The verdict in three sentences
A custom construction management platform lands between 35,000 and 85,000 EUR in 2026, versus 35 to 75 EUR/user/month for a vertical licence. The field mobile app, essential for time tracking and site photos, adds 8,000 to 15,000 EUR and the timeline runs about 12 to 18 weeks. For a London construction SME running 10 to 25 concurrent sites, the 8 hrs/week saved on reports pays back the investment in under 18 months.
How much construction software costs in 2026
The London construction market pits two models against each other: the vertical licence (subscription site-management tools) and custom development that fits your time-tracking, procurement and progress-billing processes. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude for an SME of 15 to 60 staff.
| Item | Vertical licence | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Setup / build | 3,000-9,000 EUR | 35,000-85,000 EUR |
| Per-user cost | 35-75 EUR/month | 0 (owned) |
| Field mobile app | Included (limited) | +8,000-15,000 EUR |
| Process customisation | Limited | Total |
| Go-live timeline | 2-5 weeks | 12-18 weeks |
| Maintenance | Included | 600-1,500 EUR/month |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
Below 8 users the licence is usually cheaper; above 25, custom becomes competitive because the per-user cost disappears.
The modules that shape the quote
A useful site-management tool covers five functional blocks. Each weighs on the quote and the timeline. Here is the 2026 breakdown for a London custom project.
| Module | 2026 range | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Site & resource planning | 7,000-14,000 EUR | 2-3 weeks |
| Time tracking (mobile app) | 8,000-15,000 EUR | 3-4 weeks |
| Procurement & supplier orders | 6,000-12,000 EUR | 2-3 weeks |
| Progress billing & invoicing | 9,000-18,000 EUR | 3-4 weeks |
| Site reports & photos | 5,000-10,000 EUR | 2 weeks |
The progress-billing block is the most sensitive: it links the site to cash flow. Automatic calculation of progress and retention avoids costly invoicing errors.
Mini case study
Mark runs a structural-works SME in London, 28 tradesmen and 4 site managers. Each manager spends 8 hrs/week compiling reports, hours and photos in spreadsheets. At a loaded cost of 45 EUR/hr, that is 4 x 8 x 45 = 1,440 EUR/week, roughly 63,000 EUR/year. A custom platform at 58,000 EUR plus 900 EUR/month maintenance halves that admin time: net saving of about 31,000 EUR in year one, then 42,000 EUR/year. Payback in 16 months.
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FAQ
Is a field mobile app really required?
Yes for real-world use. Time tracking and photos happen on site, often offline: a mobile app with offline mode avoids double entry and saves 3 to 5 hrs/week per manager.
Vertical licence or custom for a 20-person SME?
Above 20 active users, custom becomes competitive: at 60 EUR/user/month, 20 seats cost 14,400 EUR/year, i.e. over 43,000 EUR across 3 years while never owning the tool.
How long to go live?
Allow 12 to 18 weeks for planning + time tracking + progress billing. A time-tracking-only MVP can ship in 6-8 weeks to start field capture sooner.
What maintenance budget should I plan?
Between 600 and 1,500 EUR/month depending on modules and integrations (accounting, payroll). This budget secures regulatory updates and fixes.
Can the software connect to accounting?
Yes, via progress billing and accounting exports. A connector to your accounting software typically costs 4,000 to 8,000 EUR and removes invoicing re-entry.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your sites, the number of managers and your time-tracking and billing needs: we scope the perimeter, an indicative budget and a timeline. 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.
