Tired of Sage? BuildQS Handles Payment Applications Better
Sage is a trusted name in accounting, but it has a complete blind spot on construction payment applications and valuations. BuildQS is purpose-built for the payment application workflow that Sage doesn't address.
Why Sage Isn't Designed for Payment Applications
Searching Sage's website for "payment application", "interim valuation", or "retention release" returns no results. Sage's construction content focuses on CIS - a payroll and tax topic - and has nothing on payment applications.
The result is a well-documented pattern: construction businesses use Sage for accounting and Excel for payment applications. They manage cumulative calculations and retention outside Sage, then manually enter invoice figures once an application is approved. This double-entry wastes hours every month.
Use Both Together - BuildQS Complements Sage
BuildQS is not a Sage replacement. For businesses needing general ledger accounting, payroll, and VAT management, Sage remains the right tool. BuildQS fills the gap: the payment application and retention tracking workflow that sits upstream of accounting.
Use BuildQS to manage valuation schedules, submit payment applications, and track retention. Export approved figures to Xero or via CSV into Sage. For Xero users, this handoff is automatic.
Where Sage Excels
Sage is a comprehensive accounting suite with mature payroll, VAT return filing, and general ledger capabilities. For businesses with complex accounting needs - multiple entities, payroll, PAYE - Sage is a serious platform. BuildQS makes no claim to replace that.
BuildQS is best for
- Construction subcontractors needing payment application management
- Businesses looking for a modern interface
- Teams wanting affordable, focused software from £49/month
