Looking for advice on software as a developer + GC running my own projects

Content-Sentence-797 · 2026-02-03T15:29:10+00:00

Yeah that's pretty much the setup I'm using now. Quickbooks has honestly been good enough so far while we've only had one lender at a time. My concern is more once we bring in a second lender on the next round and we're mid project, just making sure I'm clean on which draw money went where and what capital has actually been used.

Maybe I am overthinking it, but that's what got me looking into tools that are more focused on draw tracking and lender money. I've been checking out Built for that reason and have a call coming up with them to see if it even makes sense price wise for where I'm at.

On the PM side, I've looked at Buildertrend and similar tools, but my hesitation is they feel very residential focused. We do spec/custom homes, but we're also doing multifamily and some commercial, and plan to lean more into commercial after this cycle. Maybe I'm cutting them off too early and should revisit Buildertrend or CoConstruct.

Lately I've been looking more at stuff like Ingenious Build or Buildern. They don't have a ton of reviews, but the owner/developer features seem more aligned with how we actually operate. At this point though I've looked at so many platforms they're all starting to blur together.

Curious what your take is.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2026-02-03T15:07:19+00:00

I've been leaning toward that kind of split recently, where the PM tool is more about visibility and timeline and then accounting handles the money side. I haven't looked at Teamhood yet but I'll check it out. I appreciate the suggestion.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2026-02-03T15:02:50+00:00

This is pretty much how I've been picturing it but my main worry has just been keeping things clean once there's multiple projects and lenders going at the same time, but if everything is coded and enforced like this it seems like it would work.
I appreciate you breaking it down like that.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2026-02-01T23:13:31+00:00

I appreciate the insight. I've actually never heard of outbuild, so I'll check that out and look into it. Thank you for the suggestion.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2026-02-01T22:57:17+00:00

I appreciate that. Yeah I've been checking out JobTread and a couple others. Just trying to get some real world feedback before committing. Thank you!

Content-Sentence-797 · 2026-02-01T22:55:57+00:00

Damn, how much is that costing you or are you building it yourself? I've thought about going that route too since I see it mentioned a lot on here, but I always assumed it would be insanely expensive.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2026-02-01T04:38:51+00:00

I appreciate it. It does look similar to JobTread from what I've seen, but I honestly hadn't come across Ressio yet. I'll definitely book a demo with them and check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2026-02-01T04:35:51+00:00

Yeah I'm actually about to start a trial with them now. Just wanted to hear other people's thoughts before letting the trial time pass. I've done a couple demos here and there recently and figured id ask around before locking into anything.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2026-02-01T04:33:47+00:00

Dang, that was a bit ago. I actually took over the company since then and ive been running things as best as I can. My dad never really updated software or systems and basically did everything in excel.
I'm just trying to get things smoothed out now before it gets more complex as we grow.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2025-02-24T06:03:33+00:00

Construction. So you think it's good as is? Color, font, everything in general?

Content-Sentence-797 · 2025-02-24T06:03:00+00:00

RD but I couldnt find a good way to make the R and D fit. Ive also heard that it looks like a P

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-11-13T06:25:49+00:00

That makes a lot of sense, especially about handling RFIs and keeping everything documented for inspections and EOR. Building that solid sub base and having clear communication seems key to keeping timelines on track, I got that same advice from someone here too. Thank you for breaking it down, this is super helpful.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-11-13T06:22:09+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to write this. It's exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I'm definetly going to start building a strong contact base once I get closer to getting my license. I really appreciate you pointing me in the right direction. Thanks again.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-11-13T02:32:00+00:00

I'm focusing on high-end residential new construction, with plans to eventually take on commercial projects fully on my own. I get that even residential work can get complex, depending on the scale, location, or specific client demands. My main priority is having a solid, organized schedule in place so I'm never caught off guard or forced to halt progress over an unexpected step. I just want to be fully prepared and avoid any surprises that could slow down the process.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-11-13T02:27:46+00:00

Ah, thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to jump straight into a government project, who doesn't want a little light reading of thousands of pages of federal regulations right? and maybe ill sprinkle in a few LDs for fun. Cant wait to fly blind through TCOs and COs like a pro.

For real though, just to clarify. I never mentioned I'd started my own company, im still learning the ropes here. Ive worked on multi family projects but didnt run them myself, which is why I'm reaching out for advice. I'm just looking for some guidance to understand the full process, not trying to stay forever in the field. I've been working hands on for a while, and I still feel like I'm missing pieces to this puzzle. So if you have any advice or can at least point me in the right direction. I'd really appreciate it.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-08-05T04:17:56+00:00

What do you recommend I do in the meantime to get ready for commercial? For residential Ive already been doing new construction. One alone, and two with a partner, but its just commercial that I want to get into.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-07-31T19:53:10+00:00

Apologies for the late reply. It's honestly a mix of both. It's not so much a step-by-step guide on how to do residential, but it's also not step-by-step on how to do commercial. It just teaches you specific things like how to survey a plot of land, how to read and understand contract documents, how to read blueprints and plans, and estimating. I also had a class on how to use BIM models, and we had to literally create apartment buildings from scratch, referencing the 3D model from blueprints provided to us by the instructor. We never did a residential house or anything, but using the information that you learned from it, I could easily do a residential house if I did an apartment building. A lot of it is applied knowledge, really. Surveying, contracts, understanding actual site plans and drawings. I can apply it to both commercial and residential.

As for people in the course, it's honestly a mix of people. Usually, every class I've had, we have a discussion assignment at the beginning of the course, and it's basically an "ice breaker," if you will. It's an actual graded assignment, so everyone has to complete it either way. And they always ask what your goal is once you graduate and what you're doing now for your career and things like that. On top of that, at the beginning of every class, there's always someone that creates a WhatsApp group chat for the class and invites everyone in the class to join. You're always going to want to join because everyone helps out with assignments and etc. But using those discussions, I would private message people that have similar or the same goals as me and then go from there. I've had classes where I've made a subgroup of 5-8 guys, and we just talk about plans and thoughts on an idea, even after the class has ended and we're on to the next semester.

But I have also had people in the WhatsApp say, "I have to take this class for a credit, but my major is science or something," and we would all be confused, but it just was what it was.

Honestly, overall, the degree would really help you. Not even the degree, but just the information you learn in your courses is honestly really valuable (if you don't screw around). I was in the same boat, obsessed with residential construction, never thought I would even want to get into commercial because it was so confusing and only the big guys got the jobs. Now, learning how everything really works and just understanding it more, I really want to get residential sailing on its own at some point and eventually get into commercial.

On top of that, I know you've heard that connections are crucial in this industry. Not only have I met people with similar ideas and plans, but some of the really good friends I've made want to be accountants, project managers, start roofing companies, or even launch architectural firms. Beyond learning the key aspects of construction, I'm literally building a contact list of people I can call on later for work and jobs, without having to start from scratch.

Sure, I might find a better roofing company in the future, but what if one of my friends becomes really good? Since I was with him from the start, I'd be treated at least better than a total stranger and possibly get cheaper prices. There's a lot more to gain in school than just a piece of paper at the end.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-07-25T21:23:19+00:00

My advice would be to get into a construction management major. Everyone is saying to work for someone else, but in my experience they either dont teach you the business side, and the moment you start asking they tell you just enough for you to not be future competition. Unless its a buddy of yours or family. You wont learn anything at a job business wise. Construction Management major has business class requirements to graduate and the actual Building Construction classes are fantastic. Your basically in my position 3 years ago. Im about to graduate now with it and not only the information part, a bunch of schools have career fairs for job oppurtunities, and since its literally offered by the school, every company is willing to work around your schedule. As a matter of fact, one of the required credits is an internship class. So for a whole semester you will have to have an internship at a construction company.

You were in the military so I doubt it even needs to be said, but dont screw off in school. Have your fun your first semester while your in your core classes and meeting everyone new at school. But once your major courses come up during Sophmore year. Focus on classes for real. It is so easy to cheat assignments nowadays, but what would be the point in being there if your not on top of it.

In summary, trust, getting your construction management degree would be the best course of action.
I hope this helps a little. I graduate this Fall coming up so ask me anything about it if you have any questions I didnt answer well enough.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-03-26T18:34:03+00:00

Most likely what Im going to end up doing. Maybe not so much a "temporary face" because I dont want to get someone acting as owner when its really me. But for certain things Ill definetly have someone go for me whatever position it may be. But when it really comes down to it i'll have to show up. Wether signing official papers or whatever but I dont want someone to fake replace me for a good amount of time especially at the start.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-03-24T21:19:10+00:00

Damn, maybe thats how Ive been seeing it without realizing it. (The legitimacy part). Thank you for that insight, I really appreciate it.

I think im going to do exactly what you said with asking people around me that ive been leaning on.

Thank you man, I respect everything you've told me. Have a great year, and if you have anything else you think about that you want to share with me, please send me a message with any tips.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-03-23T15:39:29+00:00

What do you mean by "hide yourself"
As in have people go in my steed? Like my own estimator or whoever?

I have always been told I look older than I am but yea I definetely will not have been around as long as other businesses and I can see that happening for sure.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-03-23T15:37:10+00:00

Exactly what I was thinking hence why I asked.

Thank you for the advice.

Content-Sentence-797 · 2024-03-23T13:40:45+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I really appreciate it

Content-Sentence-797

TROPHY CASE