed picture of the software's effectiveness. While many users praise PlanGrid's intuitive interface and robust features, others find it lacking in certain areas, particularly when compared to competitors like Procore and Bluebeam Revu. PlanGrid's strengths lie in its ease of use and comprehensive feature set. Users consistently highlight its ability to streamline communication and collaboration on construction projects. For example, one user praised PlanGrid's ability to "easily share drawings and markups with the entire team," which significantly improved communication and reduced errors. Another user found PlanGrid's "robust reporting features" invaluable for tracking project progress and identifying potential issues. However, some users find PlanGrid's mobile app to be clunky and slow, which can be frustrating for field workers who rely on it for daily tasks. Additionally, some users have expressed concerns about PlanGrid's integration with other software platforms, finding it difficult to seamlessly connect with their existing workflows. PlanGrid's differentiating factor is its focus on providing a user-friendly experience for construction professionals. This is evident in its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set, which are designed to simplify complex tasks. However, this focus on user-friendliness comes at a cost, as some users find PlanGrid's features to be less robust than those offered by competitors. For example, some users have found PlanGrid's project management capabilities to be limited compared to Procore, which offers a more comprehensive suite of tools for managing complex projects. Ultimately, PlanGrid is best suited for construction teams that prioritize ease of use and collaboration over advanced features. If your team is looking for a simple and intuitive platform to manage their projects, PlanGrid could be a good option. However, if you require a more robust and feature-rich solution, you may want to consider other options.

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Are you curious if BuildingBlok is the cornerstone of construction management software? BuildingBlok has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews for its user-friendly interface, robust features, and competitive pricing. Users consistently highlight its ease of use, even for those who aren't tech-savvy, as a major strength. They praise its intuitive design and straightforward navigation, which allows them to quickly adapt and manage projects efficiently. Another standout feature is its comprehensive suite of tools, covering everything from scheduling and budgeting to document management and communication. This breadth of functionality eliminates the need for multiple software solutions, streamlining workflows and reducing costs. Users also appreciate BuildingBlok's affordability compared to competitors like Procore and Smartsheet, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. However, some users have pointed out limitations in its reporting capabilities and customization options. While BuildingBlok offers basic reporting features, they desire more advanced analytics and customizable reports to gain deeper insights into project performance. Additionally, some users express a need for greater flexibility in tailoring the software to their specific workflows and industry requirements. Despite these minor drawbacks, BuildingBlok remains a highly praised construction management software, particularly for its ease of use, comprehensive features, and affordability. It's an ideal solution for construction businesses seeking a centralized platform to manage projects, improve collaboration, and enhance overall efficiency.

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Top Alternatives in Construction Management Software


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CMiC

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Contractor Foreman

e-Builder

eSUB

Fieldwire

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RedTeam

Sage 300 Construction

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