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Construction glossary

What is a Pay-if-Paid Clause?

A Pay-if-Paid Clause is a contractual agreement prevalent in the construction industry. Generally, this clause can be found in subcontracts between the General Contractor(GC) and their subcontractors. According to the clause, the GC is not obliged to pay the subcontractors unless and until they themselves have received full payment from the project owner. Therefore, it effectively transfers the risk of the project owner's insolvency from the GC to their subcontractors. It serves as a protection for the GC against financial instability. This type of clause has its controversies, as some jurisdictions view it as unfair to subcontractors due to the assignment of financial risk.

Trusted by trade contractors across the country

Other construction terms

Time-and-Material billing

What is Time-and-Material Billing?

Time-and-material billing is a method used in the construction industry where a client is charged based on the actual cost of labor and materials for a project, along with an added markup for the contractor's profit. This approach promotes transparency as customers directly pay for the time spent on the project and materials used. The advantage of this method is the flexibility it provides - if a project scope is unclear or likely to change, it can be more efficient than a fixed-price model. However, it also contains a risk for the client, with a chance that costs could increase if the construction takes longer or requires more resources than estimated. It requires meticulous tracking of working hours, materials, and equipment used. The client also needs to keep an eye on the project to avoid unnecessary costs.

General Liability Insurance

What is General Liability Insurance?

General Liability Insurance, particularly applicable to the construction industry, is a specific type of coverage that safeguards construction businesses against financial losses due to liability claims. These losses may arise from bodily injuries or property damages that occur on the construction site. It can also extend to cover slander, defamation or false advertising claims. Moreover, in the event of any such undesired incidents, the insurance policy is responsible for handling lawsuits and paying out the settlements. However, it's essential to note that general liability insurance doesn't cover damages due to professional errors or employee injuries; these would fall under professional liability insurance and workers' compensation, respectively.

Percent Complete Method

What is the percentage-of-completion method?

The percentage-of-completion method is an accounting method used in the construction industry to recognize revenue and expenses for long-term projects as they progress—rather than waiting until the project is completed. Under the POC method, a contractor or subcontractor estimates the total contract revenue, total contract costs, and the percentage of work completed during a specific accounting period.

Revenue is recognized based on the percentage of work completed multiplied by the total estimated contract revenue. Expenses are recognized based on the percentage of work completed multiplied by the total estimated contract costs. This method aims to provide a more accurate representation of a construction project's financial performance over its duration rather than recognizing all revenue and expenses at the end.

For subcontractors and their accounting teams, understanding the POC method is crucial for three reasons:

  1. It directly impacts their revenue recognition and financial reporting, enabling them to assess profitability throughout project lifecycles. 
  2. It affects their cash flow projections and management, as progress payments are typically tied to the POC. 
  3. Understanding this method ensures compliance with accounting standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of audits or penalties.

Siteline supports the POC method, ensuring accurate financial reporting and cash flow management. With Siteline, you can:

  • AGÕæÈËÓÎÏ· custom pay applications using real-time POC calculations
  • Integrate with general contractor (GC) payment portals to ensure timely and accurate submissions
  • Gain real-time insights into project financials with intuitive dashboards
  • Centralize all documentation for improved field-to-office collaboration

Book a demo today to discover how Siteline can enhance your accounting processes, strengthen your cash flow, and ultimately contribute to your company's financial success.

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