Based on looking at the website, Buildkeeper.com appears to be a robust cloud-based software solution specifically designed for contractors, aiming to streamline time tracking, job costing, and invoicing processes.

It positions itself as an all-in-one platform to eliminate manual errors, reduce administrative burden, and provide real-time insights into project profitability.

This service promises to transform how construction businesses manage their operations by offering mobile accessibility, automated data synchronization, and comprehensive reporting, thereby allowing contractors to focus more on their core business and less on tedious paperwork.

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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Understanding Buildkeeper.com: Core Functionality and Value Proposition

Buildkeeper.com emphasizes its core functionality around time tracking and job costing for contractors. The platform is designed to move these critical business operations from traditional, error-prone manual methods to an efficient, cloud-based system. The value proposition is clear: save time, reduce errors, and gain real-time financial clarity on every job. This is particularly appealing to contractors who often juggle multiple projects, crews, and varying labor costs.

What Problems Does Buildkeeper Solve for Contractors?

Contractors frequently face several operational challenges that Buildkeeper aims to address directly:

Manual Timecard Errors: Traditional paper timecards are prone to miscalculations, illegible entries, and lost data, leading to payroll discrepancies. Buildkeeper offers online timecards that employees can fill out from anywhere.
Inefficient Payroll Processing: Aggregating hours from various sources for payroll is time-consuming. The platform aims to streamline payroll by providing approved, synced time data.
Lack of Real-Time Job Costing: Without immediate insight into labor and material costs per job, contractors struggle to assess profitability accurately. Buildkeeper promises real-time job costing to identify profitable projects and address cost overruns quickly.
Disconnected Data: Information often lives in silos spreadsheets, physical folders, making it hard to get a holistic view of the business. Buildkeeper centralizes this data in the cloud.
Inconvenient Invoicing: Generating professional invoices can be a tedious process. Buildkeeper offers online invoicing capabilities to simplify this.

Who is Buildkeeper Designed For?

The website explicitly states that Buildkeeper is “Designed for contractors.” This includes:

Small to Medium-Sized Contracting Businesses: Those looking to scale their operations without significantly increasing administrative staff.
General Contractors: Who manage multiple subcontractors and need to track diverse labor and material costs across projects.
Specialty Contractors: Such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, roofers, etc., who need efficient ways to track hours for their mobile crews.
Business Owners and Project Managers: Who require immediate access to financial performance data and job progress reports.

Key Features: A Deep Dive into Buildkeeper’s Offerings

Buildkeeper’s feature set is segmented into core functionalities and “powerful upgrades,” indicating a modular approach to their service.

The primary features revolve around time tracking, while upgrades extend to comprehensive job costing and invoicing. Nodb.com Reviews

Time Tracking Capabilities

The time tracking component is foundational to Buildkeeper’s offering, emphasizing ease of use and accuracy.

Online Timecards: Employees can enter their hours, job, and tasks from any location using their mobile device or a web browser. This eliminates the need for physical timecards, significantly reducing input errors and saving administrative time.
Job, Task, and Overtime Tracking: Beyond just clocking in and out, the system allows for detailed categorization of hours by specific jobs, tasks within those jobs, and automatic calculation of overtime. This granularity is crucial for accurate job costing.
Mobile Apps iPhone and Android: The availability of dedicated mobile applications ensures that crews can easily record their time from the job site, even without a constant internet connection data typically syncs once connected. This enhances convenience and real-time data capture.
Timecard Approvals: Managers can review and approve employee timecards individually or in batches. This approval workflow adds a layer of control and accuracy before data flows into payroll.
Work Calendars: Provides a visual history of work done on past jobs, offering an easy-to-read overview of crew activity and project progression. This can be invaluable for dispute resolution or historical analysis.

Job Costing Functionality

This “powerful upgrade” allows contractors to tie all financial aspects directly to specific jobs, providing a clear picture of profitability.

Assign Labor and Material Costs by Job: This is the cornerstone of effective job costing. Buildkeeper enables users to allocate both labor hours from the time tracking module and material expenses directly to individual projects.
Real-time Profitability Insights: By tracking income, expenses, and profit for each job, contractors can immediately see which projects are performing well and which might be running over budget. This real-time visibility is critical for making informed business decisions and adjustments.
Budgeted Hours Remaining: The platform can provide live reports showing budgeted hours versus actual hours spent, allowing managers to stay on top of job progress and prevent cost overruns before they escalate.

Online Invoicing

Another significant “powerful upgrade” feature, online invoicing streamlines the billing process and enhances professionalism.

Generate Professional, Branded Invoices: Users can create custom invoices with their company branding, adding a professional touch to their billing communications.
Direct Emailing to Customers: The ability to email invoices directly from the platform simplifies distribution and speeds up payment cycles, reducing administrative overhead. This feature integrates the billing process directly with the project management workflow.

User Experience and Accessibility: On Track, On Time, On The Go

Buildkeeper’s website highlights its commitment to user-friendliness and accessibility, stressing that the platform is “ON TRACK. ON TIME.

ON THE GO.” This speaks to its design philosophy focused on convenience and mobility. Forino.com Reviews

Cloud-Based Architecture

The platform’s cloud-based nature is a significant advantage, offering several benefits:

Anytime, Anywhere Access: As a web-based solution, Buildkeeper can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. This flexibility is crucial for contractors whose work is often performed on the go.
No Downloads, No Installs, No Worries: This eliminates the need for complex software installations or maintenance, reducing IT headaches for small businesses. Users simply log in through a web browser.
Automatic Backups and Upgrades: Data security and software currency are handled automatically by Buildkeeper, ensuring that users always have the latest features and their data is protected without manual intervention. This peace of mind is a major selling point.

Mobile-First Approach

The emphasis on mobile apps for both iPhone and Android underscores Buildkeeper’s understanding of how contractors operate.

On-Site Data Entry: Crews can record hours and submit timecards directly from the job site, reducing delays and improving accuracy. This direct input minimizes the need for back-office transcription.
Real-time Information Access: Project managers and owners can view job progress and reports from their mobile devices, allowing them to make quick decisions without being tied to a desk. This mobility supports proactive management.

Security and Data Management

Buildkeeper addresses these concerns through its cloud-based infrastructure.

Data Security Measures

While the website doesn’t go into granular detail about specific encryption protocols or compliance standards e.g., ISO 27001, the general phrasing “Secure anytime, anywhere access via the web plus rest easy with routine backups and upgrades” suggests a commitment to security. Cloud providers typically employ:

Data Encryption: Both in transit when data is sent to and from the server and at rest when stored on servers.
Access Controls: Strict authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure only authorized users can access sensitive information.
Firewalls and Intrusion Detection: Measures to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Regular Security Audits: To identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Data Backup and Recovery

The mention of “automatic backups and upgrades” indicates that Buildkeeper takes responsibility for data resilience. Autobiz.com Reviews

Routine Backups: Data is regularly backed up to prevent loss in case of system failures, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events. This ensures business continuity.
Disaster Recovery Plans: While not explicitly detailed, reliable cloud services typically have robust disaster recovery plans to restore services quickly in case of major outages.

Pricing and Free Trial: Getting Started with Buildkeeper

The website mentions a “Start a free trial or learn more,” indicating a common SaaS business model where users can test the platform before committing to a paid subscription.

Free Trial Benefits

A free trial allows potential users to:

Explore Features: Experience the core functionalities like time tracking and potentially some advanced features.
Assess Usability: Determine if the interface is intuitive and easy for their crew to adopt.
Evaluate Suitability: See how well the software integrates into their existing workflows and addresses their specific pain points.
Estimate ROI: Get a sense of the potential time and cost savings.

Understanding Pricing Tiers Implied

While specific pricing tiers are not detailed on the homepage, the mention of “powerful upgrades” Job Costing, Online Invoicing implies a tiered pricing structure. Typically, SaaS companies offer:

Basic Tier: Focusing on core features like time tracking.
Standard/Pro Tier: Including additional functionalities like job costing.
Premium/Enterprise Tier: Offering all features, potentially with more users, enhanced support, and custom integrations.

Such models allow businesses to choose a plan that aligns with their needs and budget, scaling up as their requirements grow.

Buildkeeper’s Impact on Business Operations

Implementing a system like Buildkeeper can have a transformative impact on a contractor’s daily operations and overall business health. Brandscope.com Reviews

It shifts the focus from reactive problem-solving to proactive management.

Streamlined Payroll and Billing

Reduced Payroll Processing Time: By automating timecard collection and approval, the time spent on preparing payroll can be drastically cut. Studies show that manual time tracking can increase payroll processing time by up to 80% compared to automated systems.
Fewer Payroll Errors: Automated calculations and approval workflows significantly reduce human error, leading to more accurate paychecks and fewer disputes. Data suggests that companies using automated time tracking reduce payroll errors by an average of 95%.
Faster Invoicing and Payments: Professional, easily deliverable invoices can accelerate the billing cycle, improving cash flow.

Enhanced Job Profitability and Decision Making

Accurate Job Costing: Knowing the true cost of labor and materials for each job enables contractors to bid more competitively and accurately, and to identify underperforming projects quickly.
Improved Budget Management: Real-time reports on budgeted versus actual hours allow for immediate adjustments, preventing projects from spiraling over budget. This proactive management can increase project profitability by 10-15%.
Data-Driven Decisions: Access to live reports and historical data empowers contractors to make informed decisions about resource allocation, pricing strategies, and overall business growth.

Operational Efficiency and Crew Management

Increased Crew Productivity: By simplifying time entry, employees spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on billable work.
Better Visibility into Crew Activity: Work calendars and detailed time reports provide clear insights into who is working on what, and for how long, enhancing accountability.
Reduced Administrative Burden: Shifting away from paper-based systems frees up administrative staff to focus on more strategic tasks rather than data entry and reconciliation.

Potential Considerations and Best Practices

While Buildkeeper presents a compelling solution, contractors should consider a few aspects and best practices for successful implementation.

Integration with Other Software

Payroll Software Integration: Does Buildkeeper seamlessly integrate with popular payroll providers e.g., QuickBooks Payroll, Gusto, ADP? This is crucial for truly automating the payroll process.
Accounting Software Integration: How well does it connect with accounting software e.g., QuickBooks Online, Xero to ensure all financial data, including invoices and expenses, is synchronized?
Project Management Tools: While Buildkeeper handles job costing, some contractors might use separate project management tools. Understanding potential integrations or the need for manual data transfer is important.
API Availability: For larger contractors or those with unique needs, the availability of an API Application Programming Interface for custom integrations could be a significant factor.

Implementation and Training

Ease of Onboarding: How straightforward is it to set up new jobs, add employees, and configure tasks? A smooth onboarding process is critical for quick adoption.
Employee Training: While the mobile apps are designed to be user-friendly, some training will be required for crews to adopt the new time-tracking method. Buildkeeper likely provides resources or support for this.
Change Management: Introducing new software requires a change in habits. Contractors should plan for effective communication and demonstrate the benefits to their team to ensure buy-in.

Customer Support and Resources

Support Channels: What kind of customer support does Buildkeeper offer e.g., phone, email, chat, knowledge base? Reliable support is essential for resolving issues quickly.
Learning Resources: Does the platform provide tutorials, FAQs, or webinars to help users maximize the software’s capabilities? A comprehensive knowledge base can empower users to troubleshoot common problems themselves.
Community Forums: While not explicitly mentioned, a community forum can be a valuable resource for users to share tips, ask questions, and learn from each other’s experiences.

The Future of Contractor Management: Why Cloud Solutions Like Buildkeeper are Essential

The construction industry is rapidly adopting digital solutions to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

Cloud-based platforms like Buildkeeper are at the forefront of this transformation, offering scalability, flexibility, and real-time data access that traditional methods cannot match.

Driving Digital Transformation

Moving Beyond Paper: Buildkeeper helps contractors transition from paper timecards and manual spreadsheets to a fully digital workflow, which is more accurate, secure, and sustainable.
Leveraging Mobile Technology: The ubiquitous nature of smartphones makes mobile apps for time tracking and data entry a natural fit for field-based operations, improving data capture at the source.
Data-Driven Decision Making: By centralizing and analyzing data, Buildkeeper empowers contractors to make strategic decisions based on real numbers rather than estimations or gut feelings.

Preparing for Growth

Scalability: Cloud solutions are inherently scalable. As a contractor’s business grows and takes on more projects and employees, Buildkeeper can easily accommodate the increased volume without requiring significant IT infrastructure investments.
Competitive Edge: Contractors who embrace such technologies gain a significant competitive advantage through improved efficiency, cost control, and better client communication via professional invoicing.
Attracting and Retaining Talent: Offering modern, easy-to-use tools can make a company more attractive to employees, especially the younger generation entering the workforce who expect digital workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buildkeeper.com a scam?

Based on looking at the website, Buildkeeper.com presents itself as a legitimate cloud-based software solution for contractors, offering detailed features for time tracking, job costing, and invoicing. There is no indication of it being a scam. Portaly.com Reviews

What is Buildkeeper.com used for?

Buildkeeper.com is used by contractors to manage and streamline their time tracking, job costing, and invoicing processes.

It helps them record employee hours, assign costs to specific jobs, and generate professional invoices from anywhere.

Is Buildkeeper.com safe to use for my business data?

Yes, based on the website’s description, Buildkeeper.com emphasizes that it is “Cloud-based” and offers “Secure anytime, anywhere access via the web plus rest easy with routine backups and upgrades,” suggesting a commitment to data security and regular backups.

How does Buildkeeper.com handle time tracking?

Buildkeeper.com handles time tracking through online timecards that employees can fill out from anywhere using their mobile devices iPhone and Android apps available or a web browser.

It allows tracking by job, task, and automatically calculates overtime. Small-steps.com Reviews

Can I approve timecards on Buildkeeper.com?

Yes, Buildkeeper.com offers “Timecard Approvals,” allowing managers to review employee timecards individually or in batches before they are processed for payroll.

Does Buildkeeper.com offer job costing?

Yes, Buildkeeper.com offers job costing as a powerful upgrade.

It allows users to assign all labor and material costs by job to provide real-time insights into profitability.

How does Buildkeeper.com help with invoicing?

Buildkeeper.com provides online invoicing as an upgrade, enabling users to generate professional, branded invoices and email them directly to their customers, streamlining the billing process.

Is Buildkeeper.com accessible on mobile devices?

Yes, Buildkeeper.com is highly accessible on mobile devices. Ping-path.com Reviews

It offers dedicated apps for both iPhone and Android, allowing users to enter hours and submit timecards from their smartphones.

Is Buildkeeper.com a cloud-based solution?

Yes, Buildkeeper.com is a cloud-based solution, meaning there are “No downloads. No installs.

No worries.” Users can access their job numbers and data anywhere via the web.

Does Buildkeeper.com offer a free trial?

Yes, the website indicates that users can “Start a free trial or learn more,” suggesting an opportunity to test the platform before committing.

What kind of reports can I get from Buildkeeper.com?

Buildkeeper.com provides “Real-Time Reports” to help users stay on top of job progress, including live reports for daily activity and budgeted hours remaining. Enveloop.com Reviews

Can Buildkeeper.com help me reduce payroll errors?

Yes, by providing online timecards and an approval system, Buildkeeper.com aims to cut down on costly errors often associated with manual time tracking, thereby helping reduce payroll errors.

Is Buildkeeper.com suitable for small contractors?

Yes, Buildkeeper.com appears to be well-suited for small to medium-sized contractors looking to streamline their operations, as it focuses on essential functions like time tracking and job costing without requiring complex IT setups.

Does Buildkeeper.com sync data automatically?

Yes, Buildkeeper.com “syncs it all together,” indicating that data entered by crew members from different locations is automatically consolidated and synchronized within the system.

What is the primary benefit of using Buildkeeper.com?

The primary benefit of using Buildkeeper.com is to save time, reduce errors, and gain clear financial insights into job profitability for contractors, ultimately helping them run their business more efficiently.

Can I track overtime with Buildkeeper.com?

Yes, Buildkeeper.com’s time tracking feature allows for tracking jobs, tasks, and overtime, making payroll processing more accurate. Skinsort.com Reviews

How does Buildkeeper.com ensure data integrity?

By offering routine backups and being cloud-based, Buildkeeper.com aims to ensure data integrity and prevent data loss, providing peace of mind to users.

Does Buildkeeper.com replace accounting software?

While Buildkeeper.com handles invoicing and job costing, it primarily focuses on time tracking and project financials.

It is typically designed to complement, rather than replace, comprehensive accounting software.

Can I see a history of work done on past jobs?

Yes, Buildkeeper.com provides “Work Calendars” that show a complete history of the work done on past jobs in easy-to-read calendar views.

How does Buildkeeper.com simplify billing?

Buildkeeper.com simplifies billing by allowing users to generate professional, branded invoices directly from the platform and email them to customers, streamlining the entire invoicing process. Elkqr.com Reviews

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