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Construction glossary

What is a Change Order?

A Change Order in construction essentially refers to a modification to the original construction contract. These can occur due to unforeseen circumstances, changes requested by the client, or any errors or omissions found in the initial contract. They can include alterations in construction methods, designs, materials, and site conditions, impacting the scheduled tasks and the project's cost. Change orders are documented formally and require official approval before being executed. This mechanism ensures transparency amongst all parties involved, preventing disputes during the project life-cycle. It's important to manage them carefully to prevent project delays and budget overruns.

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Other construction terms

Material Overhead

What is Material Overhead?

Material Overhead in the construction industry refers to the indirect costs associated with handling and storing materials used for construction projects. This can encompass a wide range of expenses, such as the cost of storage facilities or warehouses, transportation and delivery costs, insurance, equipment maintenance and repair, and any costs associated with waste disposal or recycling. From a more managerial financial standpoint, material overhead can also include costs related to procurement processes, such as the salaries and benefits of the staff involved in purchasing and inventory management. Accurately calculating and managing material overhead costs is critical in the construction industry, as these costs can greatly affect a project's overall budget and profitability.

Payroll

What is Payroll?

Payroll, in the context of the construction industry, refers to the process by which a company pays its employees for their services performed within a specified pay period. It involves determining each worker's compensation, deducting appropriate taxes and other withholdings appropriately, and ensuring the net pay is transferred to the employee. In the construction industry, payroll can be complex due to the varied forms of employments like hourly wages, salaries, or contractual pay, and irregular work patterns. Payroll processes also play an essential role in construction project budgeting and cost management because labor often constitutes an important cost component. Therefore, effective payroll management is crucial in the construction industry.

Accounting Equation

What is an Accounting Equation?

An accounting equation is a fundamental principle in the field of accounting, reflecting the relationship between a company's assets, liabilities, and equity. For the construction industry, it's vital as it aids in understanding the financial stability of a project or the entire firm. The equation is typically expressed as Assets = Liabilities + Owners Equity. It helps construction companies balance their books by ensuring that resources, such as building materials (assets), are funded either by external loans (liabilities) or investment from the business owner(s) (equity). This equation provides a snapshot of the company's financial health, informing potential investment decisions and credit extensions. It is also vital for measuring performance, spotting financial discrepancies, and planning future construction projects. In summary, the accounting equation acts as a financial tool in the construction industry, ensuring companies maintain a balanced and healthy financial status.

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