A guide to job costing for construction companies

In Canada’s bustling construction industry, job costing isn’t just good practice — it’s essential.

Accurately managing project costs can make the difference between a successful business, or a struggling business. Let’s have a look at how effective job costing can help your construction company thrive.

What is job costing?

Job costing is the process of tracking all expenses tied to a specific construction project. This includes direct costs like materials, labor, and subcontractors, as well as indirect costs such as equipment rental, transportation, and administrative expenses. By accurately assigning these costs, companies can gain a clear picture of each project’s financial health.

Why does job costing matter?

• Accurate bidding and estimation Job costing enables construction companies to create precise bids and estimates. Learning from the true costs of past projects allows for better forecasting of future expenses, making your bids more competitive and realistic.
• Improved financial management With detailed job costing, you get a deep dive into the financial status of each project. This insight helps identify which projects are truly profitable, and which are not, guiding better resource allocation and financial planning.
• Enhanced decision making Accurate data from job costing informs smarter decisions. Whether it’s adjusting project plans or reallocating resources, having precise cost information leads to both greater efficiency and less waste.
• Compliance and reporting In Canada, adhering to regulations and reporting requirements is crucial. Accurate job costing simplifies compliance, ensuring your financial statements and tax reports are spot-on.

What are the key components of job costing?

Direct Costs

• Materials Everything from paint and plywood to fixtures and finishes
• Labor Wages and benefits for workers directly involved in the project
• Subcontractors Payments to firms for specialized services like plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC

Indirect Costs

• Equipment Rental or maintenance costs for project-specific equipment
• Transportation Costs for moving materials and equipment to and from the site
• Administrative Overhead expenses such as office supplies, project management software, and staff salaries

Overhead Costs

• Fixed overhead Costs like rent and insurance that remain constant regardless of production levels
• Variable overhead Costs that fluctuate with production, including utilities and temporary site facilities

What are some best practices for job costing?

Regular monitoring and reporting Regularly review your job costing data to catch discrepancies early and make any necessary adjustments. Weekly or monthly reports help keep projects on track financially.

Maintain detailed records Keep thorough records of all project-related costs, including receipts, invoices, and timesheets. Detailed documentation supports accurate job costing and makes for a much easier tax return.

Train your team Ensure all employees involved in the costing process are well-trained. They need to understand the importance of accurate data entry and reporting to maintain the integrity of your costing system.

Use specialized software Invest in job costing software tailored for construction. These tools streamline data entry, tracking, and reporting, integrating seamlessly with other management systems to give you a comprehensive financial overview.

Conclusion

Job costing is a critical practice for construction companies aiming to maintain competitiveness and profitability. Investing in the right tools and training can significantly enhance your ability to deliver projects on time and within budget. By effectively tracking and managing project costs, your company can make better-informed decisions, improve financial performance, and ensure long-term success.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this article, job costing for construction companies, or any of our other related services, please contact one of our construction accounting experts, or complete the contact form below