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Construction glossary

What is a Release?

In the construction industry, a release is a legal instrument that acts to terminate any legal liability between the releasor and the releasee, signed by the releasor. It is often used to settle disputes or claims, with one party agreeing to release the other from any existing obligations, responsibility or further legal action in return for a negotiated compensation. It may also refer to a point in a construction project where work is considered complete to a given level, allowing for payment or the transfer of responsibility to the next party involved in the process.

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Other construction terms

Applied Overhead

What is Applied Overhead?

Applied overhead, in the context of the construction industry, refers to the allocation of indirect costs incurred during the construction project. These costs can include utilities, rent, salaries of non-project staff, equipment depreciation, or insurance. These costs do not directly contribute to a specific project but rather the operation of the business as a whole. In construction, these costs are typically distributed to each job based on a formula that might involve labor costs, materials cost, or some other fair measure. Understanding applied overhead is integral to accurate job costing and ensuring a construction project's profitability. Managing and accurately tracking these expenses can mean the difference between a successful construction project and one that loses money. Hence, applied overhead is a crucial financial aspect of any construction project.

Bond Claim

What is a Bond Claim?

A bond claim is a legal demand made against a construction bond to recover unpaid amounts owed by a contractor or project owner. Construction bonds are financial guarantees that protect project owners and subcontractors from financial loss if the prime contractor fails to meet their contractual obligations. When payment or performance issues arise, affected parties can file a bond claim to seek compensation from the bonding company.

There are several types of construction bonds, including payment bonds (which guarantee subcontractors and suppliers will be paid) and performance bonds (which ensure project completion).

For subcontractors, bond claims serve as an important safety net when general contractors fail to pay for completed work. Filing a bond claim can be complex and time-sensitive, often requiring specific documentation and adherence to strict deadlines. However, it provides subcontractors with a path to recovery when traditional collection methods fail, helping protect their business’s bottom line.

Siteline helps protect your bottom line too by streamlining billing processes and providing clear visibility into payment statuses, so you can identify and address collection issues before they require legal action. Learn more about Siteline here.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

What is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?

A Request for Proposal (RFP) within the construction industry is a comprehensive document that outlines the specifics about a particular construction project. It's a call to bidders, helping interested contractors and construction firms understand the project details, timelines, expectations, and criteria for selecting the winning bid. An RFP in the construction industry typically includes information such as project scope, schedule, required materials, budget, and other relevant factors. It acts as a formal invitation, allowing companies to bid on the project by proposing a plan that meets or exceeds the listed requirements. This inherently ensures competition, dedication towards the job and best value for money for the project owner.

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