AGÕæÈËÓÎÏ·

Accounts Receivable (A/R) in the construction industry refers to the amount of money owed to a construction company for goods and services it has provided but has not yet been paid for. This is typically recorded as an asset on the company's balance sheet as it represents a legal obligation for the customer to remit payment to the company. The A/R system helps track these outstanding payments within a set time period, allowing construction companies to manage their cash flow effectively. It's essential for construction firms to monitor their A/R closely, as late or uncollected payments can significantly impact their financial health and ability to fund future projects.

Retainage is a common practice in the construction industry where a portion of a subcontractor's payment is withheld until the project reaches substantial completion or a specific milestone. This withheld amount, typically 5-10% of each progress payment, serves as a safeguard for the project owner, ensuring that the work is completed to their satisfaction. However, retainage can significantly impact subcontractors' cash flow, as it ties up a portion of their earnings and limits their access to working capital.

This restriction on cash flow can create challenges for subcontractors, especially smaller businesses with limited financial resources. They may need to secure additional financing or lines of credit to cover ongoing expenses like labor, materials, and overhead. This can lead to increased borrowing costs and potentially reduce their profit margins. In some cases, subcontractors may even delay starting or completing work until retainage from previous projects is released, causing potential disputes.

To mitigate these challenges, subcontractors should carefully review and negotiate retainage contract terms, ensuring they fully understand the percentage withheld, release conditions, and payment schedule. Proactive financial planning, including budgeting for delayed payments and potential additional financing, is crucial for navigating the pitfalls associated with retainage.

Siteline can be a valuable tool in this process. It allows subcontractors to track retainage meticulously—ensuring they always collect retention payments—and provides a centralized repository for all closeout documentation. Additionally, Siteline streamlines the billing process, generating accurate and timely pay applications and submitting the correct lien waivers, further simplifying the complexities of retainage management.

If you're looking to gain control over your retainage tracking and improve your overall billing efficiency, book a demo with Siteline today.

Accrued revenue is the income a subcontractor has earned for work performed or in progress but has not yet billed (the general contractor or client) or received payment for. This typically happens due to the nature of construction contracts, where payments are often tied to milestones or project completion.

Example: An electrical subcontractor working on a large commercial building is paid based on completed milestones, with invoices due at the end of each month. By June 30th, they've finished 75% of the $100,000 job, but can't invoice until month-end. The $75,000 earned but not yet invoiced is their accrued revenue.

Tracking accrued revenue is crucial for accurate financial reporting, as it reflects the subcontractor’s economic activity for the period—even before invoicing or receiving payment. To gain even deeper financial insights, many subcontractors turn to Siteline. Our tool is tailored to help track pay application statuses and amounts owed, empowering subcontractors to make more informed, strategic decisions. Experience the benefits firsthand by scheduling a Siteline demo today.