If you’ve tried Buildertrend or are shopping around for job management software, there’s a good chance it’s felt a bit full-on. Not every platform is built with Kiwi and Aussie tradies in mind. That’s where NextMinute comes in.
NextMinute is a top Buildertrend alternative for small to mid-sized trade businesses in residential construction. It gives you the tools you need to run your jobs smoothly without the clutter or the high price tag.
Built for You and the Crew
Buildertrend has a lot of features, and for some, that’s great. But if you’re running a tight team of 3 to 30, you probably don’t need all the extras that come with enterprise software.
NextMinute is made for the boots-on-ground tradies—builders, landscapers, concreters, pool installers, chippies. You can quote, schedule, track, and invoice without needing to hire a full-time admin just to manage the software.
Easy Job Planning That Makes Sense
NextMinute gives you a drag-and-drop Gantt chart that makes planning jobs simple. You can assign tasks, move timelines around, and keep your crew in the loop (no spreadsheets needed).
Buildertrend has a solid scheduling tool too, but it can feel like overkill if you don’t have someone dedicated to managing it. NextMinute keeps things clear and practical.
Keep an Eye on Job Costs, Live
One of the biggest issues on any build? Budget creep. NextMinute lets you track costs in real time—labour, materials, and supplier invoices all linked to the job.
You can quickly see how actual costs are tracking against your estimates, so you catch problems early. Buildertrend has reporting tools too, but they can be harder to set up and use if you’re not across it all from day one.
Proper Mobile Access for the Whole Team
Your crew’s on the tools, not stuck in the office. NextMinute’s mobile app works well on both iPhone and Android, so everyone on-site can check schedules, log time, add photos, and update tasks without hassle.
Buildertrend has a mobile app too, but many users say it’s better suited to the office side of things. NextMinute keeps the crew on site in focus.
Support That Doesn’t Disappear
You shouldn’t have to pay extra just to learn how to use your software. With NextMinute, you get free setup, ongoing support, and proper help from a local team that actually knows the industry.
Buildertrend offers onboarding too, but ongoing help often comes with extra costs or through third-party partners.
Pricing That Works for Tradies
Buildertrend is powerful, but it can get expensive (especially if you’re not using all the features).
NextMinute keeps things simple. You pay month-to-month, there are no lock-in contracts, and the price adjusts with your business. You only pay for what you need.
So, Which One’s Right for You?
If you’re running a trade business in residential construction and want something that’s easy to use, affordable, and designed with tradies in mind, give NextMinute a crack.
It’s got all the essentials from job planning, quoting and timesheets to invoicing and cost tracking.
Start your free 10-day trial or book a personalised demo to see how it stacks up.
Want the full feature-by-feature breakdown? Check out our full Buildertrend vs NextMinute comparison.
