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Construction glossary
Construction Glossary •

General Ledger (G/L)

What is a General Ledger (G/L)?

A General Ledger (G/L) in the construction industry is a fundamental financial tool for recording all financial transactions of a construction company including assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses. It not only reflects every financial transaction related to a construction project, but also contains crucial details such as date, description, and transaction amount. Essentially, the G/L acts as the core of a construction company's financial record system where all transaction data from sub-ledgers or modules, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management, are consolidated. It provides a comprehensive financial picture necessary for reporting and strategic decision-making in the construction business. By regularly maintaining and auditing the G/L, construction companies can ensure financial accuracy and compliance, as well as evaluate their financial performance and stability.

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Other construction terms

Top-of-Chain, or High-Tier

What is Top-of-Chain or High-Tier?

Top-of-Chain or High-Tier refers to the superior position in a hierarchical structure within the construction industry, often denoting the entities or individuals who have the utmost authority or control. This could involve top-tier construction companies, project managers, stakeholders, or contractors who handle major decisions and oversee the whole project operations. These high-tier participants are responsible for ensuring the project is executed according to the plan, budget, and timeframe. They manage sub-contractors, labor crews, purchase materials, and communicate with clients. Their decisions have significant influence on the project's success. Being at the top of the chain, they often bear the highest level of risk, but also stand to make the most profit.

Cost Plus Billing

What is Cost Plus Billing?

Cost Plus Billing in the construction industry refers to a method where the customer agrees to cover the actual costs, expenses and other direct costs of the construction project plus an additional sum for contractor’s overhead and profit. These typically include costs of materials, labor, and subcontractor charges. The agreement clearly establishes and defines what is constituted as cost, the overhead percentage, and the profit percentage, reducing the risk of any surprise costs. Essentially, the 'Cost' represents the direct costs of the construction, while the 'Plus' is the contractor's fee and is usually agreed upon as a fixed percentage of the total costs or as a target price with a shared savings clause.

Contractor

What is a Contractor?

A contractor in the construction industry is a professional who is tasked with the responsibility of managing and executing construction projects. This could be anything from building houses to constructing bridges. They are often employed by construction companies but can also work independently. Contractors coordinate all the services required for a construction project, such as acquiring necessary permits, hiring specialised subcontractors, sourcing materials and equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are adhered to. Their role is crucial in ensuring the project is completed within the stipulated timeline, budget, and conforms to building codes and plans. They act as the main point of contact for clients, architects, and builders involved in the project, ensuring smooth communication and resolving any issues that arise. Therefore, a contractor plays a key role in the successful completion of any construction project.

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