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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

Mortgage

What is a Mortgage?

A mortgage, within the framework of the construction industry, is essentially a loan secured by a real property through the use of a mortgage note to evidence the existence of the loan and the encumbrance of that realty. This serves a crucial financial function during the building process as it allows homeowners or builders to purchase land or property without needing the full amount upfront. In most cases, a banking institution or lender offers the borrower a certain sum to buy a property, the borrower then repays this sum, typically monthly, with added interest, over a defined period. The mortgage ties the obligation of repayment to the property itself. Hence, when a mortgage loan is used for construction of a new property, the funds are dispersed to the borrower as work on the construction project proceeds. In the event that the borrower defaults on their mortgage payments, the lender has the right to take possession of the property, in a process known as foreclosure.

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.

Percentage-of-Completion

What is percentage of completion?

Percentage of completion (POC) is a metric that represents the proportion of work completed on a construction project at a given point in time. It is expressed as a percentage of the total contracted work. The POC is important to subcontractor workflows for several reasons:

  • Payment schedules: Most construction contracts stipulate that subcontractors receive payment based on the percentage of work completed rather than a lump sum payment at the end of the project. The POC determines the amount of payment that a subcontractor can request from the general contractor (GC) or the project owner for the work performed during a specific billing period.
  • Cash flow management: Subcontractors rely on progress payments to maintain a healthy cash flow and cover expenses such as labor, materials, and equipment. The POC directly impacts the timing and amount of progress payments received, allowing subcontractors to plan and manage their financial resources effectively.
  • Project monitoring and control: Tracking the POC helps subcontractors monitor their progress against the project schedule and budget. It enables them to identify potential delays or cost overruns early on, allowing for prompt corrective actions.
  • Dispute resolution: In the event of disputes or claims related to payment or project delays, POC documentation can serve as evidence to support the subcontractor's position and substantiate their claims for outstanding payments or compensation.
  • Resource allocation: By monitoring the POC, subcontractors can better plan and allocate their resources (labor, materials, equipment, etc.) across multiple projects, ensuring efficient utilization and avoiding resource conflicts or shortages.
  • Project closeout: The POC is crucial during the project closeout phase, as it helps determine the final payment due to the subcontractor and ensures that all work has been completed according to the contract terms.

Overall, POC serves as a versatile tool throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial payment requests to final closeout. And with Siteline, managing POC workflows becomes effortless. Siteline makes progress billing a cinch by:

  • Generating custom pay applications with real-time POC calculations
  • Offering intuitive dashboards for clear financial visualization and decision-making
  • Integrating with GC payment portals for accurate, timely pay application submissions
  • Centralizing all documentation for enhanced collaboration and communication

Book a demo today to experience how Siteline can empower your team to make informed decisions, maintain a steady cash flow, and ensure successful project closeouts.

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