TopBuilder

TopBuilder is designed with customization in mind, especially for construction and real estate businesses. Here are the key customization features:

• Custom Dashboards: Users can create dashboards tailored to their KPIs, such as win rates, bid generation, and profitability.
• Branded Email Templates: Each pricing tier includes a set number of customizable branded email templates (3 in Essentials, 5 in Professional, more in Enterprise).
• Proposal & Quote Builder: Allows users to create professional, branded proposals and quotes that reflect their business identity.
• Role-Based Access: Permissions and access levels can be customized for different team members.
• ERP & CRM Integration: TopBuilder integrates with tools like Sage, Procore, Acumatica, and Viewpoint Spectrum, allowing businesses to tailor workflows to their existing systems.
• Custom Fields & Forms: Users can define custom fields for leads, contacts, and projects to match their internal processes.
• ContractorBI™: A business intelligence tool that lets users generate custom reports and visualizations based on their data.

These features make TopBuilder adaptable for general contractors, specialty contractors, and multi-discipline firms.

TopBuilder’s pricing includes some additional costs beyond the monthly subscription:

1. One-Time Setup Fee

• Applies to all plans, especially when ERP integrations are involved.
• This fee is non-refundable, even during the 60-day risk-free trial.

2. Monthly Subscription Plans

• Essentials: $35/user/month
• Professional: $50/user/month
• Enterprise: $90/user/month

• Billed annually.

3. Add-On Options

• Certain features or integrations may require additional licensing or setup fees, especially in the Enterprise tier.

• Final pricing is often customized based on client requirements.

4. Support & Training

• Included in all plans:
  • Live daily training
  • TopBuilder University (self-guided learning)
  • Email and phone support.

TopBuilder offers a comprehensive onboarding and training program to ensure users can fully leverage the platform:

Training Options

• Live Daily Training: Interactive sessions held every day to walk users through key features and workflows.
• Workshops & Webinars: Regularly scheduled deep dives into specific tools like proposal building, bid management, and CRM usage.
• TopBuilder University: A self-guided learning portal with:
  • Video tutorials
  • Step-by-step guides
  • Feature walkthroughs

• Onboarding Support: Personalized setup assistance during implementation, including data import and system configuration.

Support Channels

• Email & Phone Support: Available during business hours.
• Knowledge Base: Includes FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and best practices.
• Community Resources: Forums and user groups for peer support and shared learning.

This multi-tiered approach ensures that both tech-savvy and non-technical users can get up to speed quickly.

TopBuilder implements several security protocols to safeguard user data, especially given its integration with ERP and financial systems:

Data Protection Features

• Cloud-Based Hosting: Ensures scalability and secure access from any device.
• Role-Based Access Control: Limits data visibility and actions based on user roles, reducing internal risks.
• Encrypted Data Transmission: Uses HTTPS and SSL protocols to protect data in transit.
• Secure Integrations: Works with trusted platforms like Sage, Procore, and Acumatica, which also follow strict security standards.
• Regular Backups: Ensures data recovery in case of system failure or breach.
• Audit Trails: Tracks user activity for accountability and compliance.

Here are some insights based on its platform behavior and industry norms:

• Continuous Improvement: TopBuilder frequently enhances its features, especially in areas like CRM, proposal generation, and ERP integrations. Updates are often rolled out incrementally to improve performance and usability.
• Feature Additions: New tools like ContractorBI™, bid scoring, and advanced email marketing templates have been added over time, suggesting a quarterly or biannual update rhythm.
• Managed Updates:
  • Updates are cloud-based, meaning users receive them automatically without needing manual installation.
  • Users are typically notified of major changes via email or platform alerts.
  • Training materials and webinars are updated to reflect new features.

For mission-critical environments, TopBuilder’s cloud delivery ensures minimal disruption during updates.

TopBuilder’s Terms of Service outline its stance on data ownership and portability:

• Data Ownership:
  • Customers retain ownership of their data entered into the system.
  • However, customizations, enhancements, and modifications made to the software (even jointly with TopBuilder) are owned by TopBuilder.
• Portability:
  • Customers can export data such as leads, contacts, proposals, and reports.
  • Data export is typically available in standard formats like CSV or Excel.
  • There is no mention of automated data migration tools for switching platforms, so manual export/import may be required.
• Access Control:
  • Customers assign unique logins to authorized users.
  • TopBuilder monitors usage to ensure compliance with licensing terms.

TopBuilder allows organizations to scale their usage based on changing needs. Key points include:

• User-Based Licensing: Pricing is per user per month, so scaling up involves adding more users, which are automatically billed.
• Authorized Users: Only employees or contractors of the customer can be assigned user licenses. Each user must have a unique login.
• Reassignment: User logins can be permanently reassigned to another person if needed.
• Monitoring: TopBuilder monitors usage to ensure compliance with the number of licensed users.
• No Downgrade Penalty: While not explicitly stated, scaling down typically involves reducing user count at the next billing cycle. It’s best to confirm with TopBuilder’s support for specific downgrade terms.

TopBuilder’s contract terms include:

• Annual Billing: Subscriptions are billed annually, and renewal charges are processed at the start of each term.
• Automatic Renewal: Contracts renew automatically unless canceled in advance.
• Cancellation Window: Customers have 45 days from the notice of cancellation to return under the same agreement with price protection and no setup fees.
• Post-Cancellation:
  • After 45 days, data is archived.
  • Rejoining requires a new proposal and setup fee.
• Setup Fees: These are non-refundable and apply again if a customer returns after the 45-day window.

These terms emphasize the importance of timely cancellation and renewal decisions to avoid extra costs.

• Data Encryption: Uses HTTPS/SSL for secure data transmission.
• Role-Based Access Control: Ensures only authorized users access sensitive data.
• Audit Trails: Tracks user activity for accountability.
• Secure Integrations: Works with platforms like Sage, Procore, and Acumatica, which themselves meet industry compliance standards.

For organizations with strict compliance needs, it’s advisable to request documentation or certifications directly from TopBuilder.