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

What is Capitalize?

Capitalize is a term used across various industries, including the construction industry, generally referring to the practice of funding projects with capital or money. In construction, to capitalize means to finance the project's expenses, such as materials, labor, machinery, and other costs, through capital. It involves converting expenses into assets that will contribute to a project’s long-term value. It's essential in construction project management as it is associated with acquiring funds to cover the infrastructure's total construction costs. A capitalized construction project implies that the costs will be spread out over the life of the project, not just in the construction phase. It's a crucial concept for construction companies as it significantly impacts their financial plans, resources allocation, and revenue recognition.

Trusted by trade contractors across the country

Other construction terms

Preliminary Notices

What are Preliminary Notices?

Preliminary Notices are legal documents that are commonly used in the construction industry. These notices are also known as pre-lien notices or notices to owner. They are typically sent at the beginning of a construction project by the subcontractors, suppliers, or equipment renters, essentially anyone who does not have a direct contractual relationship with the property owner. The main purpose of these notices is to inform the property owner, general contractors, or other party with financial interest in the property, of the sender's involvement in the project and their right to file a lien in the event they are not paid for the services or materials provided. It's an essential step in securing one's right to payment. Moreover, Preliminary Notices serve as a professional way to maintain transparency and communication in construction projects and promote smoother and more prompt payments.

Change Order

What is a Change Order?

A change order is an official amendment to a construction contract that modifies the original scope of work, timeline, or contract price. Unlike simple invoice adjustments, change orders require formal documentation and approval from all project parties before payment can be made. These modifications happen frequently in construction projects as conditions change, unforeseen issues arise, or clients request additional work beyond the original contract specifications.

For subcontractors, proper change order management can make the difference between getting paid for extra work and eating the costs. The challenge goes beyond just documenting changes—it's staying on top of approvals, tracking work that's moving forward without final sign-off, and making sure everything gets billed correctly. Too often, change orders get lost in email chains, verbal requests never get formalized, or approved changes don't make it into the next billing cycle, leaving subcontractors stuck with unbillable work. (For a detailed breakdown of change order processes and best practices, check out our change order guide.)

Siteline eliminates these change order headaches by tracking approval status in real-time, identifying which change orders are proceeding without final sign-off, and automatically incorporating approved changes into your billing schedule. With Siteline, you'll never lose sight of a change order again. Request a personalized demo to see how Siteline can protect your payments.

ASC 606

What is ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers?

ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is an accounting standard that provides a comprehensive, industry-neutral revenue recognition model intended to increase financial statement comparability across companies and industries. For the construction industry, it has substantial implications as it changes how and when revenue from contracts is recognized. Under this model, construction companies recognize revenue by transferring promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration they expect to receive. ASC 606 can affect a construction company's financial statements, operations, and tax obligations. It demands that companies disclose more detailed revenue and contract information than before. Therefore, understanding ASC 606 is critical for construction industry stakeholders to assess a company's performance and future prospects accurately.

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