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Construction glossary

What are Back Charges?

Back Charges are bills sent to subcontractors or vendors for unforeseen work that a general contractor or project manager had to complete on their behalf within the construction industry. This generally occurs when the subcontractor or vendor fails to complete their work scope to the specified standards, misses deadlines, or omits parts of their contracted responsibilities, and someone else must step in to rectify the issue. Therefore, the party who had to complete or redo the work sends 'back charges' to the original contractor, expecting reimbursement for labor, services, materials, or other costs involved in the completion of the task. They serve as a form of financial protection for the companies against contractual breaches in the construction projects.

Trusted by trade contractors across the country

Other construction terms

Budget Analysis

What is a Budget Analysis?

A Budget Analysis in the context of the construction industry is a comprehensive review and assessment of all estimated costs associated with a construction project to ensure fiscal responsibility and efficiency. This includes analyzing labor costs, material expenses, equipment needs, subcontractor bids, project timeline, contingencies, and overheads among others. The aim is to determine the economic viability of the project, identify any potential financial risks, and devise strategies to manage and control costs. It plays a critical role in project management, helping construction companies to plan, organize, and regulate their budget, therefore enabling them to deliver projects within the allocated finances. The budget analysis also helps in future forecasting and strategic planning, thereby enhancing profitability and competitiveness in the industry.

Partial Lien Waiver

What is a Partial Lien Waiver?

A Partial Lien Waiver, in the construction industry, refers to a legal document drafted to provide assurance to a payer that a contractor, subcontractor or materials supplier has received specified payments and waives its right to place a lien on the construction project to the extent of received payments. This document, typically used to maintain a clear title, only relates to the amount that has been paid up to a certain point. Subsequent payments would need additional waivers. It is advised to closely monitor Partial Lien Waivers as they help in avoiding disputes about the amount due, ensuring smoother construction operation.

Cost Overrun

What is a Cost Overrun?

A cost overrun, in the context of the construction industry, refers to the excess amount that needs to be spent over the initially agreed or budgeted cost for completing a particular project. It’s an unanticipated increase in costs that occurs due to various factors such as inaccurate estimation, changes in project scope, unforeseen challenges, or increase in material or labor costs. In essence, it’s when the actual cost of the project exceeds the estimated cost. It is critical to manage and minimize cost overruns as they can seriously impact the overall profitability and success of a construction project. Effective project management, regular monitoring, vigilant control measures, and contingency planning are some strategies to mitigate such cost overruns in construction projects.

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