Backcharge

Invoicing for work completed to date on a longer project, rather than waiting until project completion. Helps subcontractors maintain cash flow on extended jobs.

The minimum rate a subcontractor must charge to cover all direct and indirect costs without losing money. It includes labour, equipment, fuel, overhead, and mobilisation expenses. Pricing below breakeven erodes working capital and threatens project viability.

Rescheduling occurs when a client moves a confirmed job to a new date, disrupting crew and equipment plans. Subcontractors should have rescheduling clauses in contracts to recover standby costs. Repeated rescheduling without compensation can seriously damage a small operator's cash flow.

The rate at which labour, materials, and equipment costs rise over time on construction projects. For subcontractors, it can erode fixed-price contract margins if bids don't account for escalating costs. Escalation clauses in contracts help protect against unexpected cost increases during long-duration scopes.

The process of tracking all costs associated with a specific job or project, including labor, equipment, materials, and overhead. Accurate job costing is essential for understanding profitability.

The amount a subcontractor or field worker actually receives after all deductions — such as taxes, union dues, equipment charges, or mobilisation costs — have been subtracted from gross earnings. For subcontracting companies, tracking net pay against invoiced amounts is critical to maintaining healthy margins on field projects.

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You did the work. The project was cancelled, shelved, or never activated. Here is what subcontractors need to know about billing rights, legal remedies, and how to get paid when no one wants to discuss the invoice.

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A practical guide to mechanic's lien and materialman's lien rights for oilfield and construction subcontractors in Texas, Oklahoma, and Alberta — deadlines, filing steps, and leverage tactics.

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A practical job costing guide for oilfield and construction subcontractors. Track labor, equipment, and materials per job to find profit leaks and bid smarter.