The Best Simple Contractor Software for Owner Operators
If you’re an owner operator, you already know the struggle. You’re the estimator, the bookkeeper, the project manager, and the crew. You don’t need complicated software that feels like it was built for a 50-person company. You just need something simple that helps you stay on top of jobs and get paid faster.
Here’s a straight-up guide to the best simple software for solo contractors, with Dave as the top choice plus a few free tools that can help when you’re just starting out.
Why Owner Operators Need Software at All
When you’re small, it’s tempting to run your business off text messages, notes on your phone, and maybe a couple of spreadsheets. That works until you:
- Forget what you quoted someone
- Lose a client’s approval buried in text messages
- Miss sending an invoice
- Struggle to look professional compared to bigger competitors
The right software solves all that by keeping your estimates, invoices, project notes, and client communication in one place.
Dave: The Best All-in-One for Owner Operators
Dave was built exactly for small contractors. It’s not bloated, it’s not confusing, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Here’s what makes it perfect for owner operators:
- Unlimited projects, notes, and photos – Keep everything in one place
- Estimates and invoices that look pro – Add your logo, license, and terms
- Client feedback and approvals – Get approvals without chasing texts
- Contracts and e-signatures – No more printing or scanning
- Notifications when clients view your estimates – Know exactly when to follow up
- Pricebook of your common items – Build estimates in minutes
- Review requests – Ask happy clients for Google reviews with a click
It’s the simplest way to stay organized without feeling like you’re managing another job on top of the jobs you already do.
Free Tools That Can Help Too
If you’re just starting out and want to piece things together, here are some free options that can get you by until you’re ready to step up to something like Dave.
1. Google Sheets + Docs
- Track jobs in Sheets
- Write contracts or proposals in Docs
Not ideal long term, but it’s free and flexible.
2. Wave Accounting
- Free invoicing and receipt scanning
- Basic bookkeeping if you don’t want QuickBooks yet
3. Dave’s Free Calculators
- Fence Cost Calculator
- Flooring Calculator
- Roofing Calculator
- Painting Calculator
These make quoting faster even if you’re not fully using Dave yet.
4. Google Drive
- Store photos, contracts, and plans
- Share folders with clients when needed
What to Look For When Choosing Software
Keep it simple. As a one-person shop, you don’t need job costing dashboards, crew scheduling, or advanced CRM systems. You need:
- Easy estimates and invoices
- A place to store job info
- A way to look professional to clients
- Tools that save time, not add work
The Bottom Line
Free tools can work when you’re starting out, but they take more effort to keep organized. If you want to keep things simple and actually feel on top of your business, Dave is the best choice for owner operators.
It gives you everything in one place without making things complicated. That means less time chasing paperwork and more time actually getting jobs done.