The verdict in three sentences
A construction SaaS costs EUR 30 to 90 per user per month and deploys in weeks, but you rent a rigid tool that bills you for every new foreman. A custom platform (EUR 40,000 to 120,000) integrates your scheduling, time tracking and field reports with the offline mode that any real job site requires. The tipping point is headcount: past 20 to 25 field users, custom is cheaper than the subscription over three years.
Construction SaaS vs custom: 2026 costs
Vendors bill per user, so the more crews you equip, the higher the invoice. Custom is a fixed investment independent of user count.
| Item | Vendor SaaS | Kolonell custom |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | EUR 1,000 - 5,000 | EUR 40,000 - 120,000 |
| Cost per user/month | EUR 30 - 90 | EUR 0 (owned licence) |
| Deployment time | 2 - 6 weeks | 3 - 6 months |
| Offline field mode | Partial / add-on | Native, robust |
| Geotagged photos | Vendor-dependent | Fully custom |
| Workflow customization | Limited | Total |
| Annual maintenance | Included (subscription) | 15 - 20% of build |
These are 2026 order-of-magnitude figures; they vary with scheduling complexity and integrations (accounting, ERP).
3-year cost by field headcount
The honest comparison uses total cost of ownership (TCO) over 3 years, maintenance included.
| Field users | SaaS at EUR 60/mo (3 yrs) | Custom EUR 70,000 + maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | EUR 21,600 | EUR 98,500 |
| 20 | EUR 43,200 | EUR 98,500 |
| 30 | EUR 64,800 | EUR 98,500 |
| 50 | EUR 108,000 | EUR 98,500 |
| 80 | EUR 172,800 | EUR 98,500 |
| 120 | EUR 259,200 | EUR 98,500 |
At 50 users, custom already drops below the subscription; at 120, the gap exceeds EUR 160,000. Plus the custom licence stays a company asset.
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Mini case study
Marc runs a structural works firm in Toronto and equips 32 people (site managers, foremen, lead workers). On SaaS at EUR 65/mo he pays EUR 24,960/year, nearly EUR 75,000 over 3 years. A custom platform at EUR 75,000, with offline mode and automated end-of-day reports, pays back by year three. Better still, real-time hours tracking cuts timesheet disputes and recovers about 1.5 margin points on EUR 4M of site revenue, i.e. EUR 60,000/year. ROI is reached in under 18 months.
FAQ
Is offline mode really essential? Yes: most sites have unreliable network coverage. Software that syncs photos, time entries and reports as soon as the network returns avoids double entry and lost data, a common flaw of generic SaaS.
Can the software connect to my accounting? Yes, custom integrates with your ledger or ERP via API. Budget EUR 5,000 to 15,000 depending on the number of flows (purchases, hours, work situations).
How long until a custom build is delivered? Between 3 and 6 months for a usable V1, shipping time tracking and site monitoring first, then advanced modules (geotagged photos, PDF reports, Gantt scheduling).
Does a small contractor benefit from custom? Rarely: below 8 to 10 users, a good SaaS stays cheaper. Custom is justified by user volume or a business need the market does not cover.
Who owns the custom code? You do. Unlike a subscription, ownership of code and data is yours, protecting you from price hikes and vendor shutdowns.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your field headcount, your needs (time tracking, scheduling, photos, offline) and an indicative budget, and we will price SaaS vs custom side by side. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
