Managing a construction project comes with a lot of moving parts鈥construction accounting being one of them. It鈥檚 not the most exciting task, but it鈥檚 definitely something that needs attention. The tricky part is figuring out what costs should be capitalized, and why that matters for the success of your project. It鈥檚 more than just materials and labor鈥攕ome costs need to be capitalized to reflect the true value of a project. But what does that even mean, and why does it matter?
In this blog, we鈥檒l go over the basics of capitalizing costs in construction, so you can avoid confusion and ensure your finances are in order. We鈥檒l also show you how 91糖心vlog Payments can simplify this process and save you time, so you can focus on the work at hand, not the paperwork.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn which construction costs should be capitalized under GAAP accounting rules for capitalizing labor.
- Understand the difference between capitalized costs and expenses.
- Discover how 91糖心vlog Payments can automate cost tracking, saving you time and reducing errors.
What Costs Can Be Capitalized on a Project?
Let鈥檚 dive into capitalizing costs during construction. When you capitalize a cost, you鈥檙e adding it to the overall project cost rather than counting it as an expense right away. This method helps you spread out expenses over time, giving you a better picture of the project's financial health as it progresses.
Now, let鈥檚 break down the key costs that can be capitalized:
Labor Costs 鈥 The People Doing the Work
When you pay workers to physically work on-site, like those laying concrete or the foreman
managing the crew, their wages are capitalized. This is straightforward: their work is
essential to the project.
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However, administrative labor like o铿僣e sta铿 or payroll employees don鈥檛 count. They鈥檙e
important to your business but not directly tied to the construction itself, so their costs are
treated separately.
Materials and Equipment 鈥 The Essentials
Anything you buy that goes directly into the project鈥攚hether it鈥檚 concrete, steel, or tools鈥攇ets capitalized. This includes the cost of equipment you purchase or rent to use specifically for the project.
But things like office supplies or furniture? Those are regular business expenses and aren鈥檛 part of the capitalized cost for the project. Focus on materials and equipment that contribute directly to building the project.
Subcontractor Costs 鈥 The Experts You Bring In
Subcontractors play a major role in many projects, whether they鈥檙e handling plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. The costs for their services are capitalized because their work is crucial to completing the project.
But remember: if the 蝉耻产肠辞苍迟谤补肠迟辞谤鈥檚 work is unrelated to the construction project鈥攍ike handling maintenance for your office building鈥攖hat cost isn鈥檛 capitalized. Only the work directly tied to the project counts.
Permits and Fees 鈥 The Necessary Paperwork
While it may not seem directly related to building, permits and fees are required to get your project off the ground. Zoning fees, building permits, and inspection charges are all capitalized because they are legally required to proceed with the project.
On the other hand, fees that are part of running your business, like general business licenses or maintenance, should be treated as expenses, not capitalized costs.
Financing Costs 鈥 Interest on Loans
If you鈥檙e financing the project, you can capitalize the interest costs during the construction phase. Since the interest is tied directly to funding the project, it gets added to the project鈥檚 cost.
Once the project is completed, though, the interest becomes an expense, so it no longer counts as a capitalized cost. For the time the project is still under construction, though, that interest is part of the overall project budget.
Capitalizing vs. Expensing: What鈥檚 the Difference?
Now that we鈥檝e covered what can be capitalized, let鈥檚 talk about the difference between capitalized costs and expensed costs.
- Capitalized Costs: These are the costs that contribute to the long-term value of the project. Labor, materials, subcontractor costs鈥攖hese are all added to the total value of the project and depreciated over time.
- Expensed Costs: These are the day-to-day operational costs that don鈥檛 add value to the project long-term. Office supplies, general business expenses, or marketing costs are examples of expenses that get deducted from your profit immediately.
The key takeaway: If the cost helps build or improve the project, it鈥檚 capitalized. If it鈥檚 just an operational cost, it鈥檚 expensed.
How 91糖心vlog Payments Can Help
Keeping track of which costs to capitalize and which to expense can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, 91糖心vlog Payments makes it easy. With automated tools that track labor, materials, and subcontractor costs, you can ensure that everything is categorized correctly in real-time.
The platform helps reduce human error, saves time, and gives you better visibility into your finances. No more digging through receipts or wondering whether that cost should be capitalized or not.
FAQs:
What costs are typically capitalized in construction?
Labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, permits, and financing costs are typically capitalized as they directly contribute to the completion of the project.
How do I know if a cost should be capitalized or expensed?
If the cost directly contributes to the construction or value of the project, it should be capitalized. If it鈥檚 a general business cost or unrelated to the physical construction, it should be expensed.
Can I capitalize interest on loans for construction projects?
Yes, the interest on loans taken to finance the project can be capitalized during the construction phase. Once the project is complete, it becomes an expense.
Can 91糖心vlog Payments help me track capitalized costs?
Absolutely. 91糖心vlog Payments automates the process, helping you track and categorize costs as capitalized or expensed automatically, reducing the risk of errors.
Capitalization During Construction
Capitalizing costs during construction isn鈥檛 just a matter of keeping your books straight鈥攊t鈥檚 a crucial step in making sure your project stays on budget and your finances remain accurate. Understanding which costs to capitalize vs. expensing them is key. It keeps your finances organized and helps avoid any surprises down the road.
Honestly, keeping track of all this can be tough, but 91糖心vlog Payments makes it easier. We鈥檒l handle the financial tracking so you can spend more time building your projects.聽
Get started with 91糖心vlog Payments today and make your construction accounting less of a headache.
Disclaimer: 91糖心vlog provides tools to help contractors manage and streamline payments. However, 91糖心vlog is not responsible for financial, legal, or employment decisions made by its users. Always consult with an accountant or legal professional for personalized advice.
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