Current Assets
What are Current Assets?
Current Assets in the construction industry represent the value of all assets that can reasonably be expected to be converted into cash within one fiscal year. This includes assets such as cash on hand, accounts receivables, inventory, and other short-term investments. For construction companies, the most significant current assets are typically inventory and accounts receivables. The inventory will usually include materials, equipment for construction, and any other resource that is vital for completing projects. Accounts receivable, on the other hand, pertains to the money that the company's clients owe for the projects the company has already completed or is currently working on. Understanding the concept of current assets helps to analyze a construction company's liquidity, operational efficiency, and overall financial health.
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Other construction terms
What is a sworn statement?
A sworn statement is a legal document used in construction projects that lists all contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers providing labor or materials for a project. When signed, it serves as a sworn declaration that the information provided is complete and accurate, meaning the signer is swearing under oath that no parties other than those listed need to be paid for work on the project.
Sworn statements include detailed financial information for each party, such as contract amounts, previous payments, current amounts due, and remaining balances. Because these statements are made under oath, providing false information can result in perjury charges.
For subcontractors, sworn statements create transparency in the payment process, ideally to help prevent payment disputes. They’re typically submitted alongside payment applications, especially when requesting final payment. While not required in most states, Michigan and Illinois mandate sworn statements for all construction projects, with Michigan requiring a specific standardized form. Submitting sworn statements proactively—even when not explicitly required—can build trust with general contractors (GCs) and often results in faster payments. However, accuracy is critical; any discrepancies with sworn statements can have the opposite effect—delayed payments and damaged relationships. Check out this blog post for more tips on managing sworn statements.
Siteline can simplify the sworn statement process through integrations with popular construction accounting systems like Sage 300 CRE, Sage 100, Sage Intacct, Spectrum, and Vista. These integrations automatically pull accounts payable (A/P) information to complete sworn statements and subcontractor affidavits accurately, preventing costly errors and delays. See for yourself—book a no-obligation demo of Siteline today.
What is a Budget Analysis?
A Budget Analysis in the context of the construction industry is a comprehensive review and assessment of all estimated costs associated with a construction project to ensure fiscal responsibility and efficiency. This includes analyzing labor costs, material expenses, equipment needs, subcontractor bids, project timeline, contingencies, and overheads among others. The aim is to determine the economic viability of the project, identify any potential financial risks, and devise strategies to manage and control costs. It plays a critical role in project management, helping construction companies to plan, organize, and regulate their budget, therefore enabling them to deliver projects within the allocated finances. The budget analysis also helps in future forecasting and strategic planning, thereby enhancing profitability and competitiveness in the industry.
What are Indirect Costs?
Indirect costs, in the context of the construction industry, are expenses not directly tied to a specific project, but are essential for the overall operation of a construction firm. They represent the expenditures that do not contribute to the building process directly, yet they are crucial for the smooth running of projects. Such costs could include administrative expenses like office rent, utilities, and salaries of personnel not active on the field but are involved in management, planning, or supervision. Other examples include insurance, security, equipment depreciation, and legal fees. Understanding indirect costs is key to accurate budgeting and financial control in construction projects. Failure to consider these costs can lead to a significant underestimation of the actual project cost, leading to financial losses. Therefore, contractors need to accurately factor indirect costs into their pricing to secure profitability.
