Material Overhead
What is Material Overhead?
Material Overhead in the construction industry refers to the indirect costs associated with handling and storing materials used for construction projects. This can encompass a wide range of expenses, such as the cost of storage facilities or warehouses, transportation and delivery costs, insurance, equipment maintenance and repair, and any costs associated with waste disposal or recycling. From a more managerial financial standpoint, material overhead can also include costs related to procurement processes, such as the salaries and benefits of the staff involved in purchasing and inventory management. Accurately calculating and managing material overhead costs is critical in the construction industry, as these costs can greatly affect a project's overall budget and profitability.
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Other construction terms
What is the percentage-of-completion method?
The percentage-of-completion method is an accounting method used in the construction industry to recognize revenue and expenses for long-term projects as they progress—rather than waiting until the project is completed. Under the POC method, a contractor or subcontractor estimates the total contract revenue, total contract costs, and the percentage of work completed during a specific accounting period.
Revenue is recognized based on the percentage of work completed multiplied by the total estimated contract revenue. Expenses are recognized based on the percentage of work completed multiplied by the total estimated contract costs. This method aims to provide a more accurate representation of a construction project's financial performance over its duration rather than recognizing all revenue and expenses at the end.
For subcontractors and their accounting teams, understanding the POC method is crucial for three reasons:
- It directly impacts their revenue recognition and financial reporting, enabling them to assess profitability throughout project lifecycles.
- It affects their cash flow projections and management, as progress payments are typically tied to the POC.
- Understanding this method ensures compliance with accounting standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of audits or penalties.
Siteline supports the POC method, ensuring accurate financial reporting and cash flow management. With Siteline, you can:
- Generate custom pay applications using real-time POC calculations
- Integrate with general contractor (GC) payment portals to ensure timely and accurate submissions
- Gain real-time insights into project financials with intuitive dashboards
- Centralize all documentation for improved field-to-office collaboration
Book a demo today to discover how Siteline can enhance your accounting processes, strengthen your cash flow, and ultimately contribute to your company's financial success.
What are Financial Statements?
Financial Statements, in the context of the construction industry, are formal records that portray the financial activities and conditions of a construction company. They're crucial for presenting a company's financial health to stakeholders and assisting in making strategic decisions. The primary types include balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and equity statements. The balance sheet gives an overview of the company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity. The income statement shows revenue and expenses, revealing the profit or loss over a period. Cash flow statements illustrate how changes in balance sheet and income statement items affect cash and cash equivalents. Equity statement depicts changes in the owner's interest in company during the accounting period. Without these statements, it would be challenging to understand a construction firm's economic status and make informed future financial decisions.
What is a Joint Check Agreement?
A Joint Check Agreement is a contractual agreement in the construction industry used to ensure all parties involved in a project get paid. This agreement involves primarily three parties - the property owner, general contractor, and subcontractor or material supplier. The property owner or general contractor issues a check payable to both the subcontractor and materials supplier, providing a layer of protection against mechanic's lien. This means both parties must endorse the check for it to be cashed, ensuring the funds are distributed appropriately. This way, it mitigates the risk of non-payment for subcontractors and suppliers. Additionally, it helps the owner or general contractor to ensure project progression without disputes or delays related to payment issues. However, details of the agreement, like the proportion of payment to each party, need to be clearly outlined to avoid potential conflicts.