State Contractor Licensing Website

What it is: Your official state licensing authority

Best for: Every contractor

Link: Search “[Your State] contractor license”

Start here: Verify requirements → apply or renew → save login info

Next Insurance (General Liability)

What it is: Simple online business insurance for contractors

Best for: New to growing contractors

Link: Next Insurance

Start here: Select your trade → choose general liability → get proof of insurance

Hiscox Business Insurance

What it is: Contractor-focused liability and small business coverage

Best for: Contractors needing flexible coverage

Link: Hiscox

Start here: Get a quote → compare limits → download COI

Local CPA (Finder Tool)

What it is: Professional tax and setup guidance

Best for: First-year contractors

Link: AICPA – Find a CPA

Start here: Find CPA → book setup consult → ask about quarterly taxes

Business Checking Account (Chase / Local Credit Union)

What it is: Separate bank account for business income and expenses

Best for: Every contractor

Link: Chase Business

Start here: Open account → deposit all job payments here only

Wave Invoicing

What it is: Free invoicing and basic accounting software

Best for: New contractors

Link: Wave

Start here: Create invoice → send to customer → track paid/unpaid

QuickBooks Online

What it is: Industry-standard small business accounting

Best for: Growing contractors

Link: QuickBooks Online

Start here: Connect bank → categorize transactions weekly

Expensify

What it is: Receipt capture and expense tracking

Best for: Contractors with lots of receipts

Link: Expensify

Start here: Scan receipts → sync monthly

Google Calendar

What it is: Simple scheduling and time visibility

Best for: Every contractor

Link: Google Calendar

Start here: Block work hours → block personal time

Toggl Track

What it is: Simple time tracking app

Best for: Understanding where time goes

Link: Toggl Track

Start here: Track one week → review patterns

Google Voice

What it is: Dedicated business phone number

Best for: Solo contractors

Link: Google Voice

Start here: Choose number → use only for business

Google Workspace Email

What it is: Professional email tied to your domain

Best for: Credibility and organization

Link: Google Workspace

Start here: Create email → stop using personal inbox

Jobber (Estimates Only)

What it is: Field service software with clean estimates

Best for: Contractors wanting professional proposals

Link: Jobber

Start here: Create estimate → send PDF → require approval

Google Drive

What it is: Cloud storage for documents and photos

Best for: Every contractor

Link: Google Drive

Start here: Create folders → store every job file here

Suggested folders: Jobs / Estimates / Invoices / Receipts / Reference Photos

Google Business Profile

What it is: Free local listing that shows up in Google Search and Maps

Best for: Every contractor

Link: Google Business Profile

Start here: Claim listing → add services → add hours → upload 5 real job photos

Google Reviews (Built-In to GBP)

What it is: Customer reviews tied to your Google listing

Best for: Trust and credibility

Link: Managed inside Google Business Profile

Start here: Ask 3 recent customers → send review link → reply to each review

Carrd

What it is: One-page website builder

Best for: New contractors who just need a presence

Link: Carrd

Start here: Choose simple template → add services, city, contact info

Squarespace

What it is: Website builder with hosting included

Best for: Contractors wanting a clean multi-page site

Link: Squarespace

Start here: Pick service template → add About, Services, Contact

WordPress + Hosting (Optional)

What it is: More flexible website platform

Best for: Contractors planning content later

Link: WordPress.org

Start here: Install → keep theme simple → avoid plugin bloat

Yelp (Selective Use)

What it is: Local business directory

Best for: Service-area businesses

Link: Yelp

Start here: Claim listing → fill basics → ignore ads initially

Nextdoor

What it is: Neighborhood-based social platform

Best for: Residential contractors

Link: Nextdoor

Start here: Claim business → answer local questions → no selling

Contact Form (Website or Jobber)

What it is: Simple way for customers to reach you

Best for: Reducing missed leads

Link: Use built-in website form or Jobber form

Start here: Test submission → confirm notifications work

Jobber (Estimates & Quotes)

What it is: Clean estimating and proposal software for contractors

Best for: Most service and small project contractors

Link: Jobber

Start here: Create basic service template → customize per job → require approval

ContractorTools

What it is: Mobile estimating and invoicing app

Best for: On-site estimating

Link: ContractorTools

Start here: Build item list → save common tasks

Joist

What it is: Simple estimates and invoices from your phone

Best for: Solo contractors

Link: Joist

Start here: Create first estimate → send PDF

STACK (Takeoff & Estimating)

What it is: Cloud takeoff + estimating platform

Best for: Contractors who bid from plans regularly

Link: STACK

Start here: Upload one plan set → run one takeoff → export estimate

PlanSwift (Takeoff)

What it is: Desktop takeoff software

Best for: Estimators who prefer desktop workflow

Link: PlanSwift

Start here: Start with one trade → build assemblies as you go

Bluebeam Revu (PDF Markup + Takeoff-ish)

What it is: PDF markup and measurement tool

Best for: Contractors who live in PDFs

Link: Bluebeam

Start here: Learn measurements + tool sets → standardize your markup

Markup vs Margin Calculator (OMNI Calculator)

What it is: Calculator to understand profit correctly

Best for: Every contractor

Link: OMNI Markup Calculator

Start here: Enter sample numbers → see real margin

Markup & Profit (Core Concepts)

What it is: Core pricing education used across trades

Best for: Contractors confused about pricing

Link: Search “construction markup vs margin”

Start here: Learn difference → apply to one job

QuickBooks Online (Job Costing)

What it is: Accounting software with job tracking

Best for: Contractors running multiple jobs

Link: QuickBooks Online

Start here: Assign expenses to jobs → review monthly

Knowify

What it is: Job costing and project tracking for contractors

Best for: Trades and remodelers

Link: Knowify

Start here: Track labor + materials → review job profit

RSMeans Data

What it is: Cost data reference used across construction

Best for: Pricing sanity checks and budgeting

Link: RSMeans

Start here: Use to reality-check assumptions (not to price blindly)

Craftsman Book Company (Estimating Books & Pricing Guides)

What it is: Trade-friendly estimating references

Best for: Contractors who want a baseline and templates

Link: Craftsman Book

Start here: Pick one estimating book for your trade → use as baseline

Wave Invoicing

What it is: Free invoicing with payment tracking

Best for: New contractors

Link: Wave

Start here: Invoice immediately → set due dates

Stripe

What it is: Online payment processing

Best for: Credit card payments

Link: Stripe

Start here: Connect bank → add payment link to invoice

Square

What it is: In-person and online payments

Best for: On-site work

Link: Square

Start here: Set up reader → accept card payments

Jobber (Job Management)

What it is: Job tracking, scheduling, and client communication

Best for: Service and small project contractors

Link: Jobber

Start here: Create job → attach estimate → schedule work

Trello

What it is: Simple visual task and job tracking

Best for: Contractors who prefer simple boards

Link: Trello

Start here: Create board → columns: Leads / Scheduled / Done

CompanyCam

What it is: Photo documentation built for contractors

Best for: Proof, disputes, and organization

Link: CompanyCam

Start here: Take before/during/after photos → tag by job

Google Photos (Job Albums)

What it is: Cloud photo storage

Best for: Simple documentation

Link: Google Photos

Start here: Create album per job → upload photos same day

Jobber Client Hub

What it is: Client portal for approvals, invoices, and messages

Best for: Reducing back-and-forth

Link: Included with Jobber

Start here: Invite client → keep communication in one place

Google Calendar (Shared)

What it is: Shared scheduling for you and crew

Best for: Small teams

Link: Google Calendar

Start here: Share calendar → block jobs clearly

Clockify

What it is: Simple time tracking for crews

Best for: Labor awareness

Link: Clockify

Start here: Track job hours → review weekly

NiceJob

What it is: Automated review requests

Best for: Contractors who forget to ask for reviews

Link: NiceJob

Start here: Connect Google → send review requests automatically

Canva

What it is: Simple design tool for posts and graphics

Best for: Non-designers

Link: Canva

Start here: Use one brand template → reuse it

Smartphone Camera

What it is: Your phone camera

Best for: Job photos and short videos

Link: Built-in

Start here: Take 1 before + 1 after photo per job

Instagram (Optional)

What it is: Visual platform for sharing work

Best for: Residential and design-forward trades

Link: Instagram

Start here: Post finished work occasionally → no daily commitment

Facebook Business Page

What it is: Business presence tied to Facebook

Best for: Local trust and visibility

Link: Facebook for Business

Start here: Fill out profile → link website → stop overposting

CompanyCam

What it is: Contractor-focused photo documentation

Best for: Proof, disputes, organization

Link: CompanyCam

Start here: Take before/during/after photos → tag by job

Google Drive (Job Folders)

What it is: Central storage for job documentation

Best for: Every contractor

Link: Google Drive

Start here: Store photos, estimates, invoices per job

CapCut

What it is: Simple video editing app

Best for: Basic trimming and captions

Link: CapCut

Start here: Trim clip → add text → export

Simple File Naming Convention

What it is: A consistent naming habit (so files are findable later)

Best for: Long-term sanity

Example: ClientName_Date_Description

Start here: Rename files the same day

Contracting Simplified Podcast

What it is: Calm, practical guidance for the next generation of contractors

Best for: Contractors who want clarity without hype

Link: Contracting Simplified Podcast

Start here: Begin with foundational episodes → listen during work or drive time

The Modern Craftsman Podcast

What it is: Real conversations with working craftsmen

Best for: Perspective and encouragement

Link: The Modern Craftsman Podcast

Start here: Listen during drive time

Fine Homebuilding Podcast

What it is: Craft and building science discussions

Best for: Skill depth

Link: Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Start here: Pick relevant episodes only

Profit First (Mike Michalowicz)

What it is: Cash flow mindset for small businesses

Best for: Money clarity

Link: Profit First

Start here: Apply one principle at a time

The E-Myth Contractor (Michael E. Gerber)

What it is: Systems thinking applied to contracting businesses

Best for: Contractors stuck working in the business

Link: E-Myth

Start here: Focus on systems, not scale

Markup & Profit (Michael Stone)

What it is: Practical pricing and profit education for contractors

Best for: Contractors undercharging without realizing it

Link: Markup & Profit

Start here: Learn true overhead → correct pricing

The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling (Charlie Wing)

What it is: Clear, illustrated building reference

Best for: Remodelers and GCs who want better building knowledge

Link: Search “Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling Charlie Wing”

Start here: Use it as a jobsite reference

Fine Homebuilding (Magazine / Books)

What it is: Craft-first building education

Best for: Contractors who want to raise quality over time

Link: Fine Homebuilding

Start here: Read to improve details, not compare yourself

High Output Management (Andrew S. Grove)

What it is: Practical management thinking

Best for: Owners starting to lead people and systems

Link: Search “High Output Management Andy Grove”

Start here: Apply one concept at a time

The Checklist Manifesto (Atul Gawande)

What it is: How simple checklists reduce mistakes

Best for: Any contractor building repeatable processes

Link: Search “The Checklist Manifesto”

Start here: Make one checklist for your most common job

The Goal (Eliyahu M. Goldratt)

What it is: Thinking clearly about constraints and flow

Best for: Owners overwhelmed by bottlenecks

Link: Search “The Goal Goldratt”

Start here: Read for perspective, not tactics

Essentialism (Greg McKeown)

What it is: Doing less, but better

Best for: Contractors spread too thin

Link: Essentialism

Start here: Identify what to remove, not add

Local Trade Associations

What it is: Regional peer connection and in-person learning

Best for: Community without algorithms

Link: Search “[Your Trade] association near me”

Start here: Attend one meeting → no obligation

AIA Contract Documents

What it is: Widely-used construction contract templates

Best for: Bigger remodels / projects where standard forms are expected

Link: AIA Contract Documents

Start here: Choose the simplest owner-contractor agreement that fits your job

ConsensusDocs

What it is: Standard construction contracts designed for collaboration

Best for: Contractors who want fair, balanced templates

Link: ConsensusDocs

Start here: Start with a core agreement → add exhibits as needed

EJCDC Contract Documents

What it is: Standard documents used in engineering / public works contexts

Best for: Sitework, utilities, civil-type projects

Link: EJCDC

Start here: Use when the job is designed around EJCDC language

DocuSign

What it is: E-signatures for estimates and agreements

Best for: Getting approvals without chasing paper

Link: DocuSign

Start here: Upload agreement → add signature fields → send

HelloSign (Dropbox Sign)

What it is: Lightweight e-sign tool

Best for: Approvals, change orders, waivers

Link: Dropbox Sign

Start here: Use for approvals, change orders, and waivers

Levelset (Lien Waivers & Payment Protection)

What it is: Payment protection tools (waivers, notices, lien help)

Best for: Contractors who want fewer payment surprises

Link: Levelset

Start here: Learn lien rules in your state → use correct waiver forms

Gusto

What it is: Payroll + basic HR for small teams

Best for: Contractors hiring their first employees

Link: Gusto

Start here: Run your first payroll → enable tax filings

QuickBooks Payroll

What it is: Payroll that integrates with QuickBooks

Best for: Contractors already using QuickBooks

Link: QuickBooks Payroll

Start here: Connect to QBO → set pay schedules

Homebase

What it is: Scheduling + time tracking + payroll for hourly teams

Best for: Crews with hourly workers

Link: Homebase

Start here: Add team → set schedules → track time

ADP RUN

What it is: Established payroll provider

Best for: More traditional payroll setup

Link: ADP

Start here: Compare pricing → confirm contractor-friendly support

Indeed

What it is: Job posting and hiring marketplace

Best for: Entry-level and mid-level hires

Link: Indeed

Start here: Write a clear job post → screen for attitude + reliability

Facebook Jobs / Local Trade Groups

What it is: Local hiring through community

Best for: Relationship-based hiring

Link: Facebook Jobs

Start here: Post once → ask for referrals

ChatGPT

What it is: Writing and thinking assistant

Best for: Drafting emails, scope notes, follow-ups, checklists

Link: ChatGPT

Start here: Ask it to rewrite your estimate notes into a clear scope of work

Grammarly

What it is: Writing clarity assistant

Best for: Emails, proposals, customer communication

Link: Grammarly

Start here: Run your estimate text through it before sending

STACK Assist

What it is: Chat with construction documents inside STACK

Best for: Estimators bidding from plan sets

Link: STACK Assist

Start here: Ask plan questions → verify sheet references

Autodesk Construction Cloud – AI / Assistant

What it is: AI features inside Autodesk’s construction workflows

Best for: Teams already using Autodesk tools

Link: Autodesk AI in Construction

Start here: Use it to find spec items faster and reduce searching

Procore Assist / Procore AI

What it is: AI features inside Procore (search, summarization, workflows)

Best for: Companies already running Procore

Link: Procore Assist

Start here: Use it to pull answers from project data faster