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If you want the complete list, explore our Team Chat & Messaging Apps page. Other Software products for Contractors.

Other Software products for Contractors.

Team Chat & Messaging Apps for Contractors
Albert Richer

When it comes to choosing the best team chat and messaging apps for contractors, research indicates that flexibility and integration capabilities are paramount. Customer review analysis shows common patterns, with many users frequently mentioning the need for tools that seamlessly integrate with project management software. For instance, Slack often appears in industry roundups, consistently earning high marks for its robust integration options, which can streamline communication across various platforms. On the other hand, Microsoft Teams is frequently praised for its user-friendly interface and collaboration features, making it a go-to for those who prioritize ease of use in a hectic work environment. Interestingly, market research suggests that cost is a significant consideration, with many consumers reporting a preference for apps that offer tiered pricing structures. This is particularly important for smaller contracting firms operating on tighter budgets. When it comes to choosing the best team chat and messaging apps for contractors, research indicates that flexibility and integration capabilities are paramount. Customer review analysis shows common patterns, with many users frequently mentioning the need for tools that seamlessly integrate with project management software.

Similar Categories
1
Expert Score
9.9 / 10
542
73
AI NOTIFICATIONS

Bolster Construction Messaging Software

Bolster Construction Messaging Software
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Designed specifically with contractors in mind, the Bolster Construction Messaging Software streamlines project communication between teams, subcontractors, and clients. It eases the flow of information in real-time, making it a vital tool for project management and collaboration in the construction industry.
Designed specifically with contractors in mind, the Bolster Construction Messaging Software streamlines project communication between teams, subcontractors, and clients. It eases the flow of information in real-time, making it a vital tool for project management and collaboration in the construction industry.
AI NOTIFICATIONS

Best for teams that are

  • Residential general contractors and remodelers seeking an all-in-one management suite
  • Builders who want to provide clients with a transparent portal for updates

Skip if

  • Commercial contractors, as the platform is specifically tuned for residential workflows
  • Teams seeking a standalone messaging app without a full project management suite

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Bolster transforms standard construction communication by embedding it directly into an interactive, e-commerce-style quoting engine. Research indicates that unlike standalone messaging apps, Bolster's chats are context-aware, linking every message to specific line items, change orders, or payment requests. This integration allows clients to 'shop' for upgrades and approve costs in real-time, effectively turning the communication channel into a sales enablement tool.

Pros

  • Centralized project-based chat channels
  • Interactive quotes with client upsells
  • Automated change order approvals
  • Integrates with QuickBooks and Hover
  • Client portal for payments/updates

Cons

  • Strict no-refund policy
  • Steep learning curve for setup
  • High starting price ($299/mo)
  • Web-based only (no desktop apps)
  • Template creation is time-consuming
2
Expert Score
9.7 / 10
425
160

Remato Team Chat App

Remato Team Chat App
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Remato's team chat app is a robust communication solution specifically designed for construction industry professionals. It facilitates seamless interaction between jobsite and office teams, allowing for real-time coordination and collaboration, thus enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Remato's team chat app is a robust communication solution specifically designed for construction industry professionals. It facilitates seamless interaction between jobsite and office teams, allowing for real-time coordination and collaboration, thus enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Best for teams that are

  • Multilingual crews needing real-time auto-translation to bridge language barriers
  • Contractors who want to combine team chat with tool and asset tracking

Skip if

  • Teams needing specific tracking for heavy machinery hours
  • Very small businesses looking for a free communication tool

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Remato effectively bridges the gap between office and field with features specifically tailored for construction, such as auto-translation and offline photo annotation. Research indicates it replaces fragmented consumer apps like WhatsApp with a centralized, project-linked system that ensures accountability via GPS metadata. Based on documented features, it offers a robust mobile-first solution for diverse crews.

Pros

  • Auto-translation for 20+ languages
  • Offline mode with auto-sync
  • Familiar WhatsApp-like interface
  • Transparent modular pricing
  • Fast customer support (<2 min)

Cons

  • No heavy machinery hour tracking
  • Manual data entry error correction
  • Minimum monthly spend of $50
  • Initial crew adoption friction
  • No time rounding option
3
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
589
122
USER-FRIENDLY
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC

Raken Construction Communication App

Raken Construction Communication App
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Raken is an industry-specific communication software designed for the construction sector. It addresses the critical need for seamless communication between teams in the field, office, general contractors and subcontractors, significantly improving project coordination and efficiency.
Raken is an industry-specific communication software designed for the construction sector. It addresses the critical need for seamless communication between teams in the field, office, general contractors and subcontractors, significantly improving project coordination and efficiency.
USER-FRIENDLY
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC

Best for teams that are

  • Medium-to-large firms prioritizing safety compliance and daily field reporting
  • Field teams working in remote areas requiring offline data entry capabilities

Skip if

  • Companies needing advanced project management features like budgeting or complex scheduling
  • Android-heavy field teams due to reported app stability issues

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Raken excels by focusing relentlessly on the field user, solving the primary challenge of construction software: adoption. Research indicates its 'field-first' design and robust offline capabilities allow crews to capture data without frustration, which then automates professional reports for the office. While it may lack the depth of a full ERP, its seamless integrations with tools like Procore and Sage make it a powerful specialized add-on for daily reporting.

Pros

  • Field-first design ensures high adoption
  • Robust offline mode caches projects
  • Automated daily reports from field data
  • Integrates with Procore and Sage
  • Voice-to-text for easy data entry

Cons

  • Pricing is not publicly transparent
  • Android app stability issues reported
  • Lacks advanced shift scheduling features
  • Mobile app has fewer features than web
  • Photo loading can be slow
4
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
436
48
FREE PLAN AVAILABLE
AFFORDABLE PRICING

Construction Chat

Construction Chat
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Construction Chat is a tailored solution for the construction industry, providing real-time communication between teams on-site and off-site. Its compliance with DSGVO and hosting on German servers ensures stringent data protection, meeting the industry's specific need for secure and efficient communication.
Construction Chat is a tailored solution for the construction industry, providing real-time communication between teams on-site and off-site. Its compliance with DSGVO and hosting on German servers ensures stringent data protection, meeting the industry's specific need for secure and efficient communication.
FREE PLAN AVAILABLE
AFFORDABLE PRICING

Best for teams that are

  • European contractors requiring strict GDPR compliance and secure data hosting
  • Teams seeking a legally secure, documented alternative to WhatsApp

Skip if

  • Non-European companies where German legal compliance and hosting are not required
  • Teams looking for a standalone chat tool independent of the 123onsite ecosystem

Expert Take

Our analysis shows that 123onsite effectively bridges the gap between field communication and legal compliance. Research indicates it is a robust 'WhatsApp alternative' that automatically archives chats and links them to specific construction projects, solving a major documentation headache. Based on documented features, the inclusion of a generous free tier and offline capabilities makes it highly accessible for smaller teams while maintaining enterprise-grade GDPR compliance.

Pros

  • Free tier for up to 3 users
  • Legally compliant WhatsApp alternative
  • Works offline with auto-sync
  • Award-winning 'Product of the Year 2024'
  • Modular pricing structure

Cons

  • Reports of app synchronization glitches
  • Initial setup can be complex
  • Interface described as unintuitive by some
  • Limited to specific regional integrations
5
Expert Score
9.4 / 10
647
108

Buildertrend Chat

Buildertrend Chat
View Website
Buildertrend Chat is a SaaS solution designed specifically for the construction industry. It enhances project management efficiency and collaboration through instant messaging and construction team communication, addressing the industry's need for real-time, coordinated exchanges.
Buildertrend Chat is a SaaS solution designed specifically for the construction industry. It enhances project management efficiency and collaboration through instant messaging and construction team communication, addressing the industry's need for real-time, coordinated exchanges.

Best for teams that are

  • Mid-to-large residential builders with over $500k in annual construction volume
  • Companies needing a comprehensive suite for scheduling, financials, and client management

Skip if

  • Small contractors or startups with low annual revenue or simple needs
  • Teams unwilling to invest time in a steep learning curve or high implementation costs

Expert Take

Our analysis shows that Buildertrend Chat stands out for its 'unlimited users' pricing model, which removes the friction of onboarding subcontractors and clients—a common bottleneck in construction management. Research indicates that its deep integration with financial tools like QuickBooks and Xero, combined with a mobile app that mirrors desktop functionality, makes it a powerful hub for complex projects. While the learning curve is steep, the documented depth of features justifies the investment for growing firms.

Pros

  • Unlimited users included in all plans
  • Robust mobile app with full feature parity
  • Two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero
  • Centralized communication for team, subs, and clients
  • Unlimited training and support resources

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • No bulk data export feature available
  • Expensive for small firms or single users
  • Interface can feel cluttered or outdated
  • No free trial (demo required)
6
Expert Score
9.2 / 10
493
134
REAL-TIME UPDATES

Slack: Contractor-Focused Collaboration

Slack: Contractor-Focused Collaboration
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Slack is the ultimate communication tool for contractors, addressing their primary needs of seamless collaboration, real-time project updates and integration with other toolsets. With AI-driven notifications and the ability to create dedicated channels, contractors can enhance productivity and keep all stakeholders in sync.
Slack is the ultimate communication tool for contractors, addressing their primary needs of seamless collaboration, real-time project updates and integration with other toolsets. With AI-driven notifications and the ability to create dedicated channels, contractors can enhance productivity and keep all stakeholders in sync.
REAL-TIME UPDATES

Best for teams that are

  • Small, tech-savvy teams or office staff needing extensive app integrations
  • Organizations prioritizing flexible, real-time messaging over construction-specific workflows

Skip if

  • Large field crews needing industry-specific tools like blueprint markup or daily logs
  • Teams requiring offline access or map-based field coordination

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Slack dominates contractor collaboration through its unique 'Guest' model, allowing 5 free single-channel guests for every paid user—a massive cost-saver for managing freelancers. Research indicates Slack Connect further reduces friction by enabling secure, shared channels with up to 250 external organizations, cutting weekly meetings by nearly 50% according to user surveys. While the 90-day history limit on free plans is a drawback, the platform's extensive integration ecosystem makes it indispensable for technical teams.

Pros

  • 5 free single-channel guests per paid user
  • Slack Connect supports 250 orgs per channel
  • FedRAMP Moderate and High authorizations
  • Integrates with over 2,600 third-party apps
  • Market leader with 42M+ daily active users

Cons

  • Free plan limited to 90-day history
  • HIPAA compliance only on Enterprise Grid
  • Slack Connect requires paid plans on both sides
  • Video/audio features lag behind Zoom/Teams
  • Notification overload can reduce productivity

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1 Bolster Construction Messaging Software
Yes No Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Custom integrations only No Custom pricing
2 Remato Team Chat App
Yes No Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Limited integrations No Not specified
3 Raken Construction Communication App
Yes No Yes - 7 days No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Procore, Autodesk, QuickBooks No $15/month
4 Construction Chat
Yes Yes Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Custom integrations only No Pricing upon request
5 Buildertrend Chat
Yes No Yes - 30 days No No Yes Not specified QuickBooks, Xero, Procore No $299/month
6 Slack: Contractor-Focused Collaboration
Yes Yes No Yes Yes Email/Ticket only SOC 2 Trello, Asana, Google Drive Yes $6.67/month
1

Bolster Construction Messaging Software

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Custom integrations only
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Custom pricing
2

Remato Team Chat App

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Not specified
3

Raken Construction Communication App

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 7 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Procore, Autodesk, QuickBooks
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$15/month
4

Construction Chat

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Custom integrations only
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Pricing upon request
5

Buildertrend Chat

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 30 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
QuickBooks, Xero, Procore
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$299/month
6

Slack: Contractor-Focused Collaboration

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
No
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Trello, Asana, Google Drive
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$6.67/month

Similar Categories

How We Rank Products

Our Evaluation Process

The 'How We Choose' section outlines the rigorous methodology used to evaluate and rank team chat and messaging apps specifically designed for contractors. Key factors considered include essential specifications, feature sets tailored for construction communication, customer reviews, and overall ratings that reflect user satisfaction. Unique considerations for this category involve the need for seamless collaboration tools that cater to diverse project management demands, integration capabilities with existing systems, and the level of customization available to meet specific contractor needs. The research and analysis approach involved comparing product specifications, analyzing customer feedback from various platforms, and evaluating the price-to-value ratio to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each app's effectiveness and overall suitability for contractors.

Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.

Verification

  • Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of user feedback and expert insights.
  • Rankings based on thorough examination of features, performance metrics, and customer ratings.
  • Selection criteria focus on communication efficiency, user experience, and integration capabilities specific to contractor needs.

Other Software products for Contractors

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Score Breakdown

0.0 / 10

What This Award Means