Job costing for general contractors
A general contractor typically learns whether a project made money once it is closed out and the accountant has been through it. By then the same estimating assumption has been repeated on the next three jobs.
Costs accumulate as they happen
Hours, materials, subcontractor invoices and equipment book against the project in real time rather than at closeout.
// Time tracking · Tue, Jul 21 · South crew
7:00a–4:30pPaver patio — Garcia residence8.5 h
7:00a–4:30pPaver patio (2nd tech)8.5 h
9:15a–1:15pPlate compactor (rental)4.0 h
Job total21.0 h
T&M ticket #T-88Garcia residence
520 sq ft pavers set · extra 6" excavation (T&M)
signed off on site
Quoted against actual
The comparison runs continuously, so a project drifting from its quoted margin shows up in week two instead of at the end.
Common questions
- Can I compare across projects?
- Yes, by type, by customer and by crew.
- Does it include change orders?
- Yes — approved changes adjust both revenue and expected cost.