The verdict in three sentences
For a Montreal real estate developer, spreadsheets hit their limit as soon as several programs run in parallel with dozens of units. Vertical dev-project SaaS (Procore-like, 45-120 CAD/user/mo) covers the basics, while custom software (60 000 to 130 000 CAD) unifies construction tracking, per-unit budget, buyer reservations and draw requests. The decisive gain: issuing draw requests faster directly improves program cash flow.
What development project software costs in Montreal
Budget depends on the number of programs, units and whether you need a buyer portal. 2026 orders of magnitude for a developer running 2 to 5 programs.
| Item | Vertical SaaS | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 0 to 6 000 CAD (setup) | 60 000 to 130 000 CAD |
| Monthly cost | 45 to 120 CAD/user | Maintenance 15 %/yr |
| Buyer portal | limited | 2 000 to 4 700 CAD build |
| Payment/bank integration | connectors | custom |
| Time to go live | 3 to 8 weeks | 4 to 6 months |
| Code ownership | no | yes |
| Multi-program dashboard | standard | fully custom |
For 15 users, a vertical runs 8 100-21 600 CAD/yr. Custom amortizes once cumulative subscriptions exceed the build.
The priority functional scope
Useful development software links money (budget, draws) with the physical side (construction, units). 2026 orders of magnitude for custom effort.
| Module | Effort (days) | Indicative cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Per-program construction tracking | 15 to 25 | 12 000 to 20 000 |
| Per-unit budget and costs | 15 to 22 | 12 000 to 17 600 |
| Buyer reservations | 12 to 18 | 9 600 to 14 400 |
| Draw requests and schedules | 12 to 20 | 9 600 to 16 000 |
| Buyer portal | 12 to 20 | 9 600 to 16 000 |
| Multi-program dashboard | 8 to 12 | 6 400 to 9 600 |
The draw requests + reservations pair is the priority: it steers cash flow and sales, the two lifelines of development.
Mini case study
Mr. Gagnon, a Montreal developer (3 programs, 96 units total), invests 96 000 CAD in custom software plus 1 500 CAD/mo hosting and maintenance. Previously draw requests were prepared manually in spreadsheets, with delays. After 5 months: draw requests are issued twice as fast, reservation rate is tracked in real time, and per-unit budget overruns are caught early. The management team saves 13 h/mo. By accelerating draws across 96 units, the developer materially improves cash flow and cuts bridge-financing needs.
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FAQ
Does it handle draw requests with schedules?
Yes. We model tranches (foundations, structure, delivery) and the software auto-generates per-unit draw requests with reminders. It is the fastest-payback module for cash flow.
Can buyers get access?
Yes, via a secure buyer portal: construction progress, payment schedule, documents and payments. Budget 2 000 to 4 700 CAD for this module.
How long for a first version?
An MVP of construction tracking + per-unit budget + draw requests ships in 3 to 4 months. Full scope with buyer portal takes 4 to 6 months.
Can we reconcile bank transfers and payments?
Yes. We integrate payment reconciliation so transfers are matched automatically against draw requests. Budget depends on the banking connectors required.
What monthly maintenance should we plan?
Maintenance of about 15 %/yr of build cost plus hosting, depending on the number of programs, users and support level.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of programs, units and needs (construction tracking, budget, reservations, draw requests) and we will define a scope with an indicative budget. 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.
