5 Mistakes Contractors Make When Using JobTread (and How to Avoid Them)

JobTread Is a Powerful Tool—But Only If You Use It Right

JobTread is one of the best project management tools for contractors, builders, and remodelers. It helps you manage bids, budgets, and job progress in one place.

But here’s the truth: many contractors aren’t using JobTread to its full potential. And these mistakes can lead to inaccurate budgets, missed profit goals, and accounting headaches.

Let’s break down the 5 most common mistakes contractors make when using JobTread—and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Not Setting Up Cost Codes Properly

Cost codes are the backbone of JobTread. If you skip detailed cost code setup or use generic codes, your job costing might be inaccurate.

How to Fix It:

✅ Create a clear cost code structure that matches your accounting system (QuickBooks Online, ideally).

✅ Break costs into labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead for accurate reporting, etc.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Change Orders

Change orders happen on almost every job. If you’re not tracking them in JobTread and syncing them with QuickBooks, you’ll underestimate costs and kill your margins.

How to Fix It:

✅ Add every change order immediately in JobTread.

✅ Sync updated budgets with QuickBooks so your reports stay accurate.

Mistake #3: Not Using the Integration with QuickBooks Online

Some contractors only use JobTread for project management and ignore the accounting side. Big mistake! This creates double-entry errors and no real-time financial data.

How to Fix It:

✅ Set up the JobTread–QuickBooks integration correctly.

✅ Use matching 'Products and Services' in QB and 'Cost Codes' in JT for smooth syncing.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Reconcile Budgets with Actuals

Just because JobTread shows a budget doesn’t mean it reflects reality. If you don’t reconcile with QuickBooks regularly, you might think you’re making money when you’re not.

How to Fix It:

✅ Compare JobTread budgets with QuickBooks job costing reports every month.

✅ Look for cost overruns early so you can take action.

Mistake #5: Doing It All Yourself Without Expert Help

JobTread + QuickBooks setup can be tricky, especially for contractors who don’t live in spreadsheets. Doing it wrong means lost time and inaccurate reports.

How to Fix It:

✅ Work with a bookkeeper who understands construction AND JobTread. They’ll ensure your setup is correct, your books are clean, and your reports are reliable.

The Bottom Line

JobTread can transform your business—but only if you use it the right way. Avoid these mistakes and you’ll have accurate job costing, more substantial cash flow, and bigger profits.

Need help getting JobTread and QuickBooks Online to work together?👉 Contact Full Moon Bookkeeping today for a free consultation.