PlanHub

PlanHub suits construction teams that need to find projects and coordinate bids across contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Its strongest case is the combination of opportunity discovery, bid management, and takeoff and estimation; the trade-off is that supplier downloads are restricted on the free trial and several paid tiers use custom pricing.

Overview

PlanHub brings project discovery and bidding together with planrooms, takeoff, and estimation. General contractors can post work and manage bid activity, while subcontractors and suppliers can search for opportunities. Owners and developers are also among its intended users. Founded by contractors in 2008, the company says its digital marketplace followed by 2015; it is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Key features

Project discovery and bid coordination

Search filters by trade, location, keywords, and other criteria, with alerts for relevant projects, make discovery more targeted than simply browsing a broad project feed. General contractors can invite subcontractors, manage bids, and use bid leveling and coverage tools. That combination is useful for coordinating a live bid process, though advanced capabilities depend on the plan.

Takeoff, planrooms, and integrations

PlanHub offers digital takeoff and estimation, with its Estimation tool integrated with Takeoff. Public and private planrooms provide a hub for storing and sharing project documents. The API can connect project data to external CRM, estimating, ERP, and business intelligence tools, making it more relevant to businesses that need those connections than to teams seeking only a standalone bidding tool.

Mobile and support

The subcontractor app is available on Android and iOS, alongside web access and an API platform. US-based sales and support are reachable by phone; General Contractor Premier includes unlimited support tickets. PlanHub also lists partnerships with construction associations and providers of financial, payroll, and procurement services.

Pricing

PlanHub is freemium, with a free plan and free-trial options. Pricing differs by customer type and, for some supplier plans, geographic coverage.

• Essentials (General Contractors): free. It includes project posting, bid management, and basic bid leveling, making it a practical starting point for basic bid coordination. Estimation is a paid add-on.
• Premier (Subcontractors): $1,999 a year for a 50-mile radius, 2,349 USD per year for 100 miles, or 3,299 USD per year for 200 miles. The annual subscription includes unlimited bids; the wider territories cost more, so the 50-mile option suits a more local search while broader coverage carries a higher price.
• Premier (General Contractors): custom pricing. It includes up to 10 seats, Lead Finder, Takeoff, advanced bid coverage, unlimited one-on-one training, a dedicated customer success manager, and unlimited support tickets.
• Pro (General Contractors): custom pricing for up to 5 seats. It adds a national subcontractor and supplier directory, private planroom, prequalification, advanced bid leveling, and collaboration tools.
• Enterprise (General Contractors): custom pricing for unlimited seats, Project and Directory APIs, nationwide Lead Finder, custom CRM, concierge service, and custom reports.
• Enterprise (Subcontractors): custom pricing for national reach and unlimited projects across the PlanHub network; it is aimed at teams with 3 or more users.
• Pro (Suppliers): custom pricing on an annual subscription, determined by geographic coverage; access is regional or radius-based.
• Nationwide (Suppliers): custom pricing, with access to projects and contractors across the network and 5 seats included.

Supplier trial downloads are limited, whereas Pro includes unlimited downloads and broader directory access. That makes the trial a constrained way to assess supplier opportunities rather than a substitute for ongoing access.

Platforms

PlanHub supports web, Android, iOS, and API access. Its subcontractor mobile app is specifically available on Android and iOS.

Who it's for

General contractors looking to post projects, manage bids, and compare offers can start with free Essentials, then weigh the paid tiers for more seats, coverage, takeoff, and support. Subcontractors seeking unlimited bids and a defined territory have a clear annual Premier option. Suppliers should consider whether the trial's limited downloads are enough for evaluation before choosing a territory-priced subscription. Teams needing nationwide reach, integrations, or broader directory access are better matched to the custom-priced tiers.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Project search filters and alerts help target opportunities by trade and location; bid management combines invitations, leveling, and coverage; takeoff and estimation are integrated; and the API can connect project data to business systems.
• Cons: Essentials does not include estimation; supplier trial downloads are limited; supplier pricing varies by territory; and custom pricing on several tiers makes costs harder to compare up front.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Construction Bid Management Software.

• SmartBid may suit teams that want annual user-scaled access, with invited subcontractors able to bid or prequalify at no cost.
• BidNet Direct is worth considering for agencies seeking member-agency opportunities, with a free Basic plan for browsing and submitting bids and real-time matches.
• BidDock is another freemium web option with a free tier and paid Starter and Professional plans.
• EstimateOne Tender Management may fit builders seeking public and private project management, quote tracking, and a private address book; its Builder Core is A$6,000 a year (+GST, billed annually).
• KNTRCTR offers invited bidders a free way to open jobs, ask questions, and submit bids.
• BidPlanroom is an alternative with a General Contractor plan at $149 a month, including project listings and planroom storage.
• Pantera Tools is a freemium option available on web, iOS, and Android.
• BuildTools Bidding is aimed at custom home builders and remodelers, with a Starting package at $499 a month on a 12-month commitment, billed monthly, and guided onboarding.

Verdict

Choose PlanHub if your construction workflow depends on finding opportunities and coordinating bids, with takeoff, planrooms, and integrations available as needs grow. Free Essentials is a credible starting point for basic general-contractor bid management, but estimation costs extra and suppliers face limited trial downloads. Look elsewhere if you need clearer pricing across advanced plans or supplier access without territory-based costs.