By clicking “Accept All Cookies," you agree to let Siteline store cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Construction glossary
Construction Glossary •

ACH (Automated Clearing House)

What is an Automated Clearing House (ACH)?

An Automated Clearing House (ACH) within the construction context refers to an electronic fund transfer system primarily used for direct deposit payments, including for construction services. It's a method universally used by many businesses in the industry for its convenience and speed. This system provides an efficient platform for moving funds from one account to another in a collective and prioritised manner, aiding greatly in the financial management of a construction project, including payroll and paying suppliers. The benefits include prompt payment, less risk of cheque fraud, and streamlined bookkeeping. It's an integral part of the financial mechanism in the construction industry.

Trusted by trade contractors across the country

Other construction terms

Cash Flow Projection

What is a Cash Flow Projection?

A Cash Flow Projection in the construction industry is a financial document that estimates income and expenditure of a project over a specific period of time. This projection tool helps construction managers to anticipate revenues, costs and possible shortfalls. This anticipation is crucial for construction projects, which can be resource-intensive and cost-laden with potentially varying income streams, especially in long-term projects. Utilizing a cash flow projection enables the company to plan and budget funds accordingly. It helps to forecast financial needs, spot potential financing gaps, manage resources efficiently and ensures continuous operations to meet project deadlines. The projection contributes in making informed decisions regarding purchasing materials, subcontracting labor, and managing other direct and indirect costs. Accuracy in these projections can make a significant difference in profitability and sustainability of a construction business.

Bond Claim

What is a Bond Claim?

A bond claim is a legal demand made against a construction bond to recover unpaid amounts owed by a contractor or project owner. Construction bonds are financial guarantees that protect project owners and subcontractors from financial loss if the prime contractor fails to meet their contractual obligations. When payment or performance issues arise, affected parties can file a bond claim to seek compensation from the bonding company.

There are several types of construction bonds, including payment bonds (which guarantee subcontractors and suppliers will be paid) and performance bonds (which ensure project completion).

For subcontractors, bond claims serve as an important safety net when general contractors fail to pay for completed work. Filing a bond claim can be complex and time-sensitive, often requiring specific documentation and adherence to strict deadlines. However, it provides subcontractors with a path to recovery when traditional collection methods fail, helping protect their business’s bottom line.

Siteline helps protect your bottom line too by streamlining billing processes and providing clear visibility into payment statuses, so you can identify and address collection issues before they require legal action. Learn more about Siteline here.

Joint Check Agreement

What is a Joint Check Agreement?

A Joint Check Agreement is a contractual agreement in the construction industry used to ensure all parties involved in a project get paid. This agreement involves primarily three parties - the property owner, general contractor, and subcontractor or material supplier. The property owner or general contractor issues a check payable to both the subcontractor and materials supplier, providing a layer of protection against mechanic's lien. This means both parties must endorse the check for it to be cashed, ensuring the funds are distributed appropriately. This way, it mitigates the risk of non-payment for subcontractors and suppliers. Additionally, it helps the owner or general contractor to ensure project progression without disputes or delays related to payment issues. However, details of the agreement, like the proportion of payment to each party, need to be clearly outlined to avoid potential conflicts.

Ready to end the fire drill and get paid faster?

Replace the spreadsheets and runarounds with Siteline, and see your invoice aging improve by at least 30%.
many forms with different layouts