Buildertrend at 20: Two decades inside the transformation of residential construction

OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 5, 2026 – Residential construction’s shift from informal workflows to modern operations didn’t happen overnight. Buildertrend helped define the systems making that evolution possible. Founded in 2006 to change the way the world builds, the construction management software company has spent two decades setting the standard for modern residential construction.

Buildertrend marks its 20^th anniversary by bringing builders together during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. to recognize this progress that’s reshaped the industry. 

Growth from the bottom up

Twenty years ago, residential construction ran on paper, gut feelings and memory. Schedules were haphazardly scribbled on white boards. Plans were passed from truck to job site. Job costs lagged reality by weeks – sometimes month.

Builders were delivering exceptional homes, but too often their businesses were fragile. As projects grew more complex and client expectations rose, experience alone was no longer enough to sustain growth.

At the same time, three guys in Omaha, Nebraska brought together their idea to start a company that would be built for builders with real solutions to construction chaos. Starting in a basement, they began building software designed specifically for how residential construction works, laying the foundation for what would become Buildertrend.

Transforming the way the world builds

Those three founders – Dan Houghton and brothers Jeff and Steve Dugger – came together in 2006 to co-found Buildertrend, helping drive residential construction out of paper-based habits and into process-driven operations.

“Builders already knew how to build,” said Dan Houghton, co-founder and CEO of Buildertrend. “They needed systems – systems that turn experience into clarity, confidence and long-term growth.”

From its earliest days, the platform evolved alongside the builders who adopted it.

“I will never forget the three owners of Buildertrend coming into our office 20 years ago asking us to join,” said Steve Taft, founding partner of ADC Homes, one of Buildertrend’s earliest customers. “We saw something special in these guys, so we said yes. Here we are, 20 years later. It’s amazing how far the platform has grown and how ADC has grown alongside Buildertrend.”

That builder-first philosophy remained central as the platform expanded.

“We saw builders working incredibly hard, solving complex problems every day – but without systems designed for how they truly build,” said Jeff Dugger, co-founder of Buildertrend. “Buildertrend was created to give builders a single place to run their business, their teams and their finances. Builder feedback has always guided what we build next, ensuring the platform evolves with the real-world challenges builders face as they grow.”

As adoption increased, builders gained access to standardized workflows, centralized scheduling and real-time financial visibility. Many transitioned from managing individual jobs to operating growing businesses.

“We learned early on that builders didn’t need bells and whistles from a construction software platform,” said Steve Dugger, co-founder of Buildertrend. “They wanted the software to just make sense. By listening to builders, Buildertrend helped take the industry from paperwork and manual chaos to connected, predictable workflows.”

Transformation in practice: Real world results

Today, the impact of that shift is measurable through clear industry-wide results.

To date, Buildertrend has:

• Supported more than one million construction professionals
• Helped manage two million construction projects
• Been used in more than 100 countries

For builders, those outcomes show up in the tangible, day-to-day results.

At Tankersley Construction, Buildertrend serves as the operational hub – connecting sales, scheduling, field execution and financials in one system. 

“Buildertrend is the hub for our business,” said Steve Tankersley, owner of Tankersley Construction. “Everything starts there – from scheduling to communication to financials.”

By replacing manual coordination and disconnected tools, the company reports saving up to 20 hours every week – time redirected from administrative work back into running and growing the business.

Across the industry, builders report tangible gains that extend beyond individual projects – improving how their businesses run day to day and scale over time.

Among them:

• DMJ Restorations: Saved five hours per week through simplified job costing and improved financial visibility.
• JKath Design + Build: Increased productivity 50% by centralizing scheduling and communication across teams and subcontractors.
• Hasler Homes: Coordinated more than $10 million in construction work annually through Buildertrend, turning growth into consistent execution.

IBS 2026: Builders, partners and 20 years of change – together

During the 2026 International Builders’ Show, Buildertrend will celebrate the milestone by gathering builders, suppliers and industry leaders in person to recognize two decades of progress and momentum driving the industry forward.

As part of its IBS 2026 presence, Buildertrend will host a 20th anniversary celebration designed to bring the industry together, with details below:

• Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
• Time: 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
• Location: Canvas Event Venue, Orlando, Fla.

Located minutes from International Drive, Buildertrend’s 20^th Anniversary party venue offers a setting away from the convention floor where guests can connect over dinner, entertainment and conversation focused on how builders link their craft to their bottom line.

The evening will also include remarks from Buildertrend leadership, reflecting on the company’s journey and outlining a forward-looking vision for the platform’s role in the future of residential construction.

“This anniversary isn’t about looking back,” Dan said. “It’s about recognizing how far builders have taken the industry and committing to building what they’ll need for the next 20 years.”

That momentum will extend throughout IBS 2026. Buildertrend will maintain a strong presence on the show floor, inviting attendees to connect at the Buildertrend booth for:

• Daily builder panels
• Live discussions with industry leaders
• Product demonstrations
• Anniversary activations including daily giveaways
• Happy hours

Together, these moments are designed to bring builders and their teams together, reinforce shared momentum and keep the industry moving forward.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Chase Moffitt
Public Relations & Content Specialist
Chase.Moffitt@buildertrend.com
(402) 980-4616 (call or text)

About Buildertrend
Great builders don’t simply manage projects; they run successful businesses. That’s where Buildertrend comes in. As the leading residential construction management platform, we give contractors the power to control their financials, schedules, team workflows and client relationships: all in one system. No more juggling disconnected tools or guessing on profitability. With nearly two decades of industry expertise, Buildertrend helps builders work smarter, scale faster and stay ahead of the competition. Learn more at buildertrend.com and on social media @buildertrend.