Buildertrend Essential vs Advanced vs Complete (2026)

The biggest difference is estimating. The Advanced plan ($799/mo) includes Buildertrend's full estimating module: proposals, change orders, takeoff tools, bid requests, and purchase orders. Essential ($499/mo) has none of these. If you need to create proposals and track change orders inside the platform, you cannot do it on Essential - period.

Two features are exclusively available on Complete ($1,099/mo): the client selections portal and warranty management. The selections portal lets homeowners browse, choose, and digitally approve finishes and fixtures. Warranty management lets you track and resolve warranty claims after project completion. These are the only features not available on Advanced.

Yes. All your existing projects, documents, photos, and settings carry over when you upgrade. The transition is handled by your Buildertrend account manager. Most contractors start with Essential to learn the platform and upgrade to Advanced once they're ready to move estimating into Buildertrend. Upgrading is straightforward; downgrading is also possible but you lose access to features immediately.

Yes, two common mistakes. First: buying Essential when you need estimating (you'll hit the wall immediately when you try to create a proposal). Second: buying Complete when you don't have a client selections workflow (you're paying $300/month for features you'll never use). The decision tree is simple: if you need estimating, go Advanced minimum. If your clients need to choose and approve finishes online, go Complete.