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Construction glossary

What is Direct Labor?

Direct labor in the construction industry refers to the workforce directly involved in the construction, alteration or development of a project. This primarily includes on-site workers like carpenters, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, concrete finishers, steel workers and others who are hands-on in assembling, fabricating, and finishing physical components of a constructed entity. These are the personnel who directly contribute to the construction process by physically constructing or installing components of the project. The expenses incurred for this labor force, including their wages, benefits, and any associated costs, are considered as direct labor costs. It is crucial as the effectiveness and efficiency of the direct labor can greatly impact the project's quality, cost, and timeline. Therefore, project managers in the construction industry often focus a great deal on managing and optimizing direct labor.

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Other construction terms

Lump Sum Billing

What is Lump Sum Billing?

Lump Sum Billing in the construction industry refers to a fixed contract price for the completion of all work required for a specific project. This means that the contractor agrees to complete the whole project at a specific set cost irrespective of the amount of resources and time spent on the project. The contractor bears all the risk and is responsible for any cost overruns. Lump sum billing is commonly used in construction due to its simplicity, as the entire project is billed one time for one set amount.

WH-347

What is WH-347?

WH-347 is a form utilized in the construction industry by contractors and subcontractors engaged in federal or federally-assisted construction contracts. This certified payroll form, issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, requires contractors to report detailed wage information for employees including hours worked, job classification, rates of pay, and deductions. The purpose of the WH-347 form is to ensure contractors are compliant with the Fair Labor Standards Act regulations. Witnessed and attested to by an assigned company official, this form plays a crucial role in the transparent and fair operation of the construction industry, ensuring that workers are compensated according to stipulated guidelines and in line with labor law regulations.

Certified Payroll

What is Certified Payroll?

Certified Payroll is a specific type of payroll process required for any contractor or subcontractor working on federally funded or assisted construction projects under the Davis-Bacon Act. It is a federal compliance requirement to ensure employees are paid prevailing local wage rates and benefits. Certified Payroll records include the worker's name, their classification, hourly rates of wages paid, daily and weekly hours worked, deductions made, and actual wage paid. It provides transparency for regulators, ensuring fair wages for work conducted. This mandatory weekly submission acts as an assertive step in suppressing wage theft in the construction industry.

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