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Overbillings
What is Overbilling?
Overbilling (or billing in excess of costs) occurs when you’ve invoiced your client for more work than you’ve actually completed or incurred costs for. In other words, it represents getting paid ahead of your work schedule.
Here’s how it works: If you’re a concrete subcontractor on a $100,000 job and you bill 50% upfront ($50,000) but have only completed $30,000 worth of work, that $20,000 difference is your billings in excess of costs. You owe your client that work, and until you complete it, that $20,000 remains as a liability on your balance sheet.
For subcontractors, understanding billing in excess of costs is essential because it can be a strategic cash flow tool when used carefully. For example, when bidding on a job, you can be smart about how you structure your schedule of values (SOV)—breaking work down into more detailed line items that allow earlier billing. However, this strategy requires regular monitoring to ensure:
- Your billing somewhat aligns with your actual percentage complete, and
- The remaining contract value will still cover your remaining costs.
The biggest risk of overbilling is thinking your margins look better than they are, simply because you’re collecting cash faster. Surety companies and lenders also scrutinize overbillings closely, as excessive amounts can signal poor project management or potential cash flow problems down the road.
With Siteline, you can easily track whether you’re billing in excess of your costs by pulling your month-to-month incurred costs and comparing them against your billing progress. This real-time visibility helps ensure you’re billing appropriately while maintaining realistic profitability expectations. If you’re interested in seeing for yourself, schedule a personalized demo of Siteline here.
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Other construction terms
What is Section 179?
Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code is a deduction designed to help certain businesses recover part of the costs associated with the purchase of qualifying equipment, including machinery, vehicles, or computer software. Within the construction industry, this can be a vital tool, allowing construction firms to write off the full purchase price of equipment they have bought or financed during the tax year. Whether it’s for acquiring a new excavator, a truck, or upgrading software, the Section 179 incentive directly strengthens financial capabilities of the companies in the construction sector. This, in turn, encourages business growth and economic development. Claiming this deduction can significantly impact a construction company’s overall operating costs, providing potential major tax relief.
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.
What is a Lien Release?
A lien release in the construction industry is a legal document that removes a lien that has already been placed on a property, clearing the property from any debt or obligation related to construction work. The lien release proves that whoever filed the lien (general contractor, subcontractor, vendor, etc.) has been fully compensated for their work and waives their right to place a lien on the property in the future.
This is incredibly important for all parties involved in a construction project. For those who may have filed a lien, it ensures they receive their due payment and protects them from potential financial losses. For those who have had a lien filed against their property, it clears the title and allows for smooth project completion and transfer of ownership. Ultimately, a lien release provides a record of resolved financial obligations, contributing to greater trust and transparency among all stakeholders.
While Siteline doesn't handle the actual filing of a lien, it plays a crucial role in preventing the need for one in the first place. Our software helps subcontractors manage their billing workflow, including the collection and tracking of lien waivers. This ensures all necessary documentation is in order and payments are processed smoothly, minimizing the risk of non-payment and potential legal disputes. By streamlining the payment process, Siteline helps subcontractors get paid faster and avoid costly delays, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure construction project for everyone involved.
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