Joist review
A contractor-focused workflow for estimates, deposits, payment schedules, and invoices.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Joist is cloud-based contractor software for creating estimates, sending invoices, collecting payments, and organizing jobs. It is designed for solo contractors and small home-service businesses that need web, iOS, and Android access. Contractors can convert approved estimates into invoices, request deposits, configure payment schedules, send automatic reminders, create recurring invoices, schedule visits, and track client details and business reports.
Its strongest fit is a contractor’s path from estimate to payment. The Basics plan includes estimates-to-invoices, online payments, and homeowner financing. Pro adds unlimited documents and clients, logo and document photos, client activity tracking, and work orders. Elite adds change orders, business reports, sales reporting, Joist Reviews, and social integrations. The Run plan focuses on job organization and visit scheduling, linking jobs with estimates, invoices, and clients. Joist offers paid subscriptions and a 14-day trial rather than a free plan.
Payment collection covers card, ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, while automatic reminders and recurring invoices support ongoing billing. QuickBooks Online synchronization connects estimates and invoices with accounting workflows. Mobile apps make the core workflow available away from a desk, and the job-scheduling tools extend the product beyond basic invoicing. Contractors who need deposits, scheduled payments, and connected job records should find the feature set aligned with their work. Businesses seeking a free invoicing product, broader accounting integrations, or advanced change-order and reporting tools without moving to a higher plan should consider alternatives.
Joist pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Converts approved estimates into invoices and payment schedules
- Accepts card, ACH, PayPal, and mobile-wallet payments
- Combines job scheduling with reports and QuickBooks Online sync
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Change orders and advanced reporting require the Elite plan
- QuickBooks synchronization is limited to QuickBooks Online
Joist fact sheet, pricing and score →
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