Dirty Work
Software
Dirty Work Software vs ServiceTitan: A Complete Comparison for Oklahoma Contractors
Renting enterprise software vs. building systems you own.
The Core Difference: Platform vs Custom Systems
Understanding what you're actually comparing requires looking past feature lists.
ServiceTitan is an enterprise software platform. They've built one comprehensive system and refined it over years based on thousands of contractors in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades. You rent access to their platform monthly, and they handle all the technical infrastructure. The system works the same way for everyone, with configuration options to adjust it to your needs.
Custom-built systems work fundamentally differently. Instead of adapting your operation to fit existing software, someone builds technology specifically around how your business actually operates. Our all-in-one contractor software solution connects every piece of your operation without forcing you into workflows designed for someone else's business.
Enterprise Platform vs Custom-Built Systems
Enterprise Platform Model (ServiceTitan)
Per-User Pricing: Costs scale directly with team size. Adding five technicians means adding $1,175 to $2,000 monthly to your software bill. Growth creates automatic overhead increases that compound year over year.
Standardized Workflows: The system assumes how contracting businesses should operate based on patterns from their largest customers. Configuration adjusts surface-level details, but core workflows remain fixed.
Platform Dependency: Everything runs on their servers under their control. You're renting access, not building assets. Stop paying and access ends, regardless of how long you've subscribed.
Comprehensive Feature Depth: Hundreds of capabilities covering dispatching, inventory, phones, marketing, reporting, and more. Most operations use 20 to 30 percent of available features.
Custom System Model (Dirty Work Software)
Flat Monthly Pricing: Bundles include 30, 50, or 80 users at the same monthly rate. Add crew members without adding software costs. Hiring decisions stay about hiring, not subscription math.
Workflow-First Design: Systems built around your actual processes from day one. Flooring contractors get square footage calculators and cure time scheduling instead of service call templates.
True Ownership: Your domain, your data, your systems. Everything lives in accounts you control. Stop working with us and systems keep running. We have to earn your business every month.
Right-Sized Complexity: Built for what you actually do. No paying for enterprise capabilities you'll never touch. Your team learns the system in days because it matches their real workflow.
Neither approach is inherently better. The right choice depends on your operation's size, complexity, and what you actually need from technology.
What is a Profit and Why You Should Be Making One
AppSheet database development represents a significant investment in your business infrastructure, but one that typically pays for itself within months through labor savings and operational efficiency. Our pricing reflects the complexity of the system, number of integrated modules, and ongoing automation requirements. We structure agreements to align our success with yours through performance-based pricing models.
Development Investment and Ongoing Service Costs
Custom database systems require substantial upfront design and development work to build properly. Unlike template solutions that force you into predetermined structures, true custom development involves understanding your unique workflows, designing appropriate data models, building user interfaces optimized for your processes, and creating integrations that connect your technology ecosystem.
Development timelines typically range from 4-12 weeks depending on system complexity. A basic lead management and quoting system might require 6-8 weeks, while a comprehensive business operating system with time tracking, inventory management, payroll integration, and customer portals could take 10-14 weeks. Rush timelines are possible for additional fees when business circumstances require faster implementation.
Benefit Card
Most contractor websites remain optimized exclusively for traditional search engines, creating significant opportunity for early adopters of GEO strategies. By structuring content to serve both traditional SEO and AI-powered search, your website positions your business for visibility across all discovery channels as customer search behavior continues evolving toward AI-assisted research and decision-making.
Highlight Card: A $30,000 upfront development fee creates significant cash flow strain for small contractors and provides no ongoing incentive for us to optimize your system. A 4% revenue share on $500,000 in annual jobs costs you $20,000 yearly while ensuring we remain invested in your success, continuously improving the system, and responding quickly to issues. As your revenue grows, we benefit proportionally, creating perfect alignment.
Stat Card
Typical Office Labor Savings From Hiring Robots to Do Everything For You
Feature List
Initial System Design and Development: One-time investment covering.....
Initial System Design and Development: One-time investment covering.....
Initial System Design and Development: One-time investment covering.....
Initial System Design and Development: One-time investment covering.....
Initial System Design and Development: One-time investment covering.....
Process List
1
Customer Submits Website Form
Lead information instantly captured with project details, service type, and location data
Instant
2
Automatic CRM Entry Created
Contact record generated in AppSheet database with task assignment to sales team
2 seconds
3
Follow-Up Email Sequence Triggers
Automated thank you email with company info and estimated response timeline
1 minute
4
Quote Generated & Sent
Sales rep uses template system to create branded PDF proposal with pricing calculator
15 minutes
Step List
1
Emergency Services
Immediate response emphasis, 24/7 availability, fast turnaround time, emergency pricing transparency
2
Major Projects
Educational content focus, financing options, project timeline explanations, detailed process overview, past project galleries
3
Maintenance Services
Value of preventive care, contract benefits, seasonal reminders, long-term cost savings, warranty information
4
General Inquiries
Exploratory discovery questions, range of services showcase, consultation offer, flexible scheduling, free estimate emphasis
Different Follow-Up Strategies by Service
1
Emergency Services
Immediate response emphasis, 24/7 availability, fast turnaround time, emergency pricing transparency
2
Major Projects
Educational content focus, financing options, project timeline explanations, detailed process overview, past project galleries
3
Maintenance Services
Value of preventive care, contract benefits, seasonal reminders, long-term cost savings, warranty information
4
General Inquiries
Exploratory discovery questions, range of services showcase, consultation offer, flexible scheduling, free estimate emphasis
Automated Follow-Up Sequence Example
Step 1
Immediate Response (2 minutes)
Automated email confirms receipt of their inquiry, sets expectations for when you'll call, provides your direct phone number and office hours. Builds confidence you received their information.
Step 2
Next Business Day (24 hours)
Our team creates a tailored database structure and automation blueprint specific to your business operations and service offerings.
Step 3
Value-Add Content (Day 3)
Educational email related to their service request. HVAC prospects get "5 Signs You Need AC Replacement vs Repair." Plumbing prospects get "How to Choose a Plumber for Major Projects."
Step 4
Check-In (Day 7)
Friendly check-in asking if they've made a decision or have questions. Offers to schedule estimate at their convenience. Includes testimonials from recent similar projects.
Step 5
Final Touch (Day 14)
Last follow-up before lead goes to longer-term nurture sequence. Emphasizes your availability, includes limited-time offer or seasonal promotion if applicable.
When ServiceTitan Makes Sense
Being honest about where competitors excel builds trust. ServiceTitan genuinely works well for certain operations.
High-volume service call businesses benefit most from ServiceTitan's strengths. If your operation dispatches 15 or more service calls daily across multiple crews, their dispatch optimization algorithms provide real efficiency gains. The system was built for this exact use case, and it shows.
ServiceTitan's Genuine Strengths
Dispatch Optimization: Sophisticated routing algorithms that genuinely improve efficiency for high-volume operations. The dispatch board handles complex daily scheduling across large crews better than most alternatives.
HVAC and Plumbing Focus: Templates, workflows, and pricing tools specifically designed for service call patterns common in heating, cooling, and plumbing. If that's your trade, the system speaks your language.
Established Ecosystem: Large user community, extensive documentation, third-party integrations, and contractors to learn from. You're joining a proven system with years of refinement behind it.
Enterprise Reporting: Deep analytics covering technician performance, marketing ROI, call booking rates, and operational KPIs that help large operations optimize at scale.
Phone System Integration: Call tracking, recording, and performance monitoring built into the platform. Valuable for operations where phone conversion is a primary metric.
Training Resources: Comprehensive onboarding programs, certification paths, and ongoing education. Large teams benefit from structured training frameworks.
Multi-Location Support: Built for businesses operating across multiple service territories with different crews, pricing, and operational requirements.
Marketing Attribution: Campaign tracking that connects ad spend to revenue. Valuable when you're investing heavily in paid advertising.
ServiceTitan works best for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors with 10+ technicians who dispatch high volumes of service calls daily and have the budget and staff to fully implement and manage an enterprise platform.
6-12 Months
Typical ServiceTitan implementation timeline
When Custom Systems Make Sense
Project-based trades like flooring, concrete coating, and remodeling work differently than service call businesses. You don't dispatch a technician for a 90-minute repair. You schedule crews for multi-day installations with prep work, cure times, and return visits. Software designed for one pattern fights against the other.
Trade Mismatch Cost: Contractors using software designed for different trades report spending 5 to 10 hours weekly adapting workarounds, fighting templates, and manually tracking information the system wasn't built to handle. At $40 per hour, that's $10,400 to $20,800 annually in hidden productivity loss before you even consider the subscription costs.
Oklahoma contractors serving the OKC metro area often need local responsiveness that enterprise support queues can't provide. When something breaks during your busy season, you want someone who answers the phone and understands your market, not a ticket number in a national support system.
Where Custom Systems Excel
Trade-Specific Design: Flooring contractors get square footage calculators, cure time scheduling, and visual quoting with color samples. Our contractor estimating software speaks your language because it was built for your trade specifically.
Flat-Rate Simplicity: Add team members without automatic overhead increases. Our bundles include 30, 50, or 80 users at the same monthly rate. Growth doesn't trigger billing conversations.
Phased Implementation: Working website capturing leads in 30 days. Database online by month two. Full system operational in four to five months, with each phase delivering immediate value. Learn more about how our implementation process works.
Visual Quoting: Before and after photo integration, material samples in quotes, portfolio management. Critical capabilities for trades where showing your work sells the next job.
Oklahoma Market Focus: Local presence in Oklahoma City, in-person discovery sessions, understanding of regional business patterns. You're not a ticket number in an enterprise queue.
True Data Ownership: Everything lives in your Google Drive under your domain. You have complete access 24/7. Export anything anytime. No hostage situations, no data lockups.
Clean Exit Path: Give 60 days notice and leave without fees. Systems keep running because you own them. We absorb approximately $1,000 in transition costs when you give proper notice.
Right-Sized Features: Built for what your team actually does. Field crews learn the system in a day because it matches their real workflow, not enterprise assumptions about how businesses should operate.
Custom systems work best for flooring, concrete coating, decorative concrete, remodeling, and specialty contractors who need trade-specific workflows without enterprise complexity or per-user pricing penalties.
Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership
ServiceTitan pricing starts around $235 to $400+ per technician monthly, depending on features selected and total user count. Implementation fees range from $5,000 for smaller operations to $30,000 or more for complex setups. Add-ons like Marketing Pro and Phones Pro increase monthly costs further. Most contractors report total monthly costs between $1,500 and $6,000+ once everything is running.
$5,000-30,000+
ServiceTitan implementation fees
Dirty Work Software bundles combine development, marketing, and complete platform infrastructure at flat monthly rates. Starter costs $3,000 monthly with 30 users included. Professional runs $5,000 monthly with 50 users. Premium is $7,000 monthly with 80 users. No per-user fees. No surprise add-ons. One-time milestone builds for major system components range from $8,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity.
Real Cost Comparison: 5-Technician Operation
ServiceTitan (5 Technicians)
Monthly Software: $1,175 to $2,000 monthly for platform access based on typical per-user pricing. Costs vary based on selected features and negotiated rates.
Implementation: $5,000 to $10,000 one-time setup cost for smaller operations. Includes configuration, training, and initial data migration.
Marketing Separate: Website, SEO, and content marketing require separate vendors or ServiceTitan Marketing Pro subscription at additional monthly cost.
Platform Costs Separate: You still need your own domain, website hosting, email system, and accounting software. ServiceTitan doesn't include infrastructure.
Dirty Work Software (Starter Bundle, 30 Users)
Monthly Bundle: $3,000 monthly flat rate including 10 development hours, SEO (4 blogs monthly plus GBP management), and all platform infrastructure.
Infrastructure Included: Google Workspace, AppSheet, Make.com, Wix hosting, and domain registration all covered. One subscription, zero platform hassles.
Marketing Integrated: Lead generation built into the service, not bolted on as an extra cost. Your monthly bundle actively works to bring new customers.
One-Time Builds: Website milestone $8,000. Database with quotes $15,000. Pay once, own forever. No recurring implementation fees.
The five-technician comparison reveals that while ServiceTitan's monthly software cost appears lower initially, total cost of ownership including marketing and infrastructure often reaches or exceeds custom system bundles. Run the numbers yourself with our ROI calculator for contractors to see what automation could save your specific operation.
Not Sure Which Approach Fits Your Operation?
The right software choice depends entirely on your specific situation. We've helped contractors evaluate both paths and make decisions they're happy with years later, even when that meant recommending ServiceTitan for operations where it genuinely made sense. A 15-minute conversation can save you from an 18-month mistake.
Start with the numbers to see what automation could save. Or book a 15-minute Operations Review and we'll pinpoint exactly where your time is going.
Implementation Timeline and Complexity
ServiceTitan implementations typically take six to twelve months before operations run fully on the platform. Complex configurations, staff training across multiple departments, data migration from existing systems, and workflow adaptation all extend timelines. Some contractors report paying monthly fees for six or more months before reaching full adoption.
Implementation Reality Check: A ten-person operation paying $3,000 monthly during a nine-month implementation invests $27,000 in subscription fees before reaching full productivity. Add $15,000 in implementation costs, and you're $42,000 deep before the system delivers its promised efficiency gains. This isn't a criticism of ServiceTitan specifically. Enterprise software implementations genuinely take time. Just factor it into your ROI calculations.
Custom system implementations follow a phased approach delivering value incrementally. Website milestone completes in 8 to 12 weeks, capturing leads immediately while database development continues. Database and quoting systems come online in another 10 to 14 weeks. Full operational systems including job tracking, time logging, and invoicing integration require 4 to 8 months total across multiple milestones.
The key difference is that phased implementation means you're never paying for months of software you can't use. Each component delivers value upon completion while the next phase builds.
30-60 Days
Time to working website with custom systems
Feature Fit for Different Trades
ServiceTitan was built for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical service call operations. The workflows assume technicians dispatch to jobs lasting 60 to 180 minutes, complete repairs or installations, collect payment, and move to the next call. Scheduling optimization, parts inventory, and capacity planning all center on this model.
Flooring and concrete coating contractors operate differently. Projects span multiple days. Crews handle prep work one day, base coat application the next, and return for topcoats after cure times. Material calculations involve square footage coverage rates, not parts inventory. Visual quoting with color samples and before and after photos sells jobs, not flat-rate pricing books.
Trade-Specific Workflow Differences
Square Footage Focus: Flooring jobs calculate material needs based on coverage rates per gallon or per square foot. ServiceTitan's parts-based inventory doesn't naturally handle coverage calculations or waste factors.
Multi-Day Scheduling: Epoxy and concrete coating projects require scheduling return visits based on cure times. The system needs to block appropriate intervals automatically, not just dispatch next available slots.
Visual Selling: Homeowners buying garage floor coatings want to see color options, finish samples, and similar completed projects. Quote presentations need visual portfolios, not itemized repair pricing.
Crew Assignment: Project work assigns crews to jobs for multiple days, not individual technicians to sequential service calls. Our scheduling systems that handle cure times work fundamentally differently than service call dispatch boards.
Progress Documentation: Before, during, and after photos document project stages for customers and portfolio building. Our job tracking and scheduling tools organize photos by project and stage, not just by service ticket.
Material Purchasing: Buying epoxy, flake broadcast, and topcoat materials happens before projects start based on coverage calculations. Real-time parts inventory tracking for truck stock doesn't apply.
Cure Time Tracking: Scheduling topcoat applications requires tracking when base coats were applied and environmental conditions affecting cure times. This workflow doesn't exist in service call software.Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation
Portfolio Management: Your next flooring job often sells because of photos from similar past projects. Organized, searchable project galleries drive referral and repeat business.
Contractors using software designed for different trades spend hours weekly adapting workarounds. That hidden productivity cost often exceeds the visible subscription savings of choosing cheaper or more familiar options.
Ownership, Data, and Lock-In
ServiceTitan owns the platform. You rent access. Stop paying and access ends. You can export your data (customer lists, job history, financial records), but the systems themselves belong to ServiceTitan. Years of subscription payments don't build equity in technology you own.
This isn't inherently wrong. Software-as-a-Service models work this way. But understanding the implications helps you plan. If ServiceTitan raises prices significantly or the platform no longer fits your needs, leaving means starting over with new software, migrating data manually, and retraining your team on different systems.
Custom-built systems create different ownership dynamics. Your website lives on your Wix account. Your database runs on AppSheet under your Google Workspace. Automations execute through your Make.com account. The domain is registered with you as the legal owner.
Ownership Comparison
Domain Ownership: With custom systems, your business name is registered with you as the legal ICANN owner. We handle management, but you legally own it from day one. With ServiceTitan, your domain remains separate (as it should).
Data Location: Custom systems store everything in your Google Drive under your domain. Complete 24/7 access. Export anything anytime. Your CRM and customer management data stays under your control. ServiceTitan stores data on their servers with export capabilities.
System Portability: Custom websites, databases, and automations keep working if you stop paying us. ServiceTitan platform access ends when subscription ends. That's the model difference.
Exit Process: Custom systems transfer with 60 days notice at no fee. We document everything and hand over complete control. ServiceTitan allows data export, but you need new software to use it.
Platform Costs After Exit: Custom system owners handle Google Workspace ($7-22 per user monthly), Make.com ($30-87 monthly), and Wix ($19-34 monthly) directly. Still cheaper than most enterprise software.
Future Flexibility: Owning your systems means you can hire any developer to modify them. Platform software limits you to their roadmap and approved integrations.
Neither model is right or wrong. Platform subscriptions work well for operations wanting managed software without ownership complexity. Custom ownership works well for businesses building long-term technology assets.
100% Yours
Stop paying us and systems keep running
Trade-Specific Questions About Your Operation?
Every contracting business has unique workflows. Generic software comparisons can't address whether specific capabilities handle your exact needs. We've built systems for epoxy flooring contractors, polished concrete specialists, decorative concrete businesses, and general contractors across Oklahoma. Share your workflow challenges and get specific answers.
See the numbers for your trade, or book a 15-minute review and we'll pinpoint what's eating your margins.
Decision Framework for Oklahoma Contractors
Start with operational fit. If you dispatch 15+ service calls daily in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical and need sophisticated routing optimization, ServiceTitan's core strengths align with your needs. If you run project-based work in flooring, concrete coating, remodeling, or specialty contracting, custom systems built for your workflows will likely serve you better.
Consider team size and growth trajectory. ServiceTitan's per-user pricing means each technician you hire increases software overhead. A five-person operation paying $1,500 monthly becomes a twenty-person operation paying $6,000 monthly just from growth. Custom bundles include 30, 50, or 80 users at flat rates. Growing within your tier doesn't trigger billing increases.
Evaluate implementation capacity. ServiceTitan requires dedicated staff time for months of configuration, training, and workflow adaptation. Smaller operations often struggle to allocate this capacity while running daily business. Custom systems implement in phases, delivering value incrementally without requiring months of parallel effort.
Decision Questions to Answer
1
What's Your Trade?
Service call businesses (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) align with ServiceTitan. Project-based trades (flooring, coating, remodeling) align with custom systems.
2
How Many Technicians?
Under 10 technicians often find ServiceTitan's full feature set overwhelming and expensive. Custom systems right-size complexity.
3
What's Your Growth Plan?
Rapid hiring plans compound ServiceTitan costs. Flat-rate bundles absorb growth without billing surprises.
4
Can You Dedicate Implementation Resources?
Enterprise implementations need staff time for months. Phased custom builds deliver value incrementally.
5
Do You Want Ownership or Subscription?
Building technology assets versus renting access is a fundamental business decision beyond software features.
6
Is Local Support Important?
Oklahoma-based operations benefit from local partnership. Enterprise support queues handle volume, not relationships.
Oklahoma contractors in the $400K to $1.5M revenue range often find custom systems deliver better fit at comparable or lower total cost, especially for trades outside HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
Choosing Between Enterprise Platforms and Custom-Built Systems
You've probably heard ServiceTitan mentioned at every industry conference, seen their ads in trade magazines, and maybe even sat through one of their sales demos. The features look incredible. The dispatch board, the marketing integrations, the phone system, the reporting dashboards. It's an impressive platform built for serious operations.
But somewhere between the demo and the quote, a familiar feeling creeps in. The per-technician pricing adds up faster than expected. The implementation timeline stretches into months. The features designed for massive HVAC operations don't quite fit how your epoxy flooring business actually works. You start wondering if you're buying a solution or creating a new problem.
This comparison exists because we've had that conversation with contractors across Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and Tulsa who faced the same decision. Some chose ServiceTitan and thrived. Others found themselves paying for capabilities they never used while fighting software designed for someone else's workflow. The right choice depends entirely on your operation, your team, and what you actually need from your technology.
$235-400+
ServiceTitan cost per technician monthly
What follows is an honest look at both options. Where ServiceTitan genuinely excels, where custom-built systems offer advantages, and how to figure out which path makes sense for your business. No sales pitch. Just the information you need to make a decision you won't regret in eighteen months.
Ready to Make a Decision?
You've read the comparison. You understand the trade-offs. Now it comes down to your specific situation. Whether you're leaning toward ServiceTitan, considering custom systems, or still weighing options, talking through your operation's specifics clarifies the path forward. We've helped contractors make this decision dozens of times, and we're honest about when ServiceTitan genuinely makes more sense.
Start with the numbers, or jump straight to a 15-minute review of your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions About ServiceTitan vs Custom Software
How does ServiceTitan pricing actually work?
ServiceTitan uses per-technician pricing ranging from $235 to $400+ monthly depending on features and negotiated rates. Implementation fees add $5,000 to $30,000 upfront. Add-ons like Marketing Pro and Phones Pro increase monthly costs. A typical 10-technician operation pays $3,000 to $5,000+ monthly for full functionality. Pricing isn't published publicly, so you'll need a sales conversation for exact quotes.
What does Dirty Work Software cost compared to ServiceTitan?
Our bundles run $3,000 (Starter), $5,000 (Professional), or $7,000 (Premium) monthly with 30, 50, or 80 users included respectively. One-time milestone builds for website ($8,000), database with quotes ($15,000), and other components add initial investment but create permanent assets. Here's a 3-year comparison for a 10-person operation: ServiceTitan path: $300 per user average times 10 users equals $3,000 monthly. Add $15,000 implementation. Three-year total: $123,000. At the end, you own nothing. Stop paying and access ends. Custom system path: $23,000 in milestone builds (website plus database) plus Starter bundle at $3,000 monthly. Three-year total: $131,000. At the end, you own a lead-generating website, complete business database, and working automations. Stop paying and systems keep running. The totals are comparable, but the outcomes differ completely. ServiceTitan gives you 36 months of software access. Custom systems give you permanent business infrastructure plus 36 months of development, marketing, and support. Factor in 4 to 8 organic leads monthly from included SEO, and custom systems often cost less on a net basis by year two.
Which option has better ROI for small contractors?
For contractors with 5 to 15 employees in project-based trades, custom systems typically deliver better ROI. Here's the math: ServiceTitan at $250 per user for 8 technicians runs $2,000 monthly ($24,000 annually) for software access alone. Add $10,000 implementation and you're at $34,000 year one. Our Starter bundle at $3,000 monthly ($36,000 annually) includes marketing that generates leads, not just software. Factor in 4 to 6 organic leads monthly by month 12 (worth $8,000 to $15,000 in jobs), and effective cost drops significantly. The break-even math also favors custom systems when you factor hidden productivity losses. Contractors using software designed for different trades report 5 to 10 hours weekly adapting workarounds. At $40 per hour, that's $10,400 to $20,800 annually in lost productivity on top of subscription costs. Custom systems eliminate that friction because they're built for your actual workflow. ServiceTitan ROI improves for larger service call operations (15+ daily dispatches) where routing optimization delivers measurable efficiency gains worth $500 to $1,500 monthly.
How long does ServiceTitan implementation take versus custom systems?
ServiceTitan implementations typically take 6 to 12 months for full adoption. You're paying monthly fees during that entire period. Custom systems implement in phases: website in 8 to 12 weeks, database in another 10 to 14 weeks, full operational systems in 4 to 8 months total. The difference is that each phase delivers immediate value rather than waiting months for full system productivity.
Can I switch from ServiceTitan to custom systems later?
Yes. Data exports from ServiceTitan (customer lists, job history, financial records) can migrate into custom databases. The transition takes planning and typically 30 to 60 days for clean migration. You won't lose business data. You will need to retrain staff on new systems and adapt workflows. Many contractors find the transition less painful than expected because custom systems match their natural workflows better.
What if I outgrow custom systems and need ServiceTitan later?
Nothing prevents moving to ServiceTitan later if your operation genuinely outgrows custom systems. Your data exports cleanly from Google Drive and AppSheet. You'd be starting fresh with ServiceTitan implementation, but that's true whenever you adopt new software. Some contractors intentionally start with custom systems and plan to evaluate enterprise options at specific revenue milestones.
Does ServiceTitan work for flooring contractors?
ServiceTitan can work for flooring contractors, but the fit is awkward. Workflows assume service call patterns, not multi-day project installation. Estimating templates use parts-based pricing, not square footage coverage calculations. Scheduling optimizes for dispatching technicians to sequential short jobs, not assigning crews to multi-day projects. Flooring contractors using ServiceTitan report significant adaptation work.
How does data ownership actually differ?
With ServiceTitan, your data lives on their servers. You can export it, but the platform belongs to them. Stop paying and access ends. With custom systems, your website is on your Wix account, database on your AppSheet, data in your Google Drive. Stop paying us and everything keeps running. You're building technology assets, not renting access. This fundamental difference affects long-term business value.
What's included in custom system bundles versus ServiceTitan?
ServiceTitan subscriptions cover software access. Marketing, website, hosting, and email are separate costs. Our bundles include development hours, SEO content (blogs, GBP management), and complete platform infrastructure (Google Workspace, AppSheet, Make.com, Wix hosting, domain registration). The all-inclusive structure simplifies budgeting and eliminates surprise vendor costs.
Which platform has better mobile capabilities?
Both offer solid mobile access. ServiceTitan's mobile app is polished and feature-rich, reflecting years of development. Custom AppSheet databases provide mobile-optimized interfaces built around your specific workflows. For field crews who need to clock in, view job details, and capture photos, both work well. ServiceTitan's mobile advantage matters most for complex dispatch scenarios requiring real-time optimization.
How do support experiences compare?
ServiceTitan provides enterprise support through tickets and scheduled calls. Large teams mean broad knowledge but potential queue times. Custom systems include direct access to the team building your systems. You're not a ticket number. For Oklahoma contractors, local presence means someone answers the phone who understands your market. The trade-off is enterprise support has more total resources for complex issues.
Can custom systems integrate with QuickBooks like ServiceTitan?
Yes. QuickBooks integration is standard in custom system builds. Invoices, payments, and financial data sync automatically. ServiceTitan's QuickBooks integration is mature and well-documented. Custom integrations achieve the same result with configurations built around your specific accounting workflows rather than standardized patterns that may not match your needs.
What happens if I want to leave either platform?
Leaving ServiceTitan means exporting data and starting fresh with new software. Leaving custom systems means taking ownership of your existing systems (you already own them) and managing platforms directly. We provide 60-day transition support at no fee, including documentation and training for self-management. Custom systems give you a cleaner exit because you're not dependent on continued subscription access.
Is ServiceTitan worth the higher price for small operations?
For most small operations (under $500K revenue, under 10 employees), ServiceTitan's price typically isn't justified by feature usage. Here's why the math rarely works: a 6-person team at $275 per technician pays $1,650 monthly ($19,800 annually). Industry data suggests most contractors use 20 to 30 percent of ServiceTitan's features. You're effectively paying $66,000 to $99,000 over five years for capabilities you'll never touch. Compare that to right-sized custom systems. Starter bundle at $3,000 monthly costs $36,000 annually but includes lead-generating marketing and complete platform infrastructure. More importantly, every feature exists because you need it, not because enterprise customers in different trades demanded it. The calculation changes for operations dispatching 15+ service calls daily. ServiceTitan's routing optimization can save 30 to 60 minutes per technician daily. For an 8-tech operation at $40 per hour, that's $800 to $1,600 monthly in efficiency gains, which starts justifying the premium. But most small contractors don't dispatch that volume.
How do I know which option fits my business?
Start with trade fit. Service call businesses align with ServiceTitan. Project-based trades align with custom systems. Then consider team size, growth plans, implementation capacity, and ownership preferences. Most Oklahoma contractors in the $400K to $1.5M range find custom systems deliver better value, especially outside HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. A 30-minute conversation clarifies which path makes sense for your specific operation.
Let's Talk About Your Business
Every Oklahoma contractor has different needs, workflows, and growth goals. We don't sell one-size-fits-all packages. Instead, we build custom automation systems designed around how your specific business actually operates.
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Built for Contractors
We speak your language. No tech jargon, no corporate nonsense. Real solutions for real field service businesses.
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Proven Systems
Working with contractors across Oklahoma. Your competitors are already automating. Time to catch up or get ahead.
Fast Results
Most businesses see time savings within the first two weeks. Stop doing paperwork, start running jobs.
Flexible Engagement
Choose the pricing model that fits your business stage. We have options for growing contractors and established companies alike.
Long-Term Partnership
We're still supporting contractors we started with years ago. No disappearing after launch. Your business evolves, your systems evolve with it.
Honest Consultation
We'll tell you if automation isn't right for your stage yet. Really. Free consultation means actual advice, not a sales pitch.
Make the Right Technology Investment for Your Contracting Business
You've seen the comparison. ServiceTitan works well for the right operations. Custom systems work well for different operations. The expensive mistake is choosing the wrong path and spending 18 months adapting your business to software that doesn't fit, or paying for capabilities you never use.
We've helped contractors across Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and Tulsa navigate this decision. Sometimes that means recommending ServiceTitan when it genuinely fits better. More often, it means building custom systems that match how contractors actually work, without enterprise complexity or per-user pricing penalties.
Start with the ROI Calculator to see what automation could save. Want specifics for your operation? Book an Operations Review and we'll pinpoint exactly where your time is going. 15 minutes. No pitch, just clarity on what's possible.
What This Comparison Covers
Understanding Both Approaches
Head-to-Head Comparison
Making Your Decision
Common Questions