Construction glossary
What is a cost code in construction?
Also called phase code, cost account, job cost code.
A cost code is the label that tells accounting where hours and quantities belong. Contractors use cost codes to job-cost work. On T&M extras the code should follow the ticket's scope break, not a generic payroll dump.
Cost codes versus rate classes
A rate class is what you bill: journeyman, excavator, combo truck. A cost code is where the company parks the cost. They can line up, but they are not the same field.
Why extras need their own code
If overtime on an owner-directed extra lands on the base-contract code, the extra disappears in job cost. Scope breaks on the ticket keep the extra visible from the field to the invoice.
Cost code FAQ
What is a construction cost code?
The job-cost bucket for a type of work, crew, or extra. It is for accounting, not the sell rate on the ticket.
Should T&M extras use a separate cost code?
Yes when you need to see extra work apart from the base contract. The ticket's scope break should map to that code.
The index is a benchmark. Rate sheets are how you bill.
Rates shows public charge-out ranges. SubTrack rate sheets lock your crew numbers into a template the field actually bills from, on every LEM.
One template, every job
Labor, equipment, materials, and subs live in one sheet. Assign it to a project and tickets read the same numbers.
OT and markup apply themselves
Standby, overtime, and markup rules ride with the sheet. The field does not retype them.
The client sees what they signed
Line items match the agreed rates. Fewer disputes, faster approvals.
Project rate sheet
Labor · assigned to the job
| Position | Reg. rate | OT rate |
|---|---|---|
| Foreman | $72/hr | $108/hr |
| Operator | $68/hr | $102/hr |
| Laborer | $35/hr | $52.50/hr |