PlanHub vs. BuildingConnected
Comparing Open Market Bidding and Invite-Driven Network
Break into new markets and scale your business with instant connection to dozens of contractors and subcontractors with PlanHub. BuildingConnected can be great for large enterprises, but PlanHub brings easy, expansive access without the excessive overhead.
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PlanHub vs. BuildingConnected
At a Glance
PlanHub
The top choice for contractors scaling their business or entering new regions, subcontractors looking for a shot at winning more work, suppliers who want to build connections and find more work, and anyone seeking an all-in-one bidding and preconstruction platform.
BuildingConnected
Helpful for enterprise general contractors, often $50M+ in annual revenue, who need strict prequalification workflows and are already deep in the Autodesk ecosystem, subcontractors who regularly bid across multiple regions, and owners and developers of enterprise-level projects.
Why GCs Switch
Users often switch from the BuildingConnected platform because of “Price creep,” which often results from Autodesk raising rates, or because contractors can’t see jobs if they’re not already invited and on a specified list.
The Difference Between Open Market and Invite-Only
BuildingConnected
BuildingConnected is Autodesk’s bid management platform, which ties into its other tools. BuildingConnected is helpful for bid management and is a well-known tool for enterprise contractors with large networks of who they want to bid, but if you’re a smaller enterprise or looking to expand into wider markets, it’s harder to break through and get your money’s worth. If a GC doesn’t know you exist, you can’t bid.
Who Uses BuildingConnected?
- General contractors who run large teams, manage big projects, and have existing wide subcontractor networks
- Subcontractors that regularly bid across multiple regions with the Bid Board Pro paid add-on
- Owners and developers of enterprise-level projects for visibility into GC management
BuildingConnected Key Features
Bid invitations & Bid Packages
GCs can build detailed bid packages with all the project info, files, messages, and bid forms in one place.
GCs can compare proposals by trade, location, or cost, then track performance with dashboards that show win rates, estimator output, and subcontractor responsiveness.
There’s a large database of subs, and the platform suggests “Best Match” contractors based on past bidding activity in the same trade and location but with no open directory and no true automatic matching.
TradeTapp is an add-on that lets GCs run financial, safety, and performance checks on subcontractors, generating a risk score to help decide who’s qualified to bid.
Plays well with Autodesk Build and Docs, Procore, Box, and other platforms, making the workflow feel more connected for firms already using Autodesk tools.
PlanHub
As a BuildingConnected alternative, PlanHub allows general contractors and subcontractors to search for projects by trade and region, granting access to thousands of jobs where the general contractor is actively seeking new bids, not just looking at their current phone book. PlanHub is an active marketplace where you reach an expansive network of contractors and subcontractors, allowing you to instantly expand into new markets.
Who Uses PlanHub?
- General contractors who want better bid coverage, stronger sub relationships, and a quick way to post projects.
- Subcontractors who are looking for commercial projects that match their trade and location – and want a fair shot at winning more work.
- Suppliers who want to get their materials specified earlier, build connections with decision-makers, and send quotes directly to GCs and subs.
PlanHub Key Features
Thousands of commercial projects are posted directly by GCs, while smart-filtering and auto‑matching ensure subs see jobs that fit their skills and service area.
Do your takeoffs, generate estimates, and submit bids, all within PlanHub, featuring a massive cost library (over 92,000 items) and customizable assemblies to speed things up.
GCs get tools like an in‑platform “virtual bid coordinator,” shareable project pages, public or private plan rooms, smart bid boards, and integrated leveling, so everything from invites to tracking live responses is in one place.
Connect with hundreds of thousands of general contractors, subs, and suppliers, then message them directly through PlanHub.
Manage RFIs, share docs, follow bid statuses, and get custom alerts when opportunities match your profile. The dashboards show views, bids, market activity, and more so you know where you stand.
The app lets you handle ITBs, check files, bid, and track everything from the field, whether you’re on a phone or tablet.
Track engagement with your projects (who’s looking, bidding, winning) and use that data to refine your strategy so you’re not wasting your time on more competitive opportunities.
PlanHub vs. BuildingConnected: A Side-by-Side Breakdown
Category
PlanHub
BuildingConnected
Overview
All-in-one preconstruction platform for GCs, subs, and suppliers with an emphasis on ease and efficiency
Preconstruction platform built for large GCs, focused on managing sub networks and Autodesk integrations
Ease of Use
Intuitive, user-friendly interface with minimal training required
Sleek design with some features that may require training, especially with Autodesk integrations
Speed to Get Started
Start using PlanHub tools almost immediately
Longer onboarding process with training often recommended for full adoption
Project Access
Nationwide coverage with public project access; subs can find opportunity without an invite
Access is primarily through GC invites and visibility often depends on being a part of a GC’s network
Collaboration
Messaging, directories, smart ITBs, and planrooms designed for open connections
Strong for GCs managing preferred subs and project-specific communication
Features & Tools
Project Finder, Bid Board, Job Board, takeoff & estimation, task tracking, job matching, and automated bid reminders
Bid Board Pro, TradeTapp, ProEst, Takeoff, and advanced bid leveling for GCs
GC Cost
PlanHub allows free unlimited posting with transparent paid subscriptions starting at $1,399 for advanced features
Paid subscription required to post jobs with quote-based pricing for all features that typically starts around $3,600
Support
Widely noted for quick response times and accessible onboarding
Support available, with some users reporting varying response times depending on account size
Project Discovery
Search & bid on any project
Invite-based platform with a limited network for each project
Takeoff Tools
Search & bid on any project
Sold separately with necessary integrations through Autodesk and other toolsnvite-based platform with a limited network for each project
Implementation Time
Up-and-running in minutes (Self-serve)
Often takes several weeks between sales demos and setup
Best For
Small-to-mid-sized contractors and suppliers looking to scale with an affordable, easy-to-use option
Larger GCs with established sub networks and firms already using Autodesk Construction Cloud
Tremendous Value Rolled Into One Platform
PlanHub packs dozens of useful features into a single platform, streamlining the pathway from bid submission through planning and estimation to project management. BuildingConnected is great for big enterprise contractors with a pre-existing network, but PlanHub lowers the overhead costs and barriers to entry for contractors and suppliers alike.
General Contractors
- Post unlimited projects for free, with no paywall.
- Instantly reach 400,000+ subcontractors and 30,000+ suppliers and review bids all in one organized place.
- Easily transition into even more value with additional features like takeoff and estimation tools.
Subcontractors
- Sign up and start finding new projects in your area, even if you’ve yet to build a network.
- Automatically match with your preferred opportunities, without the uphill battle to get recognized on platforms like BuildingConnected.
- Manage RFIs, share docs, follow bid statuses, and get alerts when opportunities match your profile, all in one place.
Suppliers
- Easily access a directory of hundreds of thousands of contractors looking for suppliers, and message them through PlanHub.
- Get instant notifications for contractors inviting you to bid and use integrated productivity tools to build them out.
- Access custom pricing templates and cost libraries to share and compare estimates
BuildingConnected Pricing vs. PlanHub Pricing
PlanHub offers more to general contractors upfront. General Contractors post projects for free, without needing to pay thousands of dollars to access “Pro” tools, making it pe
PlanHub
- $0 to post projects. Always.
- Two-week free trial period for bigger plans
- Clear and transparent pricing tiers for integrated feature add-ons, depending on your needs
- Add-ons like takeoff tools, estimation, job board, and early-stage project access all integrated in one platform
- Plans ranging from about $1,999 to $4,369 per year*
BuildingConnected
- No “freemium” option; paid plan necessary for general contractors to access any features
- Opaque pricing with often unnecessary bundled tools
- Enterprise-style pricing tied to company revenue or users and varies depending on types of tools
- Many tools, like TradeTapp, ProEst estimation, and Takeoff sold separately, driving up costs
- Plans range between $5,000 and $15,000+*
*Based on internal pricing data PlanHub has collected.
PlanHub Brings Users Clarity, Not Complexity
-Candida M. |
“Solid platform! Easy to post projects and gather subs. During their operating hours, tech support is on point. Quick to answer questions. Follow through is A+.
-Chris R.. |
“PlanHub is an amazing tool. It helps us grow as a company, reach more contractors, increase our visibility, and have the opportunity to participate in large commercial projects
-Andrea D |
“My overall PlanHub experience has been amazing. The rep has been the person helping me. She goes above and beyond to help make sure we get coverage. The rep is truly the final reason we have decided to make PlanHub our number one product.”
-Sasha T. |
“BuildingConnected is a bit expensive and seems to go up every year without adding much additional functionality.“
-Ashley V.
Which One Is Right For You?
Are you a large general contractor with more nuanced workflows and Autodesk already in your tech stack? Or, are you looking for a budget-friendly tool you can use right away? If you’re the first, BuildingConnected may check more of your boxes. If you’re the second, PlanHub was built with you in mind.
Features
PlanHub
BuildingConnected
Collaborative Tools for Crafting and Reviewing Bids
Included
Not Included
Low Overhead for Smaller Teams
Included
Not Included
Skip the Demos and Start Posting Jobs Today
Included
Not Included
Robust Free Access
Included
Not Included
Ease of Use, Minimal Training
Included
Not Included
Invite Free, Nationwide Coverage
Included
Invite only
Integrated Planroom Tools
Included
Through Autodesk and add-ons
Transparent Pricing with Clear Tiered Plans
Included
Quote-based pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
No, BuildingConnected features for inviting and managing subs are paid, whereas PlanHub is free for general contractors to post jobs.
No, BuildingConnected is an invite-driven platform, which means only subcontractors who have already been invited can see projects.
PlanHub offers its own planroom, takeoff, and estimation tools to allow contractors access to one cohesive toolkit. For general contractors and subcontractors who are scaling their efforts, this offers incredible value for end-to-end project success.
Don’t sacrifice quality for convenience when you can have both. Start using PlanHub to start making connections in an expansive network of thousands of professionals and enjoy complete control over the projects you take on based on your goals.
✔ General Contractors can post unlimited projects for free.
✔ Subcontractors get matched to real jobs in their radius.
✔ Suppliers build relationships that actually turn into contracts.
