The verdict in three sentences
A custom construction site-management platform costs between 45,000 and 130,000 EUR in 2026 depending on the number of modules (progress, scheduling, time-logging, procurement). It pays off as soon as you run several concurrent sites and overruns erode your margins, because it cuts them by around 20 %. The return on investment materialises within 12 to 24 months for a construction firm of 20 to 150 staff.
What custom site software covers
Unlike a generic suite, custom software mirrors your processes: purchase orders, work situations, retention amounts, geolocated time-logging. The mobile field app is the heart of the system: the site manager records progress, photographs snags and transmits in real time, even on unstable 4G.
| Module | 2026 scope | Range (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Progress tracking + scheduling | Gantt, milestones, S-curve | 12,000 - 28,000 |
| Field time-logging + geoloc | iOS/Android mobile app | 10,000 - 24,000 |
| Procurement & subcontracting | POs, supplier comparison | 8,000 - 20,000 |
| Work situations & billing | Attachments, retention | 9,000 - 22,000 |
| Accounting integration | Sage, Cegid, ERP | 6,000 - 16,000 |
| Margin dashboards | Budget vs actual per lot | 5,000 - 14,000 |
Total cost and timeline
Beyond the initial build, budget for hosting, maintenance and evolution. Maintenance (support contract) covers fixes, security updates and small enhancements.
| Item | 2026 order of magnitude | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Initial development | 45,000 - 130,000 EUR | By modules |
| Delivery time | 5 - 8 months | MVP possible at 3 months |
| Cloud hosting | 150 - 500 EUR/month | By data volume |
| Maintenance | 700 - 1,600 EUR/month | 8-15 % of build/year |
| Team training | 2,500 - 6,000 EUR | One-off |
Mini case study
Mark runs a 60-staff structural works firm in London with 8 concurrent sites. His overruns represent roughly 6 % of a 9M EUR turnover, i.e. 540,000 EUR/year. By cutting overruns 20 % through real-time tracking, he saves 108,000 EUR/year. For software at 85,000 EUR plus 1,200 EUR/month maintenance (14,400 EUR/year), first-year cost reaches 99,400 EUR: ROI is achieved in the first year, after which savings become recurring.
FAQ
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How much is a fast-start MVP?
A first scope (progress + mobile time-logging) ships around 30,000 to 45,000 EUR in 3 months, then grows in increments.
Can it connect to our Sage or ERP accounting?
Yes, accounting integration costs 6,000 to 16,000 EUR depending on the available API and eliminates double entry of work situations.
Does the mobile app work offline?
Yes, offline mode syncs entries once the signal returns; it is essential on poorly-covered sites and adds around 4,000 EUR to the budget.
What overrun reduction should we expect?
2026 feedback places the gain around 15 to 25 % in the first year, mainly via early alerts on budget-vs-actual gaps.
Market SaaS or custom build?
Below 5 sites, a SaaS at 30-60 EUR/user/month is enough; beyond that, custom becomes profitable because it removes seat limits and per-seat subscriptions.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of sites, priority modules and indicative budget: we frame an MVP deliverable in 3 months. 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.
