.svg)
Long-Term Debt
What is Long-term Debt?
Long-term debt, in the context of the construction industry, refers to financial obligations that a construction firm or contractor needs to pay back over a period extending beyond one year. This could include bank loans, bonds, lease obligations, or mortgages secured for construction projects that are due over an extended time period. The purpose of such debt typically covers buying equipment, land acquisition, building construction, or any major capital-intensive activity that is invested in the growth and expansion of the company's operation. It is key for cash flow management and financial planning, as repayment schedules are set over multiple years which reduces the immediate financial burden. However, this requires effective management to avoid risk of default. Therefore, managing long-term debt is a critical aspect of a construction firm's financial strategy. If not handled properly, high long-term debt can affect a company's credit rating and financial stability.
Trusted by trade contractors across the country
Other construction terms
What is a Contract?
A contract in the construction industry represents a legally binding agreement between two or more parties. Each party has responsibilities they are obligated to fulfil. Typically, it involves a party offering construction services and another party seeking such services. The contract details terms and conditions, the scope of work, pricing, project timelines, and dispute resolution protocols. It may also address specifics like design documents, quality of work expectations, and safety regulations. A contract is fundamental to any construction project as it safeguards the interests of all parties involved. Failure to adhere to the terms can result in legal consequences.
What is an Automated Clearing House (ACH)?
An Automated Clearing House (ACH) within the construction context refers to an electronic fund transfer system primarily used for direct deposit payments, including for construction services. It's a method universally used by many businesses in the industry for its convenience and speed. This system provides an efficient platform for moving funds from one account to another in a collective and prioritised manner, aiding greatly in the financial management of a construction project, including payroll and paying suppliers. The benefits include prompt payment, less risk of cheque fraud, and streamlined bookkeeping. It's an integral part of the financial mechanism in the construction industry.
What are Bid Prices?
Bid prices in the construction industry refer to the amount a contractor proposes to charge for a particular project or service tendered by a client or project owner. These prices are usually determined after the contractor carefully assesses the project's scope, requirements, and the associated material, equipment, labor expenses, and overheads. The bid prices are essentially the predicted cost of the project plus the profit margin of the contractor. The client or project owner usually picks the contractor with the most comprehensive and competitively priced bid, assuming all other important factors like experience and capability are deemed satisfactory. It's noteworthy that bid prices can be subject to negotiation, and post-bid changes could occur following project change orders or unexpected construction conditions.
Ready to end the fire drill and get paid faster?
