FAQ
Questions subcontractors ask us.
Everything about Sub-Office, from proposals and progress billing to pricing, security and getting started.
Sub-Office is a specialized project management software designed specifically for construction subcontractors. Unlike generic construction software, Sub-Office focuses on the unique workflows of specialty contractors including:
- Proposal creation and management
- AIA-style pay applications
- Change order tracking
- Daily logs and timesheet management
- Financial reporting for subcontractor-specific needs
Sub-Office streamlines these processes at a fraction of the cost of enterprise solutions, making professional project management accessible to subcontractors of all sizes.
Subcontractor Software Basics
Sub-Office stands apart from other construction management solutions in several key ways:
- Subcontractor-focused: Built specifically for specialty contractors rather than general contractors or owners
- Affordable pricing: $25 per user per month, a fraction of what enterprise construction platforms charge
- Streamlined interface: Includes only the features subcontractors actually need, eliminating bloat and complexity
- Quick implementation: Can be set up in minutes rather than requiring extensive training or implementation services
- Specialized workflows: Optimized for subcontractor-specific processes like progress billing and change order management
Sub-Office delivers the perfect balance of functionality and simplicity at a price point that makes sense for subcontractor businesses.
Subcontractor Software Basics
Yes! Sub-Office is designed to work for subcontractors across all specialty trades including:
- Electrical contractors
- Plumbing contractors
- HVAC contractors
- Drywall and framing contractors
- Flooring installers
- Painting contractors
- Concrete contractors
- Masonry contractors
- Roofing contractors
- And many more specialty trades
Sub-Office's flexible system adapts to the unique requirements of different trades while maintaining the core functionality that all subcontractors need for project management, financial tracking, and client communication.
Subcontractor Software Basics
Sub-Office streamlines the proposal creation process with several key features:
- Customizable templates: Professional, trade-specific templates you can brand with your company logo and information
- Item library: Save commonly used services and materials for quick addition to proposals
- Cost estimating tools: Calculate labor, materials, and overhead with built-in formulas
- Multiple delivery options: Send proposals via email, generate PDFs, or provide client access through a secure portal
- Revision tracking: Maintain complete history of proposal versions and changes
With Sub-Office, you can create polished, professional proposals in minutes rather than hours, helping you win more business while spending less time on paperwork.
Proposal & Estimating
Absolutely! One of Sub-Office's most powerful features is the seamless transition from proposal to active project. When your proposal is accepted:
- Simply click "Convert to Project" on any proposal
- All proposal details, line items, and client information are automatically transferred to a new project
- The system creates a project schedule based on your proposal timeline
- Budget items are established for financial tracking
- The client is notified and given appropriate access permissions
This seamless workflow eliminates double-entry and ensures that all project details match the approved proposal, reducing errors and saving significant administrative time.
Proposal & Estimating
Sub-Office simplifies progress billing with AIA-style pay applications designed for subcontractors:
- AIA-style pay applications: Create pay applications in the familiar summary and continuation-sheet format that general contractors expect
- Progress tracking: Easily update completion percentages for each line item
- Continuation sheets: Automatically generate detailed continuation sheets for complex projects
- Previous application data: The system remembers previous billing information to keep every application consistent
- Change order integration: Approved change orders automatically appear in your pay applications
Sub-Office takes the headache out of progress billing, so your pay applications are accurate, consistent and ready to submit.
AIA is a registered trademark of The American Institute of Architects. Sub-Office is not affiliated with or endorsed by the AIA and does not provide official AIA Contract Documents.
Invoicing & Payment Applications
Sub-Office provides comprehensive change order management specifically designed for subcontractors:
- Change request tracking: Document initial change requests from clients or general contractors
- Detailed estimating: Create accurate cost estimates for proposed changes
- Approval workflow: Track the status of each change order through the approval process
- Contract integration: Automatically update contract values when change orders are approved
- Billing integration: Approved change orders flow seamlessly into your AIA-style pay applications
With Sub-Office, you'll never lose track of a change order again. The system ensures all changes are properly documented, approved, and billed, protecting your profit margins and eliminating disputes.
Project Management
Yes! Sub-Office includes comprehensive daily log and labor tracking features:
- Daily reports: Document site conditions, work performed, materials delivered, and other daily activities
- Labor tracking: Record hours by employee, task, and cost code
- Photo documentation: Attach site photos to daily logs with automatic date/time stamps
- Mobile access: Enter information from the field using smartphones or tablets
Sub-Office's field tracking capabilities help subcontractors maintain accurate records for project management, client reporting, and labor cost analysis, all while minimizing administrative burden on your field personnel.
Project Management
Sub-Office has one simple plan with every feature included:
- $25 per user per month
- Minimum of 2 users ($50 per month)
- Add users anytime for $25 per user per month
- Free 30-day trial to try everything first, no credit card required
There are no setup fees and no expensive add-ons. Every user gets the web app plus the iOS and Android apps. By comparison, many enterprise construction platforms cost hundreds of dollars per month before implementation and training.
Pricing & Plans
Yes. Every new account starts with a free 30-day trial with every feature unlocked. Sign up at app.sub-office.com, invite your team and run real jobs through Sub-Office before you decide.
No credit card is required to start, and you can cancel anytime during your trial.
After the trial, pricing is $25 per user per month with a minimum of 2 users.
Pricing & Plans
Getting started with Sub-Office is quick and straightforward:
- Account setup: 5-10 minutes to start your free trial and create your company profile
- Data import: 15-30 minutes to import your contacts and basic project information
- Configuration: 10-15 minutes to customize settings and templates to match your business needs
Most subcontractors are up and running with Sub-Office in under an hour, compared to days or weeks with complex enterprise systems. Our intuitive interface requires minimal training, and our support team is available to help if you need assistance during setup.
Sub-Office is designed to deliver immediate value without a lengthy implementation process or learning curve.
Getting Started & Support
Sub-Office takes data security extremely seriously with multiple layers of protection:
- Encrypted data storage: All your information is encrypted both in transit and at rest
- Secure authentication: Password protection with optional two-factor authentication
- Regular backups: Automated backups ensure your data is never lost
- Role-based access: Control exactly what each user can see and modify
- Compliance standards: Our systems adhere to industry security standards
Sub-Office provides enterprise-grade security without the enterprise price tag, ensuring your sensitive project and financial data remains protected at all times.
Security & Compliance
Sub-Office makes it easy to transition from spreadsheet-based management with these simple steps:
- Data import: Our import tools can pull data directly from Excel spreadsheets
- Template migration: We'll help convert your existing proposal and invoice templates
- Guided setup: Our team provides personalized assistance during transition
- Parallel processing: Run Sub-Office alongside your spreadsheets until you're comfortable
Many subcontractors report that Sub-Office saves them 5-10 hours per week compared to manual spreadsheet management. The transition is designed to be gradual and painless, with immediate productivity benefits once implemented.
Migration from Excel
Sub-Office is designed for both office and field use with web, iOS and Android apps:
- Responsive web design: Access via any mobile browser on phones or tablets
- iOS and Android apps: Download SubOffice Employee on the App Store or Google Play
- Field-optimized interface: Large buttons and simplified screens for job site use
- Photo/document capture: Easily attach photos and documents from mobile devices
Sub-Office's mobile functionality allows field personnel to record time, document site conditions, access project information, and communicate with the office team without delays or duplicate entry.
Mobile App & Field Features
Still have questions?
Talk to our team, or try Sub-Office free for 30 days.