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Construction glossary

What is Net Income?

Net Income, in the construction industry, is a crucial financial measure representing the company's profitability after accounting for all expenses, tax obligations, and income from all sources. It is calculated by deducting operating costs, like labor, materials, equipment costs, overheads, taxes, and interest on loans, from the total revenue generated by the company. It is also known as net profit or bottom-line. The performance of a construction company and its ability to stay viable, fund its growth, or service its debts depend on its net income. A firm with a consistently high net income can attract investment, retain talent, and outlast competitors. Do note, though, that net income can fluctuate greatly in construction due to the project-based nature of the business.

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Other construction terms

What is a Notice of Commencement (NOC)?

What is a Notice of Commencement (NOC)?

A Notice of Commencement (NOI) is a legal document filed by general contractors (GCs) to formally declare the start of a construction project. In addition to establishing an official record of when construction began, it also provides essential information about the project—property details, project scope, contact information for key project stakeholders, etc. In some states, it may be referred to as a Notice of Project Commencement, an Affidavit of Commencement, or a Notice of Contract. 

For subcontractors, NOCs are important because they determine when you need to file paperwork to protect your lien (and thereby, payment) rights. Once the owner or GC files an NOC, it often changes the deadlines for when you must submit preliminary notices and mechanics’ liens. These documents contain vital project information, including:

  • legal property descriptions,
  • owner details,
  • GC information, and
  • surety data.

In most states where NOCs are required, they must be posted at the job site and recorded with the county clerk’s office. Subcontractors should be aware that failing to respond properly to an NOC could result in losing their right ot file a lien if a payment issue arises.

Staying informed about documentation like NOCs is crucial for securing payment on construction projects. For more detailed information on how to protect your lien when working on projects with an NOC, visit this blog post for the complete guide and best practices. Subscribe to Siteline’s newsletter for regular updates on getting paid on time and protecting your bottom line.

Payroll

What is Payroll?

Payroll, in the context of the construction industry, refers to the process by which a company pays its employees for their services performed within a specified pay period. It involves determining each worker's compensation, deducting appropriate taxes and other withholdings appropriately, and ensuring the net pay is transferred to the employee. In the construction industry, payroll can be complex due to the varied forms of employments like hourly wages, salaries, or contractual pay, and irregular work patterns. Payroll processes also play an essential role in construction project budgeting and cost management because labor often constitutes an important cost component. Therefore, effective payroll management is crucial in the construction industry.

Backup

What is a Backup?

A backup in the construction industry is a way to safeguard data and ensure business continuity in the case of unexpected events, such as computer system crashes or accidental file deletion. It involves creating duplicates of data stored in software applications, databases, and digital files, which are typically saved on external devices or cloud storage systems. Hence, in case the originals are lost or corrupted, the backed-up data can be restored with minimal disturbance or downtime. For example, if the blueprint data of a construction project is accidentally wiped out, a well-executed backup system can restore the vital information, preventing project delays. It's integral to Plan Risk Management to counter data loss events, which in the construction sector can cripple project management systems, delay timelines, escalate costs, and affect architectural integrity if not addressed promptly and effectively.

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