The verdict in three sentences
Custom construction site management software for a Toronto contractor costs in 2026 between 45,000 and 120,000 EUR, depending on modules (scheduling, time tracking, equipment, progress billing). The timeline is 4 to 8 months, versus a less flexible vertical package at 30-80 EUR/user/month. The main gain: -8 to -15 % on site budget overruns thanks to real-time cost tracking.
Custom or vertical package: the 2026 calculation
Before coding, compare total cost over 3 years. A vertical SaaS looks cheaper up front but is paid monthly and per user.
| Criterion | Vertical construction SaaS | Custom software |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 0 - 5,000 EUR | 45,000 - 120,000 EUR |
| Monthly cost | 30 - 80 EUR / user | maintenance 12-16 %/yr |
| 3-year cost (25 users) | 27,000 - 72,000 EUR | 63,000 - 150,000 EUR |
| Process fit | limited | total |
| Accounting/payroll integration | standard connectors | custom |
| Code ownership | no | yes |
Below 20 users, SaaS is often the right call. Beyond that, or when your processes (progress billing, subcontracting, retention) are specific, custom regains the edge.
The modules that drive the price
Here is a 2026 order of magnitude for a company of 30 to 60 workers and 8 to 15 concurrent sites.
| Module | Key function | Range EUR | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-site scheduling | Crew assignment, Gantt | 8,000 - 18,000 | 4-6 wks |
| Mobile time tracking | Hours, geoloc, offline | 7,000 - 16,000 | 4-6 wks |
| Equipment & fleet | Booking, maintenance | 6,000 - 14,000 | 3-5 wks |
| Progress billing | Completion, invoicing | 10,000 - 24,000 | 6-9 wks |
| Site budget tracking | Costs, real-time margin | 9,000 - 20,000 | 5-8 wks |
| Accounting/payroll integration | ERP, payroll export | 5,000 - 12,000 | 3-5 wks |
Mini case study
Karim runs a structural works company in Toronto, 42 workers, 11 active sites, 9.4 M EUR revenue. His sites overrun on average by 11 % of budget, i.e. about 1 M EUR of margin eroded per year on 8.5 M EUR of work. A real-time budget tracking module plus mobile time tracking bring overruns to 7 % (-4 points), i.e. 340,000 EUR of margin preserved per year. The project, priced at 82,000 EUR, is paid back in under 4 months on this lever alone; add 6 hrs/week saved on timesheet re-entry (about 14,000 EUR/year).
FAQ
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Does mobile time tracking work without a network on site?
Yes, a well-designed module stores hours locally and syncs when the network returns. Budget 7,000 to 16,000 EUR for geolocated, offline time tracking.
Can the software connect to accounting systems?
Yes, via API or standard exchange files. Accounting/payroll integration costs 5,000 to 12,000 EUR and eliminates month-end double entry.
How long to deploy across all sites?
Expect 4 to 8 months for the full scope. A pilot on 2 or 3 sites ships in 6 to 10 weeks to validate field adoption.
How does the software reduce budget overruns?
By comparing committed costs to planned budget in real time, site by site. Early alerts allow action before margin melts, hence the -8 to -15 % observed.
What annual budget after delivery?
Budget 12 to 16 % of project cost per year in maintenance and enhancements, typically 8,000 to 18,000 EUR/year depending on scope.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of sites, field headcount and accounting tools, and we will frame scope, indicative budget and 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.
