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Construction glossary

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.

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Other construction terms

Construction Loan

What is a Construction Loan?

A construction loan is a type of short-term financing that is specifically designed for construction projects. It serves as a provisional line of credit that covers the costs of labor and materials during the construction phase of a project. Unlike traditional mortgage loans, construction loans are not delivered in a lump sum. Rather, the lender provides money in stages, known as draws, as each phase of the construction process is completed. This is to ensure funds are suitably used and spent efficiently. Once the project is finished and ready for occupancy, the borrower often obtains a more standard, long-term mortgage to replace the temporary construction loan. This financial tool combines flexibility and control, making it an ideal option for developers and builders in the construction industry.

Transmittal

What is a Transmittal?

A transmittal in construction is a formal document that accompanies the delivery of project materials like drawings, specifications, reports, or samples. It’s like a receipt that creates an official record of what was sent, when it was sent, and who received it.

Transmittals typically include document details, revision numbers, dates, and any special instructions about enclosed materials. They’re essential for keeping everyone—from the field to the back office—on the same page throughout the project.

Just like transmittals ensure project documents don't get lost in the shuffle, Siteline brings that same level of transparency to subcontractor billing workflows. It gives subcontractors a centralized solution for managing pay applications, tracking compliance and payments, and spotting cash flow holdups before they derail operations. Interested in learning more? Book some time with us.

Subcontractor Default

What is Subcontractor Default?

Subcontractor Default, often seen in the construction industry, refers to the circumstance when a subcontractor fails to fulfill their contractual obligations. This could be due to many reasons - ranging from financial instability and resource unavailability to poor performance or bankruptcy. When a Subcontractor Default occurs, the prime contractor becomes liable, which could lead to significant project delays, increased costs, and potential legal issues. It represents a major risk in the construction industry, which is why many firms secure themselves with Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI) as a financial risk management tool. Managing relationships with subcontractors carefully, monitoring their performance, and conducting background checks are some ways to avoid Subcontractor Default.

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