Best Estimating Software for Painting Contractors

Did you know that painting contractors who use estimating software save an average of 1-2 hours per project? That’s right, with the right tools at their disposal, painting contractors can streamline their business operations, improve accuracy in project estimation, and ultimately increase their productivity and profitability.

Painting contractors face unique challenges in their industry, such as finding and retaining skilled employees, competing with low-priced competitors, and managing complex scheduling requirements. But with the best estimating software specifically designed for painting contractors, these challenges can be overcome.

In this article, we will explore the top estimating software options available for painting contractors, along with the must-have features to look for when choosing the right software for your business. Whether you need an all-in-one solution or a software focused on a specific aspect of your painting projects, we’ve got you covered.

Best Painting Contractor Software

When it comes to running a successful painting business, having the right software tools can make all the difference. Painting contractor software provides essential features and functionalities that help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and increase profitability. Here are some of the best software tools available for painting contractors:

1. ClockShark

ClockShark is a comprehensive field management and construction software designed to meet the specific needs of painting contractors. It offers robust features such as time tracking, GPS/geofencing, invoicing, online payments, project management, and more. With ClockShark, painting contractors can track employee time, create schedules, manage jobs and customers, integrate with accounting software, and monitor job progress in real-time. ClockShark offers an easy onboarding process, excellent customer service, and starts at just $8/month per user + $7/month base fee. Additionally, it provides a 14-day free trial to help contractors determine if it’s the right fit for their business.

2. Jobber

Jobber is a comprehensive field service management software that offers specific features tailored to the needs of painting contractors. With Jobber, contractors can effortlessly manage their day-to-day operations, including customer management, scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, mobile app, reporting, online booking, and credit card processing. Jobber provides a user-friendly mobile app, text and email notifications, and starts at an affordable price of $49 per month, per user. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported occasional app shutdowns and high credit card fees.

3. PaintScout

PaintScout is a specialized estimation software designed specifically for painting contractors. It offers a wide range of features, including estimating, web proposals, work orders, integrations, invoicing, sales tracking, templates, client chat, and paint quantity calculations. With PaintScout, contractors can ensure accurate estimates and work orders, resulting in improved project management and customer satisfaction. PaintScout starts at $59 per user, per month, billed annually and offers a 14-day free trial.

4. FieldCircle

FieldCircle is a comprehensive field service management software that caters to the needs of painting contractors. It provides a multitude of features, including scheduling, dispatching, asset management, customer management, time tracking, route planning and tracking, reports, customer portal, and more. FieldCircle offers an easy-to-use interface, no contract requirements, and starts at an affordable price of $9 per user, per month. However, some users have reported limited integrations.

5. Housecall Pro

Housecall Pro is a versatile field service management software that benefits painting contractors by streamlining business processes. It offers features such as scheduling, dispatching, job management, estimating, invoicing, online payments, and automated marketing. Housecall Pro provides integrations to further enhance productivity and starts at an attractive price of $7 per month, making it a cost-effective option for painting contractors. However, some users have reported challenges with usability and excessive sales calls.

Choosing the right painting contractor software is crucial for optimizing operations and achieving business success. Consider the unique needs of your painting business and explore these top software tools to find the ideal solution that aligns with your requirements and goals.

Must-Have Features of Painting Contractor Software

When selecting painting contractor software, it is crucial to consider the must-have features that will streamline your business and optimize your workflow. These features will not only save you time and money but also improve your overall productivity and profitability. Here are some key features to look for:

Integrations Capability

Painting contractor software with robust integration capabilities is essential for seamless collaboration and data synchronization. Look for software that can integrate with other tools commonly used in the industry, such as QuickBooks. Integration capabilities will enable you to streamline your operations and reduce manual data entry, saving you valuable time and effort.

Accounting Tools

Accounting is a critical aspect of your painting business, and having accounting tools within your contractor software is essential. Look for software that offers features to track accounts payable and receivable, manage invoices, generate financial reports, and handle other accounting tasks. This will help you maintain accurate financial records and ensure the financial stability of your business.

Scheduling Options

Efficient scheduling is vital for painting contractors to maximize productivity and meet project deadlines. Your software should offer flexible scheduling options that allow you to create, update, and manage your project schedules easily, even in case of unforeseen circumstances. Look for features such as drag-and-drop functionality, the ability to assign tasks to specific team members, and real-time updates to keep everyone informed and on track.

Mobile Friendly

As a painting contractor, you are often on the go, visiting job sites, and meeting with clients. Therefore, it is essential to have painting contractor software that is mobile-friendly. Look for software that has a dedicated mobile app or a responsive web interface, allowing you to access and manage your projects, schedules, client information, and other important data from your smartphone or tablet. Being able to work on the go will greatly enhance your efficiency and responsiveness.

Project Management Dashboards

To effectively monitor and manage your painting projects, your contractor software should provide project management dashboards. These dashboards offer a clear and comprehensive overview of project status, crew performance, deadlines, and other critical project information. With easy-to-read visualizations and customizable reporting, you can make informed decisions, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure the smooth execution of your projects.

ClockShark – Streamline Your Painting Projects

Painting contractors require efficient software tools to streamline their administrative processes and improve project management. ClockShark is a reliable field management and construction software designed specifically for painting contractors. With ClockShark, contractors can take advantage of essential features to optimize their operations.

Time Tracking and GPS/Geofencing

• Efficiently track and manage the time spent on painting projects, allowing for accurate reporting and billing.
• Utilize GPS and geofencing technology to monitor paint crew locations, ensuring they are at the right job site at the right time.

Invoicing and Online Payments

• Create professional invoices and send them to clients directly from the software, saving time and effort.
• Offer convenient online payment options to clients, improving cash flow and reducing the hassle of manual payment collection.

Project Management

• Effortlessly create and manage schedules for painting projects, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Monitor job progress in real-time, enabling proactive decision-making and ensuring timely completion.

ClockShark also offers seamless integration with popular accounting software, allowing for easy synchronization of data and streamlined financial management. Painting contractors can take advantage of ClockShark’s user-friendly interface and excellent customer service to enhance their business operations.

Starting at just $8 per month per user, with an additional $7 per month base fee, ClockShark provides an affordable solution for painting contractors of all sizes. To ensure complete satisfaction, ClockShark offers a 14-day free trial, allowing contractors to experience the benefits firsthand before making a commitment.

Jobber – Efficiently Manage Your Painting Projects

Jobber is an efficient field service management software that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of painting contractors. With its comprehensive set of features, Jobber helps streamline various aspects of your painting projects and enables you to deliver exceptional results to your clients.

Key features of Jobber include:

• Customer Management: Jobber allows you to keep track of your clients’ information, including contact details, project history, and communication logs, all in one place.
• Scheduling and Dispatching: Easily schedule your painting projects and assign them to your team members with Jobber’s intuitive scheduling and dispatching tools.
• Invoicing: Generate professional invoices and effortlessly send them to your clients, ensuring timely and accurate payments for your services.
• Mobile App: Jobber’s mobile app empowers you and your team to access project information, manage schedules, and communicate on the go, improving productivity and responsiveness.
• Reporting: Gain valuable insights into your painting projects with Jobber’s reporting capabilities, allowing you to track performance, monitor profitability, and make data-driven decisions.
• Online Booking: Jobber’s online booking feature enables your clients to easily schedule painting services through your website, providing convenience and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Credit Card Processing: Seamlessly accept credit card payments from your clients within Jobber, eliminating the hassle of manual payment processing.

Jobber is a versatile solution that caters to the needs of painting contractors of all sizes. Whether you’re a solo painter or managing a team of professionals, Jobber offers flexible pricing plans starting at just $49 per month per user, making it suitable for businesses of various scales.

While Jobber provides numerous benefits, it’s worth noting that some users have reported occasional app shutdowns and high credit card fees. However, these instances are relatively rare and can be mitigated with proper troubleshooting and communication with Jobber’s customer support team.

With Jobber, you can efficiently manage your painting projects, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive the success of your painting business.

PaintScout – The Estimation Software for Painting Contractors

PaintScout is the perfect estimation software for painting contractors. It offers a comprehensive range of features designed to streamline the estimating process and ensure accurate project estimates. With PaintScout, painting contractors can bid confidently on projects and maximize their profitability.

Key Features of PaintScout

• Estimating: PaintScout provides a user-friendly interface that allows painting contractors to easily create accurate estimates for their projects. The software takes into account factors such as surface area, paint type, and labor costs to generate detailed estimates.
• Web Proposals: With PaintScout, contractors can create professional-looking proposals online and share them with clients. This feature allows for easy collaboration and ensures clear communication of project details.
• Work Orders: Painting contractors can generate work orders directly from the estimates, making it easy to assign tasks and track progress. This helps to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and on time.
• Integrations: PaintScout seamlessly integrates with other essential business tools, such as accounting software, to streamline workflows and eliminate duplicate data entry.
• Invoicing: The software includes invoicing capabilities, allowing contractors to create and send professional invoices to clients directly from the platform.
• Sales Tracking: Painting contractors can track their sales pipeline and monitor the progress of leads and opportunities. This helps to identify areas for improvement and measure the success of marketing efforts.
• Templates: PaintScout offers customizable templates for estimates, proposals, and work orders. This allows contractors to create consistent and professional-looking documents.
• Client Chat: The built-in client chat feature enables easy communication between contractors and clients, reducing the need for back-and-forth emails or phone calls.
• Paint Quantity Calculations: PaintScout calculates the required quantity of paint based on project specifications, ensuring accurate material ordering and minimizing waste.

PaintScout is a reliable and efficient estimation software that meets the unique needs of painting contractors. It is priced competitively, starting at just $59 per user, per month, billed annually. Painting contractors can also take advantage of the 14-day free trial to experience the software’s capabilities first-hand.

PaintScout helps painting contractors streamline their estimating process and improve project profitability. With its intuitive features and user-friendly interface, PaintScout is the go-to software for accurate project estimates and seamless project management.

FieldCircle – Field Service Management for Painting Contractors

FieldCircle is a comprehensive field service management software specifically designed to meet the needs of painting contractors. With its wide range of features and user-friendly interface, FieldCircle is the ideal solution for streamlining operations and improving efficiency.

Key Features of FieldCircle:

• Scheduling: Easily create and manage schedules for your painting projects, ensuring timely completion and efficient resource allocation.
• Dispatching: Assign jobs to your field teams with just a few clicks, ensuring seamless coordination and optimal productivity.
• Asset Management: Keep track of your painting equipment, tools, and inventory, ensuring you have the right resources for every job.
• Customer Management: Maintain a comprehensive database of your clients, their preferences, and contact information, enabling personalized service and effective communication.
• Time Tracking: Monitor the time spent on each painting project, allowing for accurate billing and efficient resource allocation in the future.
• Route Planning and Tracking: Optimize your field technicians’ routes to minimize travel time and fuel costs, resulting in increased productivity and reduced expenses.
• Reports: Generate detailed reports on job progress, team performance, and key metrics to gain valuable insights into your painting business.
• Customer Portal: Provide your clients with a convenient self-service portal where they can access project updates, make payments, and communicate with your team.

Pricing

FieldCircle offers flexible pricing plans to suit the needs and budget of painting contractors:

FieldCircle also offers a 14-day free trial, allowing painting contractors to experience the software’s features firsthand before making a commitment.

Integration

FieldCircle seamlessly integrates with popular software tools used in the painting industry, such as QuickBooks and Xero, providing painting contractors with a unified and streamlined workflow.

Streamline your painting business and enhance your project management capabilities with FieldCircle. Try it today and experience the benefits of this powerful field service management software.

Housecall Pro – Streamline Your Painting Business

Housecall Pro is a comprehensive field service management software that enables painting contractors to optimize their operations and effectively manage their projects. With a wide range of features and capabilities, Housecall Pro is designed to streamline every aspect of your painting business, from scheduling and dispatching to estimating and invoicing.

Key Features of Housecall Pro:

• Scheduling and Dispatching: Efficiently assign jobs to your crew members and ensure that they are dispatched to the right location at the right time.
• Job Management: Keep track of all your painting projects and manage them from start to finish, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
• Estimating: Generate accurate and professional estimates for your clients, helping you win more business and maximize profitability.
• Invoicing: Create and send invoices directly from the software, making it quick and easy for your clients to make payments.
• Online Payments: Allow your clients to pay their invoices online, improving cash flow and simplifying the payment process.
• Automated Marketing: Boost your marketing efforts with automated communication and follow-ups, helping you stay connected with your clients and nurture relationships.

Integration is also a key strength of Housecall Pro. The software seamlessly integrates with a wide range of popular tools and platforms, enabling you to sync your data and streamline your workflows. Whether you use QuickBooks for accounting or Zapier for automation, Housecall Pro has you covered.

Pricing for Housecall Pro starts at just $7 per month, making it an affordable choice for painting contractors of all sizes. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported a learning curve when getting started with the software, and occasional sales calls can be a minor inconvenience.

With its robust feature set and user-friendly interface, Housecall Pro is an excellent choice for painting contractors looking to streamline their business operations and take their productivity to the next level.

mHelpDesk – Simplify Your Project Management

mHelpDesk is a powerful field service management software that specializes in simplifying project management, invoicing, and customer management processes for painting contractors. With its comprehensive features and intuitive interface, mHelpDesk provides a seamless solution for streamlining your business operations.

One of the standout features of mHelpDesk is its robust project management capabilities. From start to finish, you can effortlessly track and manage all aspects of your painting projects. With task and job tracking functionality, you can assign tasks to team members, monitor progress, and ensure that projects are completed on time.

Furthermore, mHelpDesk offers a mobile app that allows you to access project details, update job statuses, and communicate with your team on the go. This mobile accessibility ensures that you’re always connected to your projects, regardless of your location.

In addition to project management, mHelpDesk simplifies your invoicing process. With its invoicing feature, you can easily generate and send professional invoices to clients, track payments, and manage your accounts receivable. This streamlines your financial operations and reduces the time spent on administrative tasks.

mHelpDesk also offers seamless integrations with other essential business tools, such as QuickBooks, to further streamline your workflow. By automating data transfer between systems, you can eliminate manual data entry and minimize errors.

With multiple communication tools, such as notifications and file sharing, mHelpDesk enables efficient and effective collaboration between team members and clients. This fosters better communication and ensures that everyone is on the same page throughout the project.

Although mHelpDesk offers a robust set of features, it’s important to note that pricing starts at $169 per user per month. While this may be comparatively expensive, the functionality and efficiency provided by mHelpDesk may outweigh the cost for painting contractors looking to optimize their project management processes.

Benefits of mHelpDesk for Painting Contractors:

• Simplify project management processes
• Effortlessly track and manage painting projects
• Mobile app for on-the-go access
• Streamline invoicing and reduce administrative tasks
• Seamless integrations with other essential business tools
• Efficient communication and collaboration

JobNimbus – General Contractor Software for Painting Contractors

JobNimbus is a comprehensive general contractor software platform that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of painting contractors. With its wide range of features and user-friendly interface, JobNimbus provides a versatile solution for streamlining project management and improving overall efficiency.

Key Features of JobNimbus:

• Scheduling: Easily create and manage schedules for your painting projects to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion.
• Job Tracking: Keep track of every aspect of your painting projects, from materials used to labor costs, for accurate job monitoring and cost analysis.
• Customer Management: Efficiently organize and maintain customer information, communication history, and project details for improved customer service and relationship management.
• Data Sharing: Seamlessly share project data and collaborate with your team, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Communications: Stay connected and communicate effectively with your team, clients, and other stakeholders through JobNimbus’s built-in messaging and notification system.
• Automations: Automate repetitive tasks and workflows to save time and reduce manual errors, allowing you to focus on more important aspects of your painting business.
• Integrations: Integrate JobNimbus with other essential tools and software, such as accounting systems, to streamline your overall business processes.
• Billing: Generate accurate invoices and track payments for your painting projects, ensuring timely and efficient billing.
• Reporting: Access comprehensive reports and analytics to gain valuable insights into your painting business’s performance and make informed decisions.
• Estimates: Create detailed and professional estimates for your painting services, providing a clear breakdown of costs to clients.
• Job Costing: Monitor and analyze your painting project’s costs in real-time to optimize profitability and budget management.
• Time Tracking: Keep track of the time spent on different tasks and projects, allowing for accurate billing and efficient resource allocation.

JobNimbus stands out for its ease of use and flexibility, allowing you to customize the software to fit your specific painting business needs. While some users have reported limitations in the functionality of the mobile app compared to other solutions, JobNimbus’s robust features and overall performance make it a top choice for painting contractors.

For pricing information and to learn more about how JobNimbus can benefit your painting business, please visit their website.

FieldCamp – Service Industry Software for Painting Contractors

FieldCamp is a comprehensive service industry software designed specifically to meet the needs of painting contractors. It offers a wide range of features that allow painting contractors to efficiently manage their projects, streamline their operations, and maximize productivity.

With FieldCamp, painting contractors can easily create schedules, track project progress, and log working hours for field crews. The software provides detailed job information within the app, allowing contractors to keep track of project specifications, client preferences, and other relevant details.

In addition, FieldCamp offers the convenience of creating checklists to ensure that all necessary tasks are completed on time and according to specifications. This helps painting contractors maintain a high level of professionalism and quality in their work.

FieldCamp also simplifies the invoicing process, allowing contractors to easily generate professional-looking invoices and send them to clients. The software supports online payments, making it convenient for clients to settle their bills quickly and efficiently.

With its advanced dispatching capabilities, FieldCamp enables painting contractors to assign jobs to the right crew members based on their availability, skills, and location. This helps optimize scheduling and ensures that projects are completed on time.

FieldCamp also provides robust reporting features that allow painting contractors to gain valuable insights into their operations. Contractors can access reports on job progress, crew performance, financials, and more, helping them make informed decisions and drive business growth.

FieldCamp offers additional features such as job tracking, online payments, and quote management, making it a comprehensive solution for painting contractors. It provides a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation, ensuring that contractors can easily adopt and utilize the software effectively.

Pricing for FieldCamp starts at $279 per year for one user. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported comparatively high costs and extra fees for certain payment features. Nonetheless, FieldCamp remains a powerful software solution that can significantly enhance the efficiency and productivity of painting contractors.

Workiz – Field Service Management for Painting Contractors

Workiz is a comprehensive field service management software designed specifically for painting contractors. With its wide range of features, Workiz helps painting contractors efficiently run their business operations. The software offers essential tools such as lead management, inventory management, dispatching, scheduling, invoicing, reporting, automations, integrations, customer portal, online payments, and GPS tracking.

One of the key advantages of using Workiz is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for painters to navigate and utilize the software effectively. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or have a team of employees, Workiz provides solutions tailored to your needs. The software also offers a free version with limited features, allowing painting contractors to get a taste of its functionality before committing to a paid plan.

However, it is worth noting that some users have reported hidden fees associated with certain features. Additionally, there have been occasional complaints about the customer service provided by Workiz. Nevertheless, Workiz remains a popular choice among painting contractors due to its comprehensive set of tools and intuitive interface.