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Construction glossary

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.

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Other construction terms

Section 179

What is Section 179?

Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code is a deduction designed to help certain businesses recover part of the costs associated with the purchase of qualifying equipment, including machinery, vehicles, or computer software. Within the construction industry, this can be a vital tool, allowing construction firms to write off the full purchase price of equipment they have bought or financed during the tax year. Whether it’s for acquiring a new excavator, a truck, or upgrading software, the Section 179 incentive directly strengthens financial capabilities of the companies in the construction sector. This, in turn, encourages business growth and economic development. Claiming this deduction can significantly impact a construction company’s overall operating costs, providing potential major tax relief.

Breaking Ground

What is Breaking Ground?

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.

Construction Accounting

What is Construction Accounting?

Construction accounting is a distinct form of project-based accounting, designed specifically for the construction industry. It involves detailed tracking of costs, financial management of project timelines, and profitability review of contracts. There are complexities unique to this accounting model, considering the long duration of construction projects and the need for rigorous cost segregation for equipment, labor, materials, and overheads.Construction accounting is central to construction economics, where accurate estimates and cost control determine the overall profitability of a project. It places emphasis on job costing, which identifies costs by specific contracts or jobs, allowing project managers and accountants to track cost effectiveness accurately. It's not just about recording transactions, but providing essential information for operational efficiency and strategic planning.

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