Construction Blog
Construction Contingency vs. Allowance: The 2026 Guide to Profit Protection
Construction team dealing with contingency and allowances
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Anna specializes in creating content for companies across multiple industries, including construction and marketing. She crafts reader-focused and SEO-friendly content that turns complex ideas into a clear narrative.
Construction Blog
Construction team dealing with contingency and allowances
Construction Blog
Using construction software in the daily operations has become an industry standard in New Zealand. Like other countries, Kiwi builders face some challenges that spreadsheets and outdated tools cannot solve. Finding and retaining skilled workers remains difficult. It means that sending requests for quotations and managing subbies should be automated. There is no choice but […]
Construction Blog
In the UK construction industry, the term programme means more than a simple schedule. Construction programme software doesn’t just show dates and activities, but the dynamic changes that affect the project every minute. It’s the reason the construction programme software UK buyers typically look beyond task lists to tools that help control change once work […]
Construction Blog
Any construction project requires 24/7 attention of the general contractor, regardless of the scope and nature of the project. The success relies on the contractor’s ability to track everything, even slight changes that happen on a daily basis. Thus, having all data tracked on time and stored in the right place is a big challenge […]
Construction Blog
Trade contractors lose time not because they don’t know what to do, but rather because their work is scattered across too many tools. When field logs, schedules, and time tracking are in different software, it’s difficult to follow everything at once. A contractor is forced to switch constantly, jumping between tools just to answer basic […]
Construction Blog
Unclear drawings, conflicting specifications, or missing details can quickly damage a construction project. Thus, contractors usually need a mechanism that will make the process of exchanging project data quicker and easier. In construction project management, construction RFIs are the formal process used to clarify questions during the planning, design, or construction phases. When managed correctly, […]
Construction Blog
Why is estimating software one of the most searched terms by general contractors? Probably the reason is that estimating is the phase where money is made or lost. Many contractors know their current process has gaps and want to find software that will help streamline the process. Contractors search for estimating tools, with “Procore estimating” […]
Construction Blog
In commercial construction, bidding is a high-stakes game where margins are thin, and mistakes are expensive. Any seemingly small error in a $20-million project estimate can wipe out profits. As competition intensifies and owners push harder on price, commercial contractors have less room than ever for estimation errors. Hence, commercial construction estimating software is the […]
Construction Blog
Construction management has never been simple, but the challenges builders face today aren’t the same ones they were dealing with just a few years ago. In 2026, the pressure looks different. Projects move faster, margins are tighter, and expectations are higher on every side. I see this shift clearly across the construction industry. Rising material […]
Construction Blog
Is it easier to build something right from scratch or to fix someone else’s mistakes? Remodelers will say both are tough, especially when it comes to estimating. Many remodeling contractors still rely on spreadsheets to create estimates. They often use templates that have been copied, edited, and reused for years. At first, they seem flexible. […]
Construction Blog
For builders, estimating is “the moment of truth” when they lay the basement of their future project. It’s the moment when inaccurate quotes and wrong calculations in the beginning may affect the entire workflow. In the UK, just as in any other country, estimating determines your profit margin, your resource allocation, and your competitive edge. […]
Construction Blog
Why is demand for construction project management software increasing, no matter what country the business is operating in? The reason is that builders can hardly stay competitive without digitalizing their processes. For the modern UK builder, the “office” has also shifted from a “van” to a laptop. Moreover, it’s a digital ecosystem that must navigate […]
Construction Blog
Construction software is no longer an optional addition to business, especially for an Australian construction company. The moment projects started feeling harder to control, construction project management software became a part of the workflow. Construction management used to be about keeping schedules and documents in order. In 2026, that’s no longer enough. Builders need clear […]
Construction Blog
A fire breaks out, or a tree falls on a newly built roof. These are common construction risks that any project can face. Construction projects are exposed to risk from day one. Weather damage, material theft, site accidents, and unexpected delays quickly affect the financial flow without proper insurance coverage. One of the most common […]
Construction Blog
Every builder remembers their first solo project. It was simple: one site, a few trusted subbies, and a notebook that actually stayed organised. But as you scale the construction business, so does the complexity. Cracks in the “manual” system show up rapidly when your crew of four rises to fifty. Suddenly, you aren’t just building […]
Construction Blog
Managing a construction project is challenging, but with the right construction management software tools, project planning can be kept under control. For the Australian builders, keeping “under control” includes such challenges as rising material costs and skilled labor shortage. It means you are likely to face some problems that affect the budget and schedules. Choosing […]
Construction Blog
What’s draining your profits faster: overpriced materials or hours lost to inaccurate estimating? Everyone who has tried to win a project without the fear of miscalculation is well aware of the problems of the preconstruction stage. One wrong number, one missed line item, and suddenly your margins disappear. Construction estimating software can bring order to […]
Construction Blog
A project schedule isn’t just a list of dates on a calendar but a framework that holds your entire project together. Scheduling in construction means connecting tasks, dependencies, labor, equipment, and milestones into one clear and logical flow. Thus, any construction project, regardless of the scope, requires a structured approach to the schedule. When there […]
Construction Blog
Managing any project always includes keeping several things at the top of your mind. However, construction project management can be tougher due to some unique challenges the industry is famous for. Tight schedules, strict budgets, and endless moving parts make every day a new challenge. In construction, there are too many directions to manage: financial […]
Construction Blog
A contractor who has ever struggled to win a bid knows how critical preconstruction estimating is. It’s right at the center of the entire preconstruction phase. But for a general contractor, it is also a marketing tool to show a client how transparent the project will be. Before schedules, permits, procurement, or subcontractor hiring, everything […]
Construction Blog
Construction without specialized accounting software resembles trying to build without blueprints. You might get somewhere, but it’s going to be messy, stressful, and probably expensive. Standard bookkeeping apps can track income and expenses, for sure, but construction accounting goes way deeper. Every job needs to be treated as its own financial entity, with its own […]
Construction Blog
Is QuickBooks enough to keep your construction business running smoothly? For many contractors, the answer feels like a confident yes for the financial side of the business. QuickBooks is familiar and built to handle everyday accounting tasks regardless of the industry. It also has some particular features to fit the complicated needs of construction professionals. […]
Construction Blog
Do you ever feel like you spend more time writing reports than actually building? You’re not alone. Manual cost reporting might continue for hours and take too much time. There are too many small details to include in the work-and-progress report or earned value report. If reporting is delayed or inaccurate, those small details can […]
Construction Blog
Timely project delivery remains a defining indicator of operational excellence within the construction industry. Each additional day spent on-site has a direct impact on increased costs, disrupted schedules, and strained client relationships. Construction firms have to use key performance metrics to identify schedule risks early, enhance efficiency, and improve delivery outcomes. Buildern’s report outlines the […]
Construction Blog
How to see who is doing what at the construction site? There can be cameras, of course, but even more important is to follow the financial side of the job. Who clocks in on time, and how many hours does the actual work last? The contractors who actually see what’s happening in real time win. […]
Construction Blog
When choosing construction management software, it’s easy to lean toward the most popular or longest-standing option on the market. However, that doesn’t always mean it’s the best or most modern fit for your business. Many teams continue using familiar tools simply out of habit. Besides, builders may think changing an app is risky, as the […]
Construction Blog
What if the most conservative industry became the most innovative? You are right if you thought of the construction industry. Today, construction technology is moving from “interesting new tricks” to the adoption of advanced technology in daily operations. It is no surprise that AI in construction and automation is changing the industry. However, now we […]
Construction Blog
How often do project delays or cost overruns come down to one simple issue where different trades aren’t on the same page? Collaborating with multiple subcontractors and vendors is one of the biggest challenges construction companies face. Everyone has their unique priorities and timelines, forcing you to adjust the communication style every time. I’ve worked […]
Construction Blog
Who are the most trusted contractors? Those who manage payments to vendors and subcontractors on time. You can have the best contract, a motivated crew, and a solid plan, but if payments start stalling, everything else follows. Cash flow tightens and schedules fall apart. Moreover, even the most reliable subs start hesitating to take on […]
Construction Blog
Residential and commercial builders may work on very different scales. However, they share one big challenge of getting the numbers right from day one. In general, the larger the construction project is, the bigger the budget is at scale. A single misjudged material quantity in a commercial development can lead to dangerous consequences. The same […]
Construction Blog
Every construction project looks efficient on paper. You can have detailed schedules, material lists, and everyone supposedly knows what to do. But once the real work starts, things can go in different directions. True efficiency is evident in the field, and it becomes clear how well construction teams coordinate, materials arrive on time, and machines […]
Construction Blog
Whatever construction project you start, there is always one person holding everything together: the general contractor (GC). Regardless of the type of construction, the owner usually hires a person to handle the job. There are small and big jobs to make a project alive, from a blueprint to reality, and it’s the GC who does […]
Construction Blog
Procurement is one of the construction phases that seems simple on the surface. But what I’ve learned from being in the construction business is that there is no easy stage. Let’s say there is a person who is in charge of ordering tiles. Is it so hard, one may think? The point is that there […]
Construction Blog
On a busy commercial job, there’s no shortage of moving parts and different stakeholders. Designers sketch, architects revise, while contractors and subcontractors build. Each team has its own set of drawings, specs, and deadlines. When communication is not smooth, it doesn’t take long for a small misunderstanding to lead to some serious mistakes. A single […]
Construction Blog
Is it easier to build a house or to manage the paperwork behind it? The answer is that a general contractor is not only a builder but a businessman and must do both. It does not matter if a builder is involved in custom home or commercial construction; the first step is choosing the right […]
Construction Blog
If you are in a construction business, you know that a single late payment can nearly ruin everything. Timely payments are the driving force of our industry. It’s not only about the financial management of the project. Delayed payment in construction means a subcontractor may not show up at the site, or a vendor may […]
Construction Blog
Many people dream of building a new house from scratch, but are often afraid. I can understand them. A homeowner usually knows how his house must look, but the entire construction process may seem like a nightmare. The idea that you can trust a large sum of money to a contractor makes homeowners think of […]
Construction Blog
When can a general contractor call the business successful? I guess it’s when there is a stable cash flow and no problems with finding new projects. Without a flow of leads, even the best teams and the best proposals won’t keep projects coming in. Yet for many contractors, finding marketing ideas is a difficult task, […]
Construction Blog
Are you thinking about shifting to retail construction? Even experienced construction firms may face some difficulties when it comes to retail projects. Why does it happen? The differences, starting from the scope of the project and up to lighting specification for retail spaces, are striking. Retail building construction is a complex process that goes far […]
Construction Blog
How can a general contractor say everything is done right unless efforts are measured? I’ve always believed that you can’t improve what you don’t measure. It’s the same when it comes to construction project management. Of course, business owners focus on the financial aspects of their operations. Hitting the revenue goals is great, but it’s […]
Construction Blog
AI is changing the way we work and live. It’s already not a technology of the future but the reality. I bet you have heard about “AI transforming the industries” numerous times, but you wonder what that really means for construction. If you are sceptical about its real effect on construction and day-to-day construction project […]
Construction Blog
How can you keep homeowners clearly updated when a construction project is in full swing? Clear construction communication and the ability to share updates are a competitive advantage that not all can master. As I know from my experience, it’s even harder when things don’t go exactly as planned. Building a strong relationship with clients […]
Construction Blog
Are you tired of writing one invoice? Imagine a general contractor writing dozens of them weekly. For me, working with numbers has been the most frustrating part of running a construction business. However, accurate accounting is the background of a successful project. Whether you like it or not, you have to take care of it. […]
Construction Blog
What ceiling materials or doors clients choose today can make or break a general contractor’s project in the future. Picking finishes, fixtures, and materials is a small part of a construction project. However, it is probably one of the most important parts for the client. The general contractor also has the option to handle client […]
Construction Blog
A price tag in construction is important, but this is not the only thing the homeowner expects to get. When reaching out to a general contractor, they want to see a smooth process and reassurances that their vision will be understood. The homeowner expects to see the scope of work laid clearly and the contractor’s […]
Construction Blog
Billing in the construction industry is not as straightforward as in other areas. It’s more complicated than providing a service and being paid for it. Construction projects often involve evolving scopes of work, fluctuating material prices, and intricate payment schedules. Besides, there are different types of billing and such factors as retainage or markups. This […]
Construction Blog
Dealing with a house means having in mind thousands of details. From blueprints and design adjustments to changing material prices, all this data is at the core of every construction project. When it comes to a custom home, there are even more items, as there is no template and everything changes in a second. A […]
Construction Blog
What can a single misunderstanding cost in custom home building? Sometimes it’s more than just a few hours of work, but unexpected costs and strained relations with clients. In a process where every detail matters, it’s better to avoid miscommunication that can potentially derail progress quickly. A homeowner’s dream house depends on consistent and transparent […]
Construction Blog
The dream of owning a house is universal, no matter where you live. However, it comes with one fundamental question: should you build from scratch or buy an existing one? It’s a choice nearly every prospective homeowner faces at some point. For some, the answer is clear, as they say buying is simpler. They prefer […]
Construction Blog
In the construction project, nothing moves forward without numbers. Detailed calculation of the project costs is the secret to a successful construction. It’s challenging to consider every detail for one project, but for multiple jobs, it takes even more effort. Each may have its own level of complexity and unique requirements. One thing in common […]
Construction Blog
Do you remember the day you landed more projects than you could handle? Growth in construction is not always as simple as it sounds. Securing more projects may sound like a dream for a general contractor, but this comes with many risks. Learning how to grow a construction business requires more than just a big […]
Construction Blog
Who is who in a construction company? Since construction is one of the most complex industries, the structure of a general contractor firm can be different. The workflow of a general contractor involves tight deadlines, strict budgets, and subcontractor coordination. With so many things to handle, having a structured management system and a clear construction […]
Construction Blog
How to advertise a building business without spending too much? General contractors work in a very competitive environment. Like any other business, they want to reach more customers. Having a flashy banner or digital ads is a good tactic. However, the number one concern is how to target the right homeowners. The goal is not […]
Construction Blog
Have you ever ordered the wrong quantity of materials or tools? If so, you understand how poor material management can lead to costly delays and project budget issues. Materials often make up the largest part of the construction project’s expenses. This is the reason material management is not only about logistics. It’s ensuring the right […]
Construction Blog
What happens after a general contractor meets a client who wants a house of his dreams? A builder starts planning. The first crucial step is project planning, which is both time-consuming and requires a high level of skill. This phase begins well before proposals are sent, contracts are signed, or any physical work begins. In […]
Construction Blog
One bad subcontractor can derail your entire build. This is a reality for any general contractor, whether it’s a small custom home builder or a commercial construction business. Making a wrong decision during hiring poses great risks as it may impact the budget and, more importantly, the firm’s client relationship and reputation. To avoid such […]
Construction Blog
Hiring for a construction site isn’t just about finding people who perform physical tasks. One needs solid experience, technical understanding, and a team that can handle the pressure of an unpredictable job site. And that’s not always easy to pull off. Each industry has its challenges, but here the teams deal not only with the […]
Construction Blog
Why do some construction companies attract hundreds of clients while others struggle to secure leads? The construction marketing strategy that the company has adopted can be one of the answers. A successful marketing plan isn’t only about driving traffic to the website or getting more calls and emails. Even if a company pours thousands of […]
Construction Blog
Published April 10, 2025. Updated October 24, 2025 Do you have a construction business but don’t know how to scale it effectively? Growing a construction business without a plan is like building a house without a foundation. You may make some progress, but it won’t last long. Scaling is not just about getting bigger projects […]
Construction Blog
Published January 21, 2025. Updated October 17, 2025 In construction, a precise estimate serves as a building block for any project’s success. However, it is not only the bricks, cement, or wood that make up the entire cost. There are some intangible expenses hidden behind closed doors that are often overlooked. Those so-called soft costs […]
Construction Blog
Published October 16, 2023. Updated October 1, 2025 Handling an impressive volume of paperwork requires ultimate dedication and increased proficiency. Regardless of the industry, the process involves organizing and managing everything to ensure a smooth workflow and satisfied clients. Document management in the construction industry is not an exception. Construction document management affects every aspect […]
Construction Blog
Updated December 19 The fastest way for a project to slip off track is when we treat construction communication as an “extra” element of the construction process. We often see construction teams operating unaware of what others are doing. The architect, the contractor, and the owner are all looking at a project from different angles. […]
Construction Blog
Published on January 22, 2023. Updated on August 21, 2025 As a general contractor, you will hardly be happy to receive adjustments from the homeowner. When things are planned to perfection, and you strive to adhere to the construction schedule, any change may be painful. However, construction change orders are an integral part of any […]
Construction Blog
Updated in October 2025 The construction industry is one of the world’s largest and most influential sectors. It’s not static, and the construction volume as well as annual output may differ in a year-to-year perspective. Just as in any other industry, one cannot imagine the future of construction without the use of AI and modern […]
Construction Blog
Managing the financial part of a construction project is a complex task. As the project grows, keeping track of figures at all phases becomes crucial. The risk of “missing the point” during a long construction project is high if you don’t do it on time. For this reason, general contractors usually use a construction work-in-progress […]
Construction Blog
Updated in January 2026 Regardless of the sphere of your construction activity, as a contractor, you will have to deal with invoicing. Creating accurate invoices can be as time-consuming and frustrating as dealing with clients who don’t pay on time. Documentation management and automation are crucial to streamlining workflow so that a general contractor can […]
Construction Blog
Updated August 12, 2025 Technology has brought plenty of benefits to the construction industry. Remember the days when managing construction projects was a nightmare because of a lack of data and necessary tools. Today, running construction projects without the right tools is a risk most builders can’t afford. Staying in control requires more than paperwork […]
Construction Blog
Published October 12, 2022. Updated August 7, 2025 Time management in construction has never been only about meeting deadlines. Minimizing wasted time, reducing costs, and keeping every phase moving in sync is about building a schedule. That’s more important than ever in an industry where even a single day of delay can cost tens, hundreds, […]
Construction Blog
Not long ago, the idea of women working in construction was not acceptable. However, this perception has changed significantly. Women are increasingly stepping into roles once considered off-limits. This is relevant not only for fieldwork but also for engineering, project coordination, and leadership roles. Besides, modern construction is no longer just physical labor. It’s a […]
Construction Blog
Have you ever faced project delays due to subcontractors’ issues? This can happen to any general contractor. While it’s easy to place the blame on construction subs, the problem often results from poor management. In many cases, delays happen not because other workers fail to do their job, but because general contractors fail to coordinate […]
Construction Blog
Imagine completing months of work on a construction project from forming an estimate to hiring subcontractors, only to realize a critical part was done incorrectly. Now, it all has to be redone. That is construction rework, and it happens with many building firms. Moreover, there are multiple reasons for a rework. However, one thing is […]