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Time Tracking for Contractors: Use One of These 7 Apps

Time Tracking AppsTime Tracking Apps
12
min read
August 21, 2023

As a contractor, not only are you juggling bids and projects, but you're also responsible for tracking time spent on each task and ensuring all the paperwork is accurate.


Keeping up with these details can be overwhelming, especially when you're managing multiple projects simultaneously. That's where time tracking software for contractors comes in.


But with so many different apps on the market, it can be challenging to pick the right one for your business. To help you out, we've rounded up some of the best time tracking software options for contractors available today.


Each app below has unique features that can help you stay on track and productive. So, wthout further delay, here are the best time tracking tools you can use as a contractor:

1. Hourly

Best All-in-One Solution

Hourly screenshot

Hourly is a robust solution that combines a clock and time tracking feature with payroll and workers' comp insurance management from an easy-to-use mobile app. It's compatible with iOS and Android.

Here are some of the main features of Hourly:

If automatic time tracking isn't your thing, Hourly also lets you use manual time entries too. 

Pricing

The time tracking component of Hourly is free. 


So you can get started without paying any monthly fees. This is perfect if you're trying to bootstrap your construction business or are just trying to cut down on your monthly budget. 

2. Toggl Track

Best for Basic Time Tracking

Toggle screenshot

If you're looking for a time tracker that's easy to use and not too obtrusive, Toggle Track could be a good choice. It's a basic tracker, especially if you go with the free version. There aren't many bells and whistles, but it includes: 



If you need a few more features, such as being able to create project time estimates or run time audits, you'll need to upgrade to a paid version. Some of the things you can do in a paid plan are: 


Pricing

Toggl has four pricing tiers:



To help you decide which plan is right, there's a 30-day free trial that includes the premium features. This allows you to determine if the freebie plan has what you need or if you'll need to pay for an upgrade.  

3. QuickBooks Time

Best for QuickBooks Integration

QuickBooks time screenshot

In early 2021, the popular timesheet app, TSheets, was rebranded as QuickBooks Time. This software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, a popular accounting software for small business owners. 


This software offers features such as: 


Pricing

QuickBooks Time has two pricing tiers:



You can sign up for a 30-day trial without a credit card to test the different features.

4. Harvest

Best for Generating Invoices

Harvest screenshot

If you want a way to turn your tracked time directly into an invoice, Harvest could be the time tracker you're looking for. This platform allows you to create and send invoices that include any time and expenses you've tracked. 


It also features: 


Pricing

Harvest has two pricing tiers:


There's a free 30-day trial to see if this program is a good fit. 

5. Homebase

Best for Subcontractor Scheduling 

Homebase Screenshot

If you're looking for a way to schedule your team and track their time, Homebase might be just what you're looking for. It offers: 


Pricing


Homebase has four different pricing tiers



The company offers a 14-day free trial of the All-in-One plan so you can see which features you need.

6. Time Doctor

Best for Identifying Time Wasters

Time Doc screenshot

While construction contractors might not need some features that Time Doctor offers, it'd be a good fit for independent contractors or freelancers doing more work on their computers. 


If you're a freelancer who easily gets distracted by Facebook or another time-wasting activity, Time Doctor can notify you with a pop-up that checks to see if you're still working. This can help you improve your productivity


Here are some of the other key features of this app: 



You can turn the screenshots off if you're not comfortable with that feature. It's also possible to blur the screen a bit to help protect your privacy. 

Pricing

Time Doctor lets you choose between three subscription options:



Time Doctor offers a 14-day free trial. 

7. TimeCamp

Best for Large Businesses

TimeCamp Screenshot

As a contractor, you want to ensure you're staying on budget to meet your revenue goals. TimeCamp allows you to do just that. It offers: 


Pricing

If you think TimeCamp can solve your time tracking problems, you can try it for free for 14 days. 


Then, you have four choices to choose from:


Best Time Tracking Software for Contractors
Time Tracker Highlights Price Trial
Hourly Ultra easy to use + shows labor costs in real-time $0/month Unlimited free time tracking
Toggl Track Basic time tracking $10-20/month Yes, 30-day free trial
QuickBooks Time Pairs with Quickbooks $10-20/month per user Yes, 30-day free trial
Harvest Quickly generates invoices $12/month Yes, 30-day free trial
Homebase Focuses on scheduling $24.95-99.95/month Yes, 14-day free trial
Time Doctor Helps you spot time wasters $7-20/month Yes, 14-day free trial
TimeCamp Good for large businesses $7-10/month Yes, 14-day free trial

Why You Need Time Tracking Software for Contractors

Time tracking apps can help you manage your workload, track your subcontractors, and help keep you on budget. Let's look at this in more detail.

Manage Your Workload

Time tracking software allows you and your workers to log the hours you've worked on each job down to the minute. That way, you can quickly and easily check which tasks have been completed and identify any areas that might need extra attention.

Moreover, as you analyze data over time, it can help you understand the true cost of each project, providing valuable insight into which projects are the most profitable for your business.

Track Your Subcontractors

If you use subcontractors for some of your projects, you need to know how much time they're putting in on each project. A time tracker allows you to keep an eye on their hours to invoice clients and accurately pay your workers on time.

Stay On Budget

By tracking how much time is spent on each project, you can be sure you are staying within budget and maximizing your profits. You'll also have an accurate view of how much work must be done to complete the project efficiently.

What To Look for in Contractor Time Tracking Tools

Time tracking apps vary in features, so it's important to know what you need before committing to any one software. Here are a few features to look for: 


  • Ability to add team members: Even if you're running a sole proprietorship now, it's important to have an app that can scale with your growing business. Look for software that allows you to add team members easily.
  • Payroll and invoicing: Paying your team and invoicing clients is essential for any business. Some trackers integrate seamlessly with payroll and invoicing software, allowing you to manage everything in one platform.
  • Functionality: It's important to find an intuitive time tracker, so you don't decide it's easier just to fill out paper timesheets. Look for a cloud-based, user-friendly platform so your team can access it from any device.
  • Geofencing: Geofencing is a feature that uses GPS to track the location of your team while they are out in the field. This helps make sure they are tracking their work time accurately.
  • Reports & analytics: An app is only as good as the data it provides. Look for a tracker that offers detailed reports and analytics to gain insight into your team's performance.
  • Security: Security is essential for safeguarding your personal data. Be sure to find a time tracker with strong security protocols and encrypted data storage.
  • Mobile compatibility: Contractors are often on the go, so finding an app that supports mobile time tracking is crucial. 
  • Support: Make sure the company offers customer support in case you run into any issues or need help with setup.
  • Cost: Last but not least, consider the cost of the tool and make sure it fits within your budget.


By keeping these points in mind, you can get a time tracking app that provides the features your business needs to succeed.

FAQs

How do I keep track of a contractor's hours?

Tracking a contractor's hours can be done manually or with software. If you opt to track their time manually, you'll need a timesheet with a place to document starting and ending times. You'll also want them to document what they're working on during that time. 


If you prefer to automate things a bit, pick one of the time tracking tools for contractors listed above, such as Hourly. Then, you can set up each contractor with access and ask them to use the software when they're working. It'll automatically calculate their hours for you. 

How do I track my hours as an independent contractor?

As an independent contractor, some clients may want you to document the hours you spend working. You can use a basic Excel spreadsheet to track your hours or invest in a time tracking tool like Hourly.


Be sure to record both your starting and ending times for each work period. Next to each time entry, make a note about what you were working on. 

Do 1099 employees punch a time clock?

If you're a 1099 worker, you typically don't need to punch a time clock or submit a regular timesheet. That's because the IRS says that independent contractors aren't employees if they control their own schedules and hours. If your client controls when you show up and what you do every day, then you're an employee and can log your hours if your employer requests it.  


But if you do enter into an hourly work situation as a 1099 worker, you have the right to determine which hours you work. The company can ask you to invoice for your time, so you'll still need to track your hours, which is where a time tracker comes in. 

Track Time with Ease

Don't let time tracking be a stumbling block for your contractor business. With the right time tracking software, you can easily track the work hours for yourself and your subcontractors and ensure you're getting paid correctly. 


The options we list are all excellent choices for any contractor. You'll be able to easily track time for yourself or subcontractors with them. 


By considering the key features you need, you should have no difficulty finding a time tracking app that fits your business and budget.


So, don't put it off any longer—start tracking your time today!

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