
Overview
What is Joist and how does it work? Joist is a platform designed for contractors in various industries such as insulation, masonry, drywall, electrical, fencing, flooring, carpentry, and more. It helps them manage their customers, accept online payments, create work orders, and perform other tasks related to billing and invoicing. Professionals can use Joist to generate estimates with cost markups, deposit requests, payment schedules, and job photos. Administrators can utilize the platform to analyze monthly sales figures, monitor overdue bills, record payments, and design invoices with their business logos. The platform also allows individuals to collect credit card payments, store and retrieve customer information, and export data. Users can receive notifications when invoices or estimates are opened and viewed. Joist offers mobile versions for both Android and iOS. Additionally, individuals can access, export, and store customer information, track payments, and personalize invoices by adding logos. Contractors can integrate Joist with Quickbooks Online to streamline their bookkeeping tasks, organize data, and automate processes. They can also share invoices and provide customized payment arrangements to their customers using Joist.
Expert review of Joist
Joist: Streamline Your Business with Effortless Estimating and Invoicing
Key Takeaways:
- Joist is a comprehensive software solution designed specifically for contractors and small business owners in the construction industry.
- It offers a range of features such as estimating, invoicing, and project management that simplify and streamline business operations.
- Joist's intuitive user interface and mobile compatibility make it a user-friendly tool that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
- The software's ability to generate professional-looking estimates and invoices helps contractors present a polished and trustworthy image to clients.
- Although Joist's free version provides essential functionalities, the Pro and Pro Plus versions offer advanced features and additional benefits for businesses seeking enhanced productivity.
Table of Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimating | Create detailed and accurate estimates quickly |
| Invoicing | Generate professional invoices with ease |
| Project Management | Track project progress and manage tasks efficiently |
| Client Management | Maintain client details and communication records |
| Online Payments | Accept online payments securely and conveniently |
| Material Catalog | Access a comprehensive catalog of construction materials |
| Time Tracking | Monitor and record time spent on projects |
| Reporting | Generate insightful reports for business analysis |
| Mobile Compatibility | Access and use Joist on mobile devices |
| Integration | Seamlessly integrate with QuickBooks and other software tools |
Use Cases:
- Estimating Made Easy:
What is Joist and how does it work? Joist is a platform designed for contractors in various industries such as insulation, masonry, drywall, electrical…
- Contractors can easily add labor, materials, and other expenses to create accurate estimates, helping them win more business.
- Professional Invoicing:
- With Joist, contractors can create professional invoices that reflect their brand identity.
- The software allows customization of invoice templates, including adding a logo and personalized messages, ensuring a consistent and professional image.
- Efficient Project Management:
- Joist's project management features enable contractors to track project progress, assign tasks to team members, and set deadlines.
- The software's collaboration tools facilitate effective communication within the team, leading to improved project efficiency.
- Streamlined Client Management:
- Contractors can easily store and manage client information, including contact details, project history, and communication records.
- Joist's client management capabilities help contractors deliver personalized services and maintain strong customer relationships.
- Online Payments:
- Joist offers secure online payment options, allowing contractors to accept credit card payments directly through the software.
- This feature enhances convenience for clients and accelerates cash flow for businesses.
Pros:
- User-Friendly Interface: Joist's intuitive interface makes it easy for contractors to navigate and use the software without requiring extensive training.
- Mobile Compatibility: The ability to access Joist on mobile devices enables contractors to manage business operations on the go, saving time and increasing productivity.
- Professional-Looking Estimates and Invoices: The software's templates and customization options help contractors create visually appealing and accurate estimates and invoices.
- Time-Saving Features: Joist streamlines repetitive tasks, such as creating estimates and invoices, allowing contractors to focus on core business activities.
- Integration Capabilities: Joist seamlessly integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, simplifying bookkeeping and reducing data entry errors.
Cons:
- Limited Functionality in Free Version: While Joist's free version offers essential features, businesses requiring advanced functionalities will need to upgrade to the Pro or Pro Plus versions.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Some of the more advanced features may require additional time and effort to fully understand and utilize effectively.
- Lack of Customization in Reporting: Joist's reporting capabilities are somewhat limited, with fewer options for customization compared to dedicated reporting software.
Recommendation:
Joist is a highly recommended software solution for contractors and small business owners in the construction industry. Its range of features, including estimating, invoicing, project management, and client management, streamline business operations and enhance productivity. The software's user-friendly interface, mobile compatibility, and professional-looking estimates and invoices make it a valuable tool for contractors looking to present a polished image to clients. While the free version offers essential functionalities, upgrading to the Pro or Pro Plus versions provides access to advanced features and additional benefits. Overall, Joist is a reliable and efficient software solution that can benefit any construction business.
Joist pricing model
Free Trial , Freemium , Subscription

Technical details
- Support: Business Hours Online
- Customer Type: Large Enterprises Medium Business Small Business
- Location / Phone Number: Toronto, Canada
- Deployment: SaaS/Web/Cloud Mobile - Android Mobile - iOS
- Official Website: https://www.joist.com/
- Category: New SaaS Software
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