Overhead Allocation
What is Overhead Allocation?
Overhead Allocation in the construction industry refers to the process of distributing indirect costs or overheads related to a project, amongst the various direct cost items within the project. This process allows all associated project costs to be accurately reflected, providing a holistic understanding of a project's total expenses. Overhead costs could include equipment rents, electricity, insurance costs, etc. The allocation can be based on certain criteria like the rate of resource consumption. It's a fundamental aspect of financial management, allowing the accurate pricing of projects, assisting in budgeting, and providing key insights that can guide decision-making.
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Other construction terms
What is Single-Entry Accounting?
Single-entry accounting is a simplified bookkeeping method where each financial transaction is recorded only once, typically as either income or an expense. Unlike double-entry accounting, which requires balancing debits and credits across multiple accounts (asset, liability, equity, etc.), single-entry accounting functions more like a detailed checkbook register.
It’s a simple system that works well for smaller contractors with straightforward billing. But as your projects, clients, and payment terms get more complex, it can become limiting, often requiring extra spreadsheets and manual workarounds.
That’s where Siteline comes in. Built specifically for commercial subcontractors, it automates progress billing, manages custom GC requirements, and provides accurate, real-time cash tracking and reporting, helping you keep projects moving and payments on schedule. Learn more about Siteline.
What is a Request for Change Order (RFC)?
A request for change order (RFC) is a formal document that subcontractors submit to general contractors when they encounter work that falls outside their original contract scope. Unlike the actual change order, which is the approved contract modification, an RFC is the preliminary request that kicks off the approval process. These requests typically include details about the additional work, justification for why it's necessary, cost estimates, and timeline impacts.
RFCs are critical for protecting subcontractors from performing unbillable work, but they need to be submitted quickly when field conditions change. The challenge is that field teams often discover the need for additional work while actively working on-site, but the documentation and approval process typically happens back in the office. This disconnect can create delays that either hold up project progress or pressure subcontractors to proceed with work before getting proper approval.
Siteline streamlines this process by bridging the gap between field and back office teams, making it easier to document scope changes as they happen and convert them into well-organized requests. See how Siteline can improve your RFC process—request a personalized demo here.
What is a Partial Lien Waiver?
A Partial Lien Waiver, in the construction industry, refers to a legal document drafted to provide assurance to a payer that a contractor, subcontractor or materials supplier has received specified payments and waives its right to place a lien on the construction project to the extent of received payments. This document, typically used to maintain a clear title, only relates to the amount that has been paid up to a certain point. Subsequent payments would need additional waivers. It is advised to closely monitor Partial Lien Waivers as they help in avoiding disputes about the amount due, ensuring smoother construction operation.
