What is an Automated Clearing House (ACH)?

Breaking ground refers to the official start of construction on a project, typically marked by the initial digging into the ground. It’s the first step toward site preparation, which involves various tasks, like soil testing, land clearing, excavation, leveling, etc. The term originates from the literal act of "breaking" or disturbing the ground to begin foundation work.

Breaking ground marks the transition from pre-construction activities (permitting and design finalization) to actual building work. This is when project timelines become essential to track, material deliveries need coordination, and subcontractors start mobilizing their teams and equipment to the job site. 

Once its time to start building, it’s time to start billing. Siteline helps subcontractors streamline their pay app and lien waiver processes, eliminating bottlenecks that can hold up payments for faster payments. Learn more about Siteline.

Self-perform, in the context of the construction industry, refers to the ability of a construction company to use its own workforce to accomplish certain specific tasks or projects, rather than outsourcing or subcontracting to external teams or entities. By opting to self-perform, the company can have direct control over the quality of work, project timeline, cost management, and overall productivity. For example, a construction firm may choose to self-perform tasks like concrete placement, plumbing, electrical work, and roofing operations, maintaining stringent quality standards all along. However, it is essential for companies undertaking self-perform tasks to have skilled and trained personnel who can efficiently execute the work. To sum up, self-perform allows construction firms to maintain better control over the project while potentially saving costs and enhancing efficiency.

In the construction industry, liabilities refer to the financial obligations the company owes to external entities, often as a result of past transactions or activities. These include payments to suppliers, wages to employees, loans from financial institutions, taxes to government bodies, etc. Additionally, in this industry, liabilities may also include future commitments to complete ongoing construction projects within a stipulated time frame and specific budget. Unfulfilled such obligations may lead to penalties or legal action, enhancing the liability further. Also significant are potential liabilities such as compensation for any work-related accidents or damages occurring at construction sites. Hence, managing liabilities effectively is vital for the financial health and reputation of any construction firm.