and get entered to 
- PlanHub
ConstructConnect is a name you’ll hear a lot when people talk about construction bidding software. And we all know that choosing the right construction bid management platform can make or break your preconstruction process. If you’re weighing options, you’ve probably come across PlanHub too, along with a few others.
ConstructConnect is known for its deep project database and enterprise-level tools, while PlanHub offers a simpler solution built for general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who want to grow fast, minus the tech headache.
Here’s how the two platforms stack up so you can figure out what fits your workflow best.
What is ConstructConnect?
Put simply: ConstructConnect is a data-heavy platform for firms that want depth over simplicity.
It’s a construction project lead and bid management platform built for the commercial market. It helps contractors find work, manage preconstruction, and connect with other pros across the U.S.
At its core, ConstructConnect pulls together a massive database of commercial projects from the planning phase through post-bid. That means users get early insight into what’s coming down the pipeline, not just what’s currently open for bids.
Who Uses ConstructConnect?
- General contractors looking for new projects and subcontractor coverage.
- Subcontractors searching for General Contractor plantakers on projects.
- Suppliers and manufacturers trying to get their products spec’d early.
- Larger firms with dedicated estimating and business development teams.
ConstructConnect Key Features
ConstructConnect offers a wide range of tools for managing leads and preconstruction workflows, but its complexity can be a hurdle for smaller teams or anyone looking for speed and simplicity.
- Project database: Access to thousands of commercial projects across North America, searchable by location, stage, trade, and more. Good coverage, but listings can feel broad and overwhelming as they’re scraped from various sources and may not be in the active bidding stage.
- Lead tracking: Tools to follow projects through planning, design, and bidding phases. Helpful for long-term visibility, but it takes time to sort through what’s actually relevant.
- Bid management: Allows GCs to send and track Invitations to Bid, analyze bid coverage, and prequalify subs. Strong features, though many users say the system isn’t intuitive without lengthy training, and is quite expensive.
- Owned takeoff & estimating tools: Includes PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, QuickBid, and Takeoff Boost. These tools are powerful but they come with high added cost, jumping between disparate interfaces, and a steeper learning curve.
Despite the learning curve and added costs, many construction businesses appreciate ConstructConnect for its extensive project data and its ability to keep teams informed and competitive in the commercial space.
Reviews across the industry reflect both the strengths and the tradeoffs that come with using a feature-rich platform like this.
ConstructConnect Reviews: What People are Saying
When you scour review sites, you can see that ConstructConnect users appreciate the depth of project data, the ability to spot trends early, and their takeoff tool is appreciated.
Many users also praise ConstructConnect for its onboarding support, access to commercial projects, and tools like PlanSwift. Some reviews mention irrelevant leads, price hikes, or a clunky and disjointed user experience, especially for smaller teams.
Overall, the sentiment seems to be:
- It’s a powerful system, but not always easy to learn.
- Some say the interface feels dated or overwhelming.
- Others mention pricing as a sticking point, especially for small or mid-sized firms.
For construction pros who want all the data and have time to learn the system, ConstructConnect can be a solid tool. But for those who want to move faster with fewer moving parts, it might be more than what’s needed.
That’s where PlanHub comes in with a simpler, more focused approach built for speed and ease of use.
What is PlanHub?
PlanHub is a cloud-based preconstruction platform that helps general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers connect, find work, and manage the bidding process from start to finish. It’s designed to be fast, intuitive, and affordable, without the steep learning curve that often comes with more complex systems.
Instead of trying to do everything, PlanHub focuses on what matters most: helping construction professionals discover projects, collaborate easily, and submit more bids with less hassle.
Who Uses PlanHub?
- General contractors who want better bid coverage and a stronger subcontractor network.
- Subcontractors looking to find commercial projects that match their trade and location and receive material quotes from suppliers.
- Suppliers aiming to get their materials specified earlier in the process and build relationships with decision-makers, and submit quotes to GCs and subs.
Most users are small to mid-sized companies that want to grow their business, save time, and get in front of more opportunities without needing a full-time estimator or tech team.
PlanHub Key Features
PlanHub is built to simplify the preconstruction process and help you get to work faster, without sacrificing results. Some of PlanHub’s key features include:
- Project Finder: Search and filter hundreds of commercial projects posted by general contractors (versus scraped from different places) by location, trade, project type, and more. Subcontractors are automatically matched with jobs that fit their profile and work radius.
- Built-in takeoff & estimating tools: Complete takeoffs, generate estimates, and submit bids, all from within the platform. No need to juggle extra software ($699 add-on for 3 seats).
- GC & subcontractor directory: Access a growing network of over 500,000 construction professionals. Message directly through the platform to build relationships and win repeat business.
- Smart ITBs: General contractors can send public or private Invitations to Bid and manage responses in one place. Tools like prequalification and planroom access help streamline communication.
- Productivity features: Bid Board, Job Board, task tracking, and automatic reminders keep your team organized and on top of deadlines so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Free trial & flexible pricing: GCs can post projects for free. Subs and suppliers get a two-week free trial, with paid plans based on mileage radius or market reach.
Contractors who’ve used PlanHub firsthand have a lot to say, especially when it comes to how much time it saves and how easy it is to use.
PlanHub Reviews: What People Are Saying
When you read through PlanHub reviews, one thing stands out, contractors appreciate how easy it is to use, how fast they can get started, and how much time it saves across the board.
Many users mention how quickly they were able to find relevant projects, connect with GCs, and submit bids. Others point to helpful features like the built-in takeoff tools, directory access, and automated bid tracking that keep their workflow moving.
Overall, the sentiment seems to be:
- It’s easy to learn and doesn’t require a ton of training.
- The platform saves time and keeps everything in one place.
- Great for small to mid-sized companies that want to grow without adding more tech headaches.
Contractors love what PlanHub can do, but it’s not just about features, it’s also about what you’re paying for.
ConstructConnect Pricing vs. PlanHub Pricing
ConstructConnect pricing is often quote-based and can vary depending on your region, company size, and the tools you need, which makes it harder to plan for. PlanHub keeps pricing simple and budget-friendly, especially for smaller and growing construction businesses.
Pricing model:
- PlanHub: Transparent, tiered pricing based on mileage range and desired add-on features.
- ConstructConnect: Quote-based pricing that changes by territory, features, and user count.
Core features included:
- PlanHub: Project search, bid management and smart project matching.
- ConstructConnect: Many features require separate tools or licenses, like PlanSwift or QuickBid.
Free access:
- PlanHub: Free for GCs to post projects; 2-week free trial for subs and suppliers.
- ConstructConnect: No free tier; all access is behind a paid plan.
Add-on costs:
- PlanHub: Additional costs for features like takeoff/estimation, job board, and early stage projects.
- ConstructConnect: Additional costs for takeoff, estimating, lead tracking, training, and buyer activity reports.
It’s tough to pin down exactly what you’ll pay for ConstructConnect, because everything runs on quote-based pricing. But from what users have shared, you’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,150 to over $7,500 a year, depending on where you’re located and which tools or add-ons you need.*
With PlanHub, you’ve got more flexibility. GCs can post jobs for free, and if you’re a sub or supplier, you can start with a free trial (or run with the free account with a limited job radius) and then pick a plan that fits your job radius.
Most paid plans run between $1,999 and $4,369+ per year, depending on your trade, coverage area, and whether you’re using extras like Takeoff & Estimation. To see pricing broken down to the exacts, register for a free PlanHub account and navigate to the pricing tab inside the platform.
Bottom line: ConstructConnect gives you a lot of firepower, but it can come with a steep price tag, especially once you start adding on tools. If you’re looking for something more predictable and easier to budget, PlanHub’s straightforward pricing may make a lot more sense for most contractors.
A Side-by-Side Look
At the end of the day, choosing the right preconstruction platform comes down to what works best for your business.
Here’s a quick glance at how PlanHub and ConstructConnect compare across the features that matter most, from ease of use to pricing and support.
Which One Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick checklist to help you figure out which platform is the better fit for how you work, what you need, and what you’re willing to pay for:
What kind of project sources matter to you?
Do you want active, in-bidding-stage projects posted directly by GCs or are you okay with scraped project data at any stage?
How important is the quality of contact info?
Do you want direct contact from the GC running the job or are you okay with generic office lines and plan taker contacts?
How tech-savvy is your team?
Do you want something simple and easy to learn, or are you okay with a steeper learning curve if it means more features?
How important is upfront pricing transparency?
Would you rather pick a plan that fits your budget now, or go through a quote process and piece together the tools you need?
Are you mainly looking for local jobs or national coverage?
Do you want targeted projects in your trade and area, or a broader database you can search yourself?
How much time do you want to spend on setup and training?
Are you looking to get started today or are you prepared to schedule demos and onboarding?
Do you prefer working with platforms that prioritize relationships and collaboration?
Is it important to message GCs, subs, and suppliers directly, or are you focused mostly on data access?
What kind of support do you expect?
Do you want responsive, personalized help when you hit a snag or is basic support enough?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer…
If you’re part of a large estimating team with complex workflows, ConstructConnect might check the boxes. But if you want something clean, affordable, and ready to go, PlanHub was built for contractors like you.
PlanHub Makes It Easy to Get In, Get Set Up, and Get Bidding
Truth is, PlanHub puts contractors in control with a platform that’s built for results, not red tape.
Whether you’re a sub trying to land more local work, a GC who’s tired of chasing down coverage, or a supplier who wants to stay ahead of bid specs, PlanHub gives you the tools you need without all the extra noise.
Sure, ConstructConnect has its place. It’s geared toward bigger firms with dedicated estimating teams and complex workflows. But for most contractors out there, the ones wearing all the hats and trying to grow without breaking the bank, PlanHub may make more sense.
Both platforms are cloud-based and built to streamline bidding, but PlanHub keeps it simple, affordable, and easy to use. You won’t need a week of training or a quote just to get started. Subs get matched to real jobs in their area, GCs can post unlimited projects for free, and suppliers can build relationships that actually lead to sales.
If you’re ready to stop wrestling with software and start winning more work, PlanHub is ready when you are.
*Based on internal pricing data PlanHub has collected.
