and get entered to 
- PlanHub
BuildingConnected is one of many bid management platforms out there for preconstruction. And let’s be honest. With so many options, figuring out which one is right for you can feel overwhelming.
Here’s the truth. Choosing the right software isn’t just about comparing a list of features on a website. For most contractors, the old way of handling bids with phone calls, texts, endless email threads, and spreadsheets takes up valuable time and makes it harder to stay organized.
The right platform should cut through that chaos. It should make your day easier, save you time, and actually help you grow your business.
With that in mind, we’ll break down how BuildingConnected and PlanHub compare so you can decide which platform truly fits the way you work.
What is BuildingConnected?
BuildingConnected is Autodesk’s bid management platform, and you’ve probably heard the name if you’ve been in the commercial construction scene. It’s part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud, which means it ties into their other tools.
On paper, BuildingConnected is designed to streamline preconstruction. It helps manage bid invites, compare proposals, track project timelines, and keep communication in one place.
It’s especially popular with larger commercial firms that are already deep in the Autodesk ecosystem.
Who Uses BuildingConnected?
- General contractors who run large teams, manage big projects, and wide subcontractor networks lean on BuildingConnected to post projects, set up bid packages, invite subs, and compare bids.
Subcontractors on the larger end that regularly bid across multiple regions typically use Bid Board Pro, a paid add-on tool that organizes all their invites in one spot. - Owners and developers of enterprise-level projects sometimes use the platform to get visibility into how GCs are managing preconstruction, who’s bidding, and how engaged subs are.
BuildingConnected Key Features
BuildingConnected packs in a lot of tools that are especially appealing to large GCs with big project loads. Here are some of the main highlights:
- Bid invitations & bid packages: GCs can build detailed bid packages with all the project info, files, messages, and bid forms in one place. You can make projects public or private, and packages are reusable for future work.
- Bid leveling & analytics: One of BuildingConnected’s strongest features. GCs can compare proposals by trade, location, or cost, then track performance with dashboards that show win rates, estimator output, and subcontractor responsiveness.
- Subcontractor network: 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. That said, there’s no open directory and no true automatic matching, so it can feel limiting for subs trying to find new opportunities.
- Prequalification (TradeTapp): TradeTapp is an add-on that lets GCs run financial, safety, and performance checks on subcontractors. The system generates a risk score to help decide who’s qualified to bid.
- Integrations: BuildingConnected plays well with Autodesk Build and Docs, Procore, Box, and other platforms. For firms already using Autodesk tools, this makes the workflow feel more connected.
While BuildingConnected has plenty of useful features, contractors do point out some challenges. Smaller and mid-sized firms often find it expensive, harder to learn, and a bit fragmented.
Key tools like prequalification and estimation come as separate add-ons, there’s no open sub directory or automatic matching, and GCs can’t test it out for free. Posting projects can also take more time than expected.
In short, BuildingConnected works best for large GCs already invested in Autodesk. Many smaller contractors end up looking for something simpler and more budget-friendly.
So what do users say after using it in the real world?
BuildingConnected Reviews: What Contractors Really Think
Reviews of BuildingConnected show a clear split. Many GCs like having invites, addenda, and files in one place, plus bid packages and bid leveling that make proposals easier to compare.
Subs using Bid Board Pro say it helps them stay organized and on top of deadlines. And for teams already in the Autodesk ecosystem, integrations are a major plus.
But there are recurring complaints too. Users mention outdated contact info, invites going to the wrong person, and extra steps that slow things down. Pricing comes up often, especially for smaller contractors who struggle with the cost of add-ons like TradeTapp or ProEst.
The overall sentiment:
- Great for large projects, but overwhelming for smaller teams.
- Contact data isn’t always accurate.
- Pricing puts it out of reach for many subs and mid-sized GCs.
Bigger firms tend to see the value, but smaller companies often walk away feeling it’s more complex and expensive than it needs to be. That’s where PlanHub’s simpler, more affordable approach stands out.
What is PlanHub?
PlanHub is a cloud-based preconstruction platform built to help general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers connect, find work, and manage bids without all the headaches. It’s fast, straightforward, affordable, and designed for contractors who don’t want to spend weeks learning a complicated system just to get their projects moving.
Instead of trying to be everything under the sun, PlanHub sticks to what matters most: helping construction pros discover new projects, connect with the right people, and get more bids out the door in less time.
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
PlanHub is built for contractors who want simplicity without sacrificing results. Here’s the core of what it’s packing, and how it helps you get your work done faster:
- Commercial Project Finder & smart matching: Thousands of commercial projects are posted directly by GCs, not scraped from elsewhere. Smart filters (location, trade, project type) power up your search, while auto‑matching ensures subs see jobs that really fit their skills and service area.
- Built-in takeoff & estimation: Do your takeoffs, generate estimates, and submit bids, all within PlanHub. No bouncing between programs. It comes as a bundled tool ($699 for up to 3 seats), and the collection includes a massive cost library (over 92,000 items) and customizable assemblies to speed things up.
- One-click bid management suite: 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.
- Massive directory & relationship tools: Connect with hundreds of thousands of general contractors, subs, and suppliers, then message them directly through PlanHub. Follow contacts, store conversations, and tap into a community that’s built to grow your network.
- Full collaboration & alerts: 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.
- Mobile & remote-ready: The app lets you handle ITBs, check files, bid, and track everything from the field, whether you’re on a phone or tablet.
- Market intelligence & insights: 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.
Features are one thing, but the real test is whether the platform actually makes life easier in the field.
PlanHub Reviews: What Contractors Really Think
When you read through PlanHub reviews, one thing shows up again and again: contractors appreciate how easy it is to use and how much time it saves.
Many subs mention how quickly they were able to find jobs in their trade and area. GCs talk about the stronger coverage they get on bids. And across the board, people point to features like takeoff tools, directory access, and automated bid tracking that make life easier.
Overall, the sentiment sounds like this:
- It’s easy to pick up without heavy training.
- It saves hours by keeping everything in one place.
- It’s especially helpful for small to mid-sized companies looking to grow without adding more tech headaches.
Contractors like that PlanHub gives them a fair shot at more opportunities, and they don’t have to jump through hoops or pay enterprise-level prices to get started.
BuildingConnected Pricing vs. PlanHub Pricing
When comparing PlanHub and BuildingConnected, the difference in pricing models is pretty clear. PlanHub keeps things simple and more affordable, especially for small to midsize contractors.
BuildingConnected, on the other hand, follows more of an enterprise-style model under Autodesk, which often means higher costs, add-ons, and quote-based bundles that aren’t always easy to plan for.
Pricing model:
- PlanHub: Transparent, tiered pricing based on mileage radius and add-on features. GCs can post projects for free, and subs/suppliers get a two-week free trial before choosing a plan that fits their budget.
- BuildingConnected: Enterprise-style pricing that’s tied to company revenue or user count. Pricing varies depending on whether you need Bid Board Pro, TradeTapp, ProEst, or Takeoff tools.
Core features included:
- PlanHub: Project search, smart job matching, bid management, and networking tools included with all plans.
- BuildingConnected: Many key tools (like TradeTapp for prequalification, ProEst for estimating, and Takeoff) are sold separately, which drives up the overall cost.
Free access:
- PlanHub: Free forever for GCs to post projects; free 2-week full access trial for subs and suppliers and a free forever version as part of PlanHub’s ‘fremium’ model.
- BuildingConnected: No freemium option; GCs must be on a paid plan to post projects.
Add-on costs:
- PlanHub: Paid add-ons (but on the same platform) for features like takeoff/estimation, job board, and early-stage project access.
- BuildingConnected: Paid add-ons for TradeTapp, ProEst estimation, and Takeoff are all different softwares living in different places. Implementation and bundles can run thousands extra.
Typical pricing:
- PlanHub: Most paid sub and supplier plans range from about $1,999 to $4,369+ per year, depending on trade, coverage area, and extras. GCs
- BuildingConnected: Overall, contractors report paying anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000+ per year for BuildingConnected, depending on company size and setup.*
Bottom Line: BuildingConnected gives you plenty of firepower, but it comes with an often unpredictable price tag. Smaller contractors can find themselves paying for features they don’t really need.
PlanHub offers a clear, flexible pricing structure that’s easier to budget for. With free access for GCs and affordable, tiered plans for subs and suppliers, it’s a practical choice for contractors who want to grow without locking into high-cost enterprise software.
A Side-by-Side Look
At the end of the day, choosing between PlanHub and BuildingConnected really comes down to what fits your business best. Each platform offers tools to help manage bids and connect with project partners, but they’re built with different types of contractors in mind.
To make the decision clearer, here’s a side-by-side look at how the two stack up.
Which One Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick checklist to help you figure out whether BuildingConnected or PlanHub is the better fit for your business:
What size is your business?
Do you run a smaller team that needs something quick and affordable, or are you a larger business that can benefit from enterprise-level tools and integrations?
How quickly do you want to get started?
Do you want to sign up and start bidding/posting jobs today, or are you okay with demos, onboarding, and training to get everything set up?
How important is pricing transparency?
Would you rather pick from clear, tiered plans with a free trial, or are you comfortable with revenue-based bundles and quote-based pricing?
How do you want subcontractors to access your projects?
Do you want subs to be able to see public opportunities in their area, or do you prefer keeping bids within a controlled invite-only network?
What kind of project access matters most?
Do you want nationwide coverage with trade/location matching, or is a GC-controlled invite list enough for your workflow?
How important is ease of use?
Do you want a platform that’s simple and intuitive with minimal training, or are you okay with something that’s more powerful but comes with a steeper learning curve?
What kind of support do you expect?
Do you value fast, hands-on help and onboarding, or is standard support good enough for your team?
If you’re a large GC with more nuanced workflows and Autodesk in your tech stack, BuildingConnected may check more of your boxes.
If you’re a small to midsize contractor, sub, or supplier that wants a tool that’s easy to learn, budget-friendly, and ready to use right away, PlanHub was built with you in mind.
PlanHub Keeps Contractors Moving Forward, Fast
The reality is this: Most contractors don’t want another system that slows them down.
Both platforms streamline bidding, but PlanHub keeps things straightforward. GCs can post unlimited projects for free. Subs get matched to real jobs in their radius. Suppliers can build relationships that actually turn into contracts. And setup takes minutes, not weeks.
If growth is the goal, PlanHub gives you the right tools to get there faster.
*Based on internal pricing data PlanHub has collected.
