Both tools help contractors quote and invoice. The gap opens once you have more than one job running at a time.
Joist is a simple invoicing and quoting app for solo contractors. WinkScope is a full platform with AI estimating, scheduling, work orders and portals. Choose Joist for basic invoices, WinkScope once you run projects with crews or subs.
| Feature | WinkScope | Joist |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29.99/mo | Free tier, paid from ~$13/mo |
| AI scope writing | Included | No |
| Estimates | Sections, allowances, markup/margin, options | Simple line items |
| Change orders | Included | No |
| Scheduling + Gantt | Included | No |
| Work orders for subs | Included | No |
| Materials price book | Included with live vendor pricing | Basic saved items |
| Client portal | Branded portal | No |
| Time tracking | GPS time clock + payroll export | No |
Pick: Joist. It is free to start and does exactly one job well.
Pick: WinkScope. AI estimating, change orders and Gantt scheduling are built in.
Pick: WinkScope. Work orders, vendor portal and supplier quotes.
For contractors running projects with crews, subs or change orders, yes: WinkScope adds AI estimating, scheduling, work orders, price book and portals. For a solo contractor who only needs quick invoices, Joist is simpler and cheaper.
Yes. Clients, estimates and invoices can be imported by CSV, or WinkScope's concierge migration team can move them for you.
WinkScope vs Joist: Joist is a lightweight quoting and invoicing app for solo contractors, free to start. WinkScope is a complete contractor platform from $29.99 per month with AI scope writing, detailed estimates with markup and allowances, change orders, Gantt scheduling, subcontractor work orders, a materials price book with live vendor pricing, GPS time tracking and branded client and vendor portals. Choose Joist for basic invoicing, WinkScope for running projects.