What is a Notice of Intent to Lien (NOI)?

An architect is a professional who works within the construction industry and is responsible for designing and planning buildings and oversee their construction. They utilize their specialized skills in art, science, technology, and humanities to design safe and functional buildings, from residential homes to large commercial properties. Besides the aesthetic aspect, their work also involves understanding structural integrity, safety regulations, and building codes. The role extends beyond design, it includes meetings with clients, contractors, engineers, and other professionals. Their intricate hand in shaping environments makes them a vital cog in the construction industry.

In construction, an allowance is a predetermined dollar amount included in a contract to cover materials, fixtures, or finishes that haven’t yet been selected. Allowances are typically used for flooring, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, appliances, or other finish materials (things that contribute to the project’s aesthetic) where the owner may want flexibility to make selections as the project evolves.

Here’s how allowances work: When contractors bid on a project, they’ll include specific allowance amounts (e.g., $5,000 flooring allowance). Once construction begins and the owner chooses actual materials, the costs are reconciled against the allowance. If the materials cost less, they receive a credit. If more, the owner pays the difference via a change order.

Siteline can help you track and manage those change orders, ensuring you get paid for that difference. Learn more about how Siteline streamlines change order management here.

Cost accounting in construction is a specialized accounting practice that captures, records, and analyzes all costs incurred during construction projects. This includes direct costs like materials, labor, and equipment, as well as indirect costs such as project management, insurance, and overhead allocation. 

Unlike general accounting, which focuses on overall financial reporting, cost accounting drills down into the specifics of where every dollar goes on each project. It's designed to provide detailed insights into project profitability by tracking costs against budgets in real-time, helping construction teams understand not only how much they're spending, but also whether that spending aligns with projected margins and timelines.

Siteline helps subcontractors maximize the value of their cost accounting by streamlining the entire accounts receivable (A/R) process that turns project costs into collected payments. Our platform generates custom pay applications, manages compliance documentation, tracks change orders, and provides real-time A/R reporting, ensuring that all the financial insights from your cost accounting translate into faster, more predictable cash flow. Request a personalized demo here.