The Ringy Blog

CRM Construction Services: A Complete Guide

Written by Bradley Kovacs | Aug 18, 2022 12:24:00 AM

Managing a construction company is no walk in the park. On an average day, you're probably running around:

  • Dealing with suppliers and contractors
  • Inspecting multiple job sites
  • Looking for new projects
  • Putting out fires

It seems like your job never ends, does it?

Then there's the matter of acquiring new clients and providing excellent customer service. This arduous task involves gathering leads, categorizing them, contacting them, creating proposals and bids, sending emails, making calls – the list goes on and on. And all of this before you even close a deal!

In the construction industry, landing a contract can take up to several months.

But we're here to tell you there is a way to take the load off your shoulders. It's called CRM (customer relationship management) software, and it will make dealing with your clients as smooth as a newly paved road.

Compared to other industries, managing customer relationships has always been hyper-personalized in construction. That is, construction companies rarely use software and other technology: just think that up to 68% don't use construction industry CRM software!

If you move past the dark ages and into the 21st century by using a CRM, you'll be getting ahead of 68% of your competition.

Sounds good?

Let's take a closer look at your CRM construction services needs.

What Makes Construction Company CRM Unique

A CRM is software that enables you to manage prospects and existing clients efficiently. It serves as a single repository for all customer data, ensuring that employees have access to the same information.

But what makes a construction company CRM unique?

It's designed to meet the specific needs of a construction business.

CRM software for construction companies doesn't only store names and numbers, but also supports the full lifecycle of construction projects.

Here's what sets CRM in construction apart:

  • Project-based workflows: A construction CRM system manages bids, estimates, proposals, and project milestones in one place, rather than simply tracking contacts.
  • Seamless communication: It connects both internal teams (foremen, subcontractors, vendors) and external stakeholders (clients, architects, engineers), ensuring everyone is aligned.
  • Mobile access: Since foremen and sales reps are often on-site, CRM construction management must offer full functionality via mobile devices for updates and collaboration in the field.
  • Integration with essential tools: The best CRM construction software links directly with project schedules, document management systems, invoicing tools, and estimating platforms.
  • Relationship management: Because the construction industry thrives on referrals, a CRM for construction business helps teams deliver great client experiences that lead to repeat work and recommendations.

With all this in place, CRM construction services give companies a competitive edge, including streamlining operations, improving collaboration, and driving stronger client relationships that fuel long-term growth.

Types of CRM Construction Services Can Use

There are two main types of CRMs you can choose from – a cloud-based or an on-site CRM.

The difference between on-premise or cloud-based CRMs is:

  1. On-premise: An on-premise CRM is stored on the company's internal servers.
  2. Cloud-based: A cloud-based CRM is much more popular because it offers real-time access from anywhere.

Most construction CRMs are cloud-based, and for a good reason.

Functionality increases significantly with the more accessible cloud-based software. It also requires fewer upfront costs, especially compared to an on-site CRM which requires funds for a physical setup.

On-Premise

Cloud-Based

Maintenance costs

No maintenance costs

Harder to scale beyond a particular location

Easier to scale for when the business expands

On-premise servers or software

Saved to the cloud

Extensive hardware requirements

Fewer hardware requirements. However, computers are still needed

Better overall security because data is in-house and on-hand

Potentially more hackable

No third-party shutdowns or outages

Susceptible to third-party outages

Benefits of Adopting a Construction CRM System

Below, the benefits of a CRM construction system unfold in five key ways, each one packing real-world impact both on-site and in your pipeline.

1. Faster Lead Follow-Up with Texting

Construction moves fast, and so do prospects. A construction industry CRM that includes SMS lets you reply the moment a form is filled, a quote requested, or an RFP lands.

And thanks to staggering SMS statistics, a 98% open rate and a jaw-dropping 45% response rate. You're not just sending messages; you're cutting through the noise like a hot saw through timber.

Use SMS drip campaigns inside your CRM construction services platform to auto-nurture cold leads on autopilot. It's like setting up a bid tracker that also chases prospects for you.

2. Streamlined Bid and Proposal Communication

No more "Did you get my email?" texts. A tailor-made construction CRM system lets you shoot a proposal link or appointment reminder straight to a client's phone. Because SMS is read, like, instantly read, your deck isn't gathering digital dust. It's in their pocket, building trust and momentum faster than traditional email.

3. Job Site and Crew Coordination

Construction isn't managed from a desk. Schedules shift, weather changes, and crews move between sites. A CRM in construction with mobile access lets managers instantly update workers and subcontractors about schedule adjustments, deliveries, or delays.

This reduces costly miscommunication, which is one of the top causes of project overruns in the construction industry.

4. Better Sales Pipeline Visibility

Leads that vanish into spreadsheets or notebooks are money left on the table. A construction industry CRM software gives you full visibility into your pipeline, from first inquiry through close.

With tagging, pipeline views, and automated SMS nudges, sales teams can track opportunities in real time. This not only prevents prospects from slipping through the cracks but also provides data-backed forecasting for better planning.

5. Improved Client Experience

Happy clients build reputations, and reputations build referrals, which is the lifeblood of the construction industry. A CRM for construction company makes it easy to confirm appointments, send reminders, and follow up after a project wraps.

Consistent communication fosters trust, and trust turns into referrals and repeat business. In fact, research shows that 77% of customers are more likely to recommend a brand after a positive experience, proving that small gestures create long-term revenue.

What to Look for in a CRM for a Construction Company

Choosing the right CRM for construction company operations involves selecting a system that aligns with how your crews, clients, and projects actually function. Below are the key selection criteria every construction industry CRM should meet, and why they matter.

Selection Criteria

Why It Matters

Text and call integration

Enables real-time communication with leads and teams

Mobile-first CRM interface

Ideal for on-the-go users: reps, contractors, site leads

Pipeline & project tracking

Tracks leads through bid → build → close

Drip campaign support

Automates follow-ups after quotes or meetings

Integration with calendars/docs

Syncs with proposals, schedules, and field data

Onboarding/support

Necessary for teams unfamiliar with CRM tech

Top 5 CRM Software for Construction

With so many options, identifying the right CRM construction services you should use can be a daunting task.

Don't fret. We're here to help narrow down your choices.

Here are our top five picks for construction CRM software.

1. Ringy

Best for: Small to mid-sized construction firms that want CRM + phone + SMS in one easy package.

Ringy bundles telephony, two-way SMS/MMS, and CRM workflows so small teams don't need separate tools. The platform emphasizes local presence dialing, a VoIP softphone, automated drip campaigns, lead tagging, and pipeline views, all helpful when you're chasing RFPs and on-site quotes. SMS/MMS is native and designed for lead follow-up and appointment confirmations

Key features include:

  • SMS/MMS (native): two-way texting and MMS for quick proposal links and confirmations.
  • Softphone / local presence dialing: make and receive calls from the CRM.
  • Drip campaigns & automation: auto-nurture leads after form fills or quote requests.
  • Lead tagging & project pipelines: tag opportunities and move them through bid → build → close.
  • Mobile readiness & onboarding: quick ramp for on-the-go reps and foremen.

Pricing: $109/month (Pricing accurate as of August 2025)

2. Buildertrend

Source

Best for: Residential builders, remodelers and firms that need full project management plus CRM capabilities.

Buildertrend is a full project platform that centers on schedules, client portals, estimates, and in-platform messaging, making it a go-to for teams that want CRM construction management tightly coupled to jobsite workflows. Messaging is oriented around project chat, client portal messages and configurable notifications (email, push, text where configured).

Key features:

  • Messaging & client portal: threaded project messages and a homeowner portal for approvals/communication.
  • Scheduling & estimates: integrated proposals and schedule views tied to jobs.
  • Pipeline & job tracking:track opportunities and convert them into projects without data loss.
  • Mobile app + notifications: on-site users get app updates and can opt into text notifications.
  • Docs & selections: documents, photos, RFIs and change orders linked to each job.

Pricing: Custom pricing / quote required. Buildertrend provides tailored quotes based on company size and needs. (Pricing accurate as of August 2025)

3. JobNimbus

Source

Best for: Roofing, exterior and specialty contractors who need a CRM that doubles as field management software.

JobNimbus combines lead management, job tracking and field-friendly features. It has a native texting product (Engage) and features like text-to-pay, mobile photo logging, automations, and integrations (QuickBooks, EagleView). That makes it strong for crews that must move a lead to payment quickly while keeping the field team synced.

Key features:

  • Built-in texting (Engage): two-way SMS, automation, and transactional texts (e.g., payment links).
  • Job boards & mobile app: field crews update jobs, upload photos, and receive action items.
  • Automations & workflows: trigger messages, tasks, and status changes automatically.
  • Integrations: QuickBooks, EagleView and others for estimating and billing sync.
  • Text-to-pay: request payments via SMS to accelerate collections.

Pricing: Account-based / custom pricing; add-ons (like Engage texting) may carry extra costs. (Pricing accurate as of August 2025)

4. Houzz Pro

Source

Best for: Design-build contractors, remodelers and firms that need strong client presentation + CRM features.

Houzz Pro focuses on estimates, visual proposals, client collaboration and a branded client hub. It's well suited for remodelers who want CRM features tied to polished proposals, mood boards, and a client dashboard rather than heavy enterprise project controls.

Houzz leans on client portal messages, mobile app notifications and email, though integrations/third-party tools can extend SMS capabilities.

Key features:

  • CRM + estimates: create proposals and convert them into invoices inside the platform.
  • Client collaboration hub: mood boards, product clippers and a client dashboard for approvals.
  • Invoicing & payments: billing and online payments linked to projects.
  • Mobile app: field updates and client communications on the go.
  • Integrations: syncs with accounting and calendar tools for smoother workflows.

Pricing: Houzz Pro offers custom pricing for its platform. (Pricing accurate as of August 2025)

5. Contractor Foreman

Source

Best for: Cost-conscious contractors who need a full feature set (project management + crew coordination) at a lower entry price.

Contractor Foreman provides project timelines, daily logs, crew messaging and affordable tiers. It supports in-platform crew messaging and offers SMS functionality (vendor SMS terms and partner/Twilio integrations are available to enable texting workflows). That makes it a practical option for teams that want messaging and jobsite coordination without enterprise pricing.

Key features:

  • Crew messaging & daily logs: centralized communication and timestamped chat for accountability.
  • Project timelines & subcontractor coordination: Gantt/timeline views plus field tools.
  • SMS (via platform/partners): SMS messages and notifications (vendor SMS terms shown; Twilio integrations available via partners or middleware).
  • Affordable tiers & free trial: entry plans designed for smaller teams with upgrade paths.
  • Document management & daily reports: store job docs and generate daily logs.

Pricing: Starts at $49 / month (basic tiers available; multiple editions up to higher tiers). (Pricing accurate as of August 2025)

CRM Construction Services: Final Thoughts

Construction companies are part of a unique industry that requires the right CRM to get the job done. A CRM for construction management makes your life easier through:

  1. Automation
  2. Pipeline management
  3. Contact management
  4. Improved collaboration
  5. Project management
  6. And much more

With a customized platform, your construction company can set up your CRM exactly how you want it. Ringy offers all of these features – and then some.

Ready to modernize your construction company's processes?

Get in touch to schedule a demo today.