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 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.

Trusted by trade contractors across the country

Other construction terms

Float the Project

What is Floating the Project?

"Floating the Project" in the construction industry refers to a project management technique concerning the manipulation of the project schedule. This term refers to the amount of time that you can delay a task, activity or a group of activities without causing an overall delay to the project schedule. It helps to understand and manage the flexibility you have on different parts of the project. In construction, adjusting the time frame of a floating project must be done carefully to ensure it doesn't impact other interlinked tasks. Good understanding and strategic use of float time can potentially save costs and ensure effective project delivery.

Year-to-Date (YTD)

What is Year-to-Date (YTD)?

Year-to-Date (YTD) in the context of the construction industry refers to the cumulative financial or operational performance of a construction project from the start of the current year, up to the present date. This includes data on various aspects, such as project costs, revenues, profits, safety incidents, labor hours, and so forth. It is a crucial period commonly used in financial reporting that helps businesses to track progress, project future performance, and make informed decisions. YTD is commonly used to compare the current data to the same period in the previous year, which helps in identifying trends, measuring growth, and planning strategies. By using the YTD analysis, construction companies can operate more efficiently, control costs, optimize resources, and enhance profitability.

Fixed Assets

What are Fixed Assets?

Fixed assets, also known as property, plant, and equipment (PPE), are long-term tangible assets owned by a business for the production, supply, or rental to customers. Within the construction industry, these assets are essential as they are not only used in day-to-day operations but are crucial for long-term business growth. They encompass a broad range of items such as buildings, heavy machinery, land, vehicles, and other tools or equipment. These assets are distinguished by their durability and are not to be sold throughout regular business operations. The value of fixed assets is reflected on the balance sheet and it decreases over time due to normal wear and tear, also known as depreciation. Real estate, construction equipment like cranes or bulldozers, and even software used for project planning are some examples of fixed assets in the construction industry. They are considered investments because their utilization helps to generate income.

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