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Construction glossary

What is a Field?

A field in the construction industry refers to a physical area or a project site where construction activities take place. These fields are typically outdoors, such as building sites or highway projects, and can range from open spaces to restricted and confined areas. Fieldwork involves various construction tasks like excavation, foundation setting, erecting structures, piping, and landscaping. Field operations are significant in shaping the entire construction project, influencing cost, time, quality, and safety. It's important to note that the field is where the practical application of engineering designs happens, turning blueprints into reality.

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Other construction terms

Unit Price Contract

What is a Unit Price Contract?

A unit price contract is a widely used pricing model in the construction industry where general contractors (GCs) provide a fixed price for each unit of work and material (based on the anticipated quantities specified by the client). The final contract amount is calculated by multiplying the pre-agree unit prices by the actual quantities used or work performed.

This approach allows for flexibility as the total costs adjust to reflect actual usage. Therefore, unit price contracts are ideal for projects with uncertain material and work quantities, helping avoid cost overruns due to miscalculations.

For subcontractors, there are specific considerations when working with unit price contracts. It’s crucial to ensure precise unit price calculations to maintain profitability and implement sound systems for tracking and reporting actual quantities. Clear communication with the GC about quantity changes is also important, and subcontractors should be prepared to justify any discrepancies that may occur.

Siteline—an intuitive A/R management system—simplifies unit price billing for subcontractors, allowing them to:

  • Easily input and update unit prices;
  • Automatically calculate billing amounts based on reported quantities; and
  • Generate accurate, detailed pay applications that show up-to-date unit prices and quantities.

Ready to optimize your unit price billing process? Contact Siteline today to learn how our solution enhances A/R workflows to accelerate payments.

Income Statement

What is an Income Statement?

An Income Statement, also known as a Profit and Loss Statement, is a vital financial document used in the construction industry, providing a detailed account of a company’s revenue, costs, and expenses over a specified period. It outlines gross profits, operating profits, and net profits after considering all deductions. For construction firms, it not only includes direct incomes and expenses such as labor cost, material cost, subcontracting cost, but also share of overheads like site insurance, equipment rental. It is an essential tool used by construction firms to understand their financial health, profitability, and to make informed strategic decisions for growth and sustainability.

Champion

What is a Champion?

A Champion within the construction industry is an individual who plays a critical role in spearheading and facilitating successful implementation of a project, plan, method or innovation. This individual possesses leadership qualities, and is responsible for rallying support, encouraging commitment, and bringing together teams and resources necessary for a project's success. He or she communicates the vision of the project and ensures everyone involved understands and is aligned with the mission. A Champion also works to resolve any issues that may arise, making critical decisions based on their wide range of expertise. They are crucial to the success of construction initiatives, serving as a driving force that encourages progress and ensures high-quality results.

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