# CrewCost Construction Accounting Software > CrewCost gives you cloud-based construction accounting software that’s easy to use, fast to deploy, and powerful enough to replace clunky ERPs. Site: https://crewcost.com ## Core Pages - [Construction Accounting Software for General Contractors](https://crewcost.com): Get modern construction accounting software built for GCs, with instant WIP reports, automated AP, and real-time job costing - Get a demo today. - [Construction Accounting Software for Growing General Contractors](https://crewcost.com/construction-accounting-software/): 100% cloud-based construction accounting software that automates the tedious tasks and gives you more control over your margins. Get a demo today. - [Automated AP for General Contractors](https://crewcost.com/automated-ap-construction-contractors): Automate your Accounts Payable workflows and save hours for your back office team. Schedule a demo today and see CrewCost in action. - [Construction Job Costing Software for General Contractors](https://crewcost.com/job-costing-software/): Easy-to-use job costing for emerging contractors. Set up job budgets automatically and make sure your jobs stay profitable. Try it free for 30 days. - [Construction Time Tracking Software](https://crewcost.com/construction-time-tracking/): Stay on top of labor costs with integrated construction time tracking software and real-time budget updates in your accounting software. Learn more! - [Pricing](https://crewcost.com/pricing): CrewCost's accounting software is built to help commercial general contractors build stronger, more profitable businesses. - [CrewCost vs. QuickBooks Online](https://crewcost.com/crewcost-vs.-quickbooks-online): See how QuickBooks and CrewCost construction accounting software compare. - [CrewCost vs. Sage 300 CRE](https://crewcost.com/crewcost-vs-sage-300-cre): See how Sage 300 CRE and CrewCost compare. - [About](https://crewcost.com/about): CrewCost builds accounting software for growing contractors, so they can build amazing companies - confidently. - [Blog](https://crewcost.com/blog): CrewCost Blog - [Privacy Policy](https://crewcost.com/privacy/): CrewCost is the accounting software built for construction. - [Terms of Service](https://crewcost.com/terms-of-service/): CrewCost is the accounting software purpose-built for construction. ## Blog Posts - [Construction Loan Draw Schedule Explained - Crewcost](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-loan-draw-schedule-explained/): Learn the process, components, and best practices for effective project financing and construction loan draw schedules here. - [Leveraging Work-in-Progress Reports for Effective Construction Management](https://crewcost.com/blog/why-your-construction-business-shouldnt-ignore-work-in-progress-reports/): Learn why work in progress reports are vital to your construction business and how you can implement them on your projects. - [8 Essential Steps to Master Construction Estimating: The Ultimate Guide](https://crewcost.com/blog/your-go-to-guide-to-construction-estimating): Learn how to prepare detailed estimates and improve your estimating process so you can win better, more profitable work. Read the guide. - [Effective Construction Budgeting for General Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/what-does-a-solid-construction-project-budget-look-like/): Once you've mastered building a construction project budget, you can cash in on a steady flow of valuable business data. Read on. - [Why Construction Businesses Stall Out - And What to Do About It](https://crewcost.com/blog/why-construction-businesses-stall-out): In our interview with Chad Prinkey, he explains why businesses stall out and how you can lay a healthy foundation for growth. - [What is Builder's Risk Insurance? What Contractors Need to Know](https://crewcost.com/blog/what-is-builders-risk-insurance-what-contractors-need-to-know): Construction projects face a lot of risks as they grow from the ground up. Read how builder's risk insurance can help. - [The Quick Guide to Cost-Plus Contracts for Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/the-quick-guide-to-cost-plus-contracts-for-construction/): In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about cost-plus contracts and why they are so attractive to contractors. - [How to Use a Break-Even Analysis to Make Strategic Growth Decisions](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-use-a-break-even-analysis-to-make-strategic-growth-decisions): A break-even analysis helps you make strategic growth decisions for your business without going in the red. - [A Guide to a Construction Project's Stakeholders](https://crewcost.com/blog/guide-to-construction-project-stakeholders/): Check out our guide to the key stakeholders in a construction project - from the owner down to the general public. - [How to Make the Most of the Preconstruction Phase](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-contractors-can-make-the-most-of-preconstruction-phase/): Learn more about how contractors can get the most out of the preconstruction phase. - [Quick Guide to Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Contracts](https://crewcost.com/blog/quick-guide-to-guaranteed-maximum-price-gmp-contracts-for-contractors/): Guaranteed maximum price contracts put more risk on contractors but also provide strong potential for profitability. Learn more. - [6 Ways to Improve Your Construction Accounting |](https://crewcost.com/blog/6-ways-to-improve-your-construction-accounting/): A reliable accounting system is the key to success in the construction industry. We recommend creating it with these six critical practices. Learn more! - [SMB Contractor's Guide to PERT](https://crewcost.com/blog/smb-contractor-guide-to-the-program-evaluation-and-review-technique/): PERT can be a game-changer for SMB contractors looking to streamline their processes. Learn how to implement it in your business. - [How to Build a Chart of Accounts for a Construction Company](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-build-a-chart-of-accounts-for-a-construction-company/): An accurate chart of accounts is foundational to running a healthy construction company. Learn how to build one for your unique needs. - [How to be Successful in the Construction Planning Phase](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-be-successful-in-the-construction-planning-phase/): Done well, the construction planning process will set you up for a successful and profitable job. Learn how to crush the planning phase. - [The Fair Labor Standards Act: What Contractors Need to Know](https://crewcost.com/blog/the-fair-labor-standards-act-what-contractors-need-to-know): It's easy to inadvertently violate the Fair Labor Standards Act but this article will help general contractors avoid running afoul of its rules. - [The Emerging Contractor's Guide to Construction Bidding:](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-bidding-the-emerging-contractors-guide/): Competition is high in construction and even higher in the SMB space. Read on for strategies SMBs can use to win more profitable projects. - [How to Write a Construction Safety Plan](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-write-a-construction-safety-plan/): With all of this risk to the safety of workers and personnel on a construction site, a construction safety plan is critical. Learn more. - [A Quick Guide to Incentive Construction Contracts](https://crewcost.com/blog/a-quick-guide-to-incentive-construction-contracts/): Incentive construction contracts offer plenty of benefits if you're able to work fast. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know. - [[Free] Download Your Change Order Form for Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/downloadable-change-order-form-for-construction/): Download this change order form to standardize your change order process and minimize your financial risk. - [Mastering Subcontractor Relationships: The Key to Your Success](https://crewcost.com/blog/mastering-subcontractor-relationships-the-key-to-your-success): To excel as a GC, it's crucial to actively manage your relationships with your subcontractors. Read on for how to manage those relationships. - [Navigating Change Management in Construction (for SMBs)](https://crewcost.com/blog/navigating-change-management-in-construction/): In this guide, we'll cover everything SMB construction contractors need to know about change management in construction. - [The Complete Guide to Revenue Recognition in Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-construction-revenue-recognition/): Revenue recognition has a significant impact on both the financial reporting and overall health of your company. Learn how to do it right. - [Understanding Construction Specifications: Guide for Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/guide-to-project-manual-and-construction-specifications/): To succeed in construction, you need to understand what goes into the project manual and construction specifications. Read our guide. - [Quick Guide to Construction Allowances](https://crewcost.com/blog/short-guide-construction-allowances/): In this short guide, we'll explain how you can use a construction allowance to be more proactive in protecting your job's profit. - [A Quick Guide to Unit Price Contracts for Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/a-quick-guide-to-unit-price-contracts-for-construction-contractors/): We dive into the pros and cons of unit price contracts and things you need to watch out for as an SMB contractor. - [7 Ways to Upgrade Your Accounts Payable Process](https://crewcost.com/blog/ways-to-upgrade-your-construction-accounts-payable-process/): Follow our guide to keep your accounts payable system as tight as possible. Read on. - [8 Reports You Need to Run the Financials of Your Business](https://crewcost.com/blog/reports-to-run-financials-of-construction-business/): We walk through some of the most common accounting reports you need to run a healthy construction business. - [A Contractor's Guide to Creating a Cost Breakdown Sheet |](https://crewcost.com/blog/contractors-guide-to-creating-a-cost-breakdown-sheet/): Proper cost breakdown sheets are important because it helps your construction business improve project estimations and protect profitability. Read more! - [How to Use Value Engineering in Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-use-value-engineering-in-construction-for-more-successful-projects/): Looking for ways to get more out of your construction jobs? We'll walk through the ways value engineering can increase your success. - [Understanding Construction Drawings: Guide for Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/understanding-construction-drawings-guide-for-emerging-contractors/): Reading construction drawings is a key skill for anyone working in construction. Read our guide on how to get what you need from them - fast. - [Why You Need a COI in Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/why-you-need-a-coi-in-construction): On every job you're brought on to, you'll likely need a certificate of insurance (COI) to document that you have the right coverages. See how they work. - [Why Your Construction Business Needs a Budget |](https://crewcost.com/blog/why-your-construction-business-needs-a-budget/): A construction budget should be your go-to tool to manage your time & money. Budgeting will help you develop your long-term business goals. Learn more! - [An SMB Contractor's Guide to the Last Planner System](https://crewcost.com/blog/an-smb-contractors-guide-to-the-last-planner-system/): One strategy gaining traction amongst SMB contractors is the Last Planner System (LPS) to improve the efficiency of projects. Keep reading. - [A Guide to General Liability Insurance for Construction Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/a-guide-to-general-liability-insurance-for-construction-contractors): Your guide to general liability insurance in construction - one of the most common (and most important!) policies you can have as a contractor. Read more. - [3 Ways to Hone Your Construction Resource Management Processes](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-hone-your-construction-resource-management-process-to-run-more-profitable-jobs): With the right construction resource management plan, you can proactively take the reins and steer projects where you want to go. Read on. - [Understanding and Negotiating Construction Contracts -](https://crewcost.com/blog/understanding-and-negotiating-construction-contracts/): Understanding and negotiating construction contracts for subcontractors. Learn about AIA contracts and effective negotiation strategies. - [Foundations of Construction Project Management | Guide for SMBs](https://crewcost.com/blog/foundations-of-construction-project-management/): Learn how the biggest players in the industry approach project management and how to apply it to your business. Read more. - [SEO for Construction Companies: Is it Worth It?](https://crewcost.com/blog/seo-for-construction-companies-is-it-worth-it): Before you go pay for SEO for your construction company, try implementing some of these SEO tips and see if they get more eyes on your business. - [Everything You Need to Know About Construction Insurance](https://crewcost.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-construction-insurance/): We'll explore construction insurance from all angles, so you can make the right decision to protect you and your team. Read more. - [The Easy Guide to General Conditions in Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/easy-guide-to-general-conditions-in-construction/): Correctly estimating general conditions can mean the difference between profit and loss for your company. Read our guide. - [Cost Forecasting in Construction - The Basics for SMB Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/cost-forecasting-in-construction-the-basics/): Cost forecasting can help you visualize how you've spent money over time and see if that spending is progressing as planned. Read more. - [How to Switch to a New Construction Accounting System in 5 Steps](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-switch-to-a-new-construction-accounting-system-in-5-easy-steps/): Ready to dig into your new accounting system? Follow these five steps to make sure your data is transferred correctly and completely. - [How to Avoid the Top 4 Communication Blunders in Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/top-4-communication-blunders-in-construction/): We're going to walk through some of the biggest sources communication of communication blunders in construction and how you can avoid them. - [Complete Guide to Overhead Allocation for Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/what-are-the-methods-of-overhead-allocation/): In this guide, we are going to dive into how to accurately calculate and allocate overhead costs across construction project budgets. Read more. - [Schedule of Values: Free Excel Template & Examples for Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/schedule-of-values-free-excel-template/): Schedule of Values allocates the total contract amount across work items, allowing all stakeholders to track project completion percentages & related amounts due. - [Organizing Construction Documents: Best Practices for General Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/organizing-construction-documents-best-practices-for-general-contractors/): Paper drawings and specs might be in the past, but managing all your construction documents is just as important. Read our our guide for GCs. - [The Ultimate Guide to Construction Accounting for Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-accounting-101-expert-guide-for-contractors/): Discover the keys to setting up an effective construction accounting system that will help you grow a healthier business. Find out more. - [Reducing Risk: Mastering Construction Lien Waivers for GCs](https://crewcost.com/blog/everything-contractors-actually-need-to-know-about-construction-lien-waivers/): Check out our guide to managing the risk that can come with construction lien waivers. - [Mastering Construction Job Costing for Emerging Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/mastering-construction-job-costing/): Get the ultimate guide to job costing and growing a more profitable business using the Builder's Feedback Loop. - [How to Build a Construction Hiring System That Actually Works](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-build-a-construction-hiring-system-that-actually-works): The construction worker shortage isn't just an external problem, but an internal one. Companies need to tell a better story to prospective talent. - [Google Sheets Construction Budget Template](https://crewcost.com/blog/google-sheets-construction-budget-template-with-logo): Contractors can use this free Google Sheets construction budget template to plan and track job budgets. Download it now! - [How Does a Construction Manager at Risk Project Work?](https://crewcost.com/blog/what-is-construction-manager-at-risk/): Construction Manager At Risk is a project delivery method where an owner hires a construction manager to oversee the project. Read on. - [How to Effectively Manage Construction Sites at Night](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-effectively-manage-construction-sites-at-night/): Learn how to create a safe and effective construction site for night work. - [9 Essential Steps for Setting Up a Construction Accounting System](https://crewcost.com/blog/9-essential-steps-for-setting-up-a-construction-accounting-system): This guide will get you started with everything you need to set up accounting for your construction business. - [Construction Retainage 101: The Ultimate Guide -](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-retainage-101-ultimate-guide/): Understand construction retainage and its purpose in ensuring project completion, quality control, and protection for both contractors and clients. Learn more. - [5 Steps to Estimate a Construction Project |](https://crewcost.com/blog/5-steps-to-estimate-a-construction-project/): Creating cost estimates is tough. In this post, we'll help you to successfully estimate a construction project by outlining the five necessary steps. Read more! - [Identifying Overhead Costs: What Are Overhead Costs](https://crewcost.com/blog/what-are-overhead-costs/): Discover the challenges of identifying and allocating overhead costs to specific projects and their impact on financial health. Find out more. - [How to Build Construction Management Plans](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-build-construction-management-plans-that-dont-leave-you-penniless/): What makes a good construction management plan anyway, and how can you make planning a habit? Let's dive in. - [Quick Guide to Time and Material (T&M) Contracts for Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/quick-guide-to-time-and-material-tm-contracts-for-construction-contractors/): In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about T&M contracts and how they can help (or hurt) your bottom line. - [How Construction Cost Estimates Impact Scope, Schedule, Budget](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-construction-cost-estimates-impact-scope-schedule-budget/): Understand the impact of a cost estimate on scope, schedule and budget in a construction project. Read more. - [What Types of Construction Insurance Does Your Business Need?](https://crewcost.com/blog/what-types-of-construction-insurance-does-your-business-need): Construction insurance isn't just nice to have, it's a necessity, but it can be overwhelming to find the policies you need. Read our guide to make it easy - [How to Use the Completed Contract Method in Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-use-the-completed-contract-method-in-construction/): In this quick guide, we'll take a closer look at everything the completed contract method entails, and where it's most useful. Read on. - [The Construction Contractor's Guide to Look Ahead Schedules](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-contractors-guide-to-look-ahead-schedules/): A 3-week look-ahead schedule is the best way to zoom in on the upcoming portion of a construction schedule. Learn how to build one. - [A Quick Guide to Integrated Project Delivery Contracts](https://crewcost.com/blog/quick-guide-to-integrated-project-delivery-contracts/): Learn more about this unique contract type that cuts out the middleman and relies on trust between all parties to produce a great product. - [6 Places Contractors Lose Money in the Construction Project Lifecycle](https://crewcost.com/blog/6-places-contractors-lose-money-in-the-construction-project-lifecycle): The construction project lifecycle happens in six main phases, and each phase of introduces new risks that can impact your profitability. Read more. - [Why is Cash Flow Management Important?](https://crewcost.com/blog/why-is-cash-flow-management-important/): Understand the importance of tracking and managing cash inflows and outflows along with the significance of effective working capital management in business. Find out more. - [10 Things For Your Construction Daily Report [Free Download]](https://crewcost.com/blog/10-things-to-include-in-a-construction-daily-report/): The construction daily report is a simple, effective document that you should be completing every day, for every project. Read more. - [The Ultimate Guide to Schedule of Values in Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-schedule-of-values-in-construction/): While experienced builders are most likely familiar with the role of the Schedule of Values in construction, some newer contractors may have questions about what it is. - [Construction Marketing for Contractors: A Quick Start Guide](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-marketing-for-beginners-a-quick-start-guide): A good construction marketing strategy keeps your pipeline full and makes new jobs easier to close. Read on for everything you need to get started. - [Making a Big Equipment Investment? Consider This First](https://crewcost.com/blog/what-to-consider-before-you-make-a-big-investment): Buying or renting a new piece of equipment can either make you money in the long-term, or be a costly drain on your business. Here's what to consider first - [A Guide to Subcontractor Default Insurance](https://crewcost.com/blog/a-guide-to-subcontractor-default-insurance): What is subcontractor default insurance, and how can it support your risk management strategy? Read our guide. - [Schedule of Works: What Is It & Why It Is Important -](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-schedule-of-works/): Understand the purpose and benefits of a schedule of works, including effective project planning, resource allocation, and timeline management. Discover more. - [Construction Cost Types: Controlling the Ingredients for Project Success](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-cost-types-controlling-the-ingredients-for-project-success): We'll take a closer look at how cost types can help organize construction costs and enable you to hone your processes to gain more profit. Read now. - [Construction Project Phases: A Guide for General Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-project-phases-101-what-they-involve-why-they-matter/): We've put together this quick overview of the phases of a construction project, from what they involve to why they matter. Read more. - [Responding to RFPs: The Key to Improving Your Bid-Hit Ratio](https://crewcost.com/blog/responding-to-construction-rfps-the-key-to-improving-your-bid-hit-ratio/): Construction RFPs give GCs the opportunity to build a quality project instead of only competing on price. Learn how to win more RFPs. - [Types of Estimates: A Comprehensive Guide to Construction Estimates](https://crewcost.com/blog/types-of-estimates-a-comprehensive-guide-to-construction-estimates): When done well, estimates allow contractors to win more work, control costs and bring home more profit. Read more for the types of estimates you can use. - [Implementing Processes for Quality Control in Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/implementing-processes-for-quality-control-in-construction): Good quality control reduces construction costs, increases profitability, and sets you up for more success in the long run. Read more. - [How Lump Sum Contracts Work in Construction](https://crewcost.com/blog/quick-guide-to-lump-sum-contracts-for-contractors/): In this guide, we'll walk through how a lump sum contract works for contractors in construction. - [Construction Estimating Services: Freeing Up Time or Losing Control?](https://crewcost.com/blog/construction-estimating-services-freeing-up-time-or-losing-control): If you've been on the fence about using an estimating service, we'll help you decide whether or not it's a good choice for your business. Read more. - [The Easy Guide to Social Media Marketing for Construction Companies](https://crewcost.com/blog/the-easy-guide-to-social-media-marketing-for-construction-companies): If you've been curious about what it takes to start social media marketing for construction companies, we'll help you learn the basics here. Read more. - [How to Stop Chasing Revenue & Actually Improve Your Margins](https://crewcost.com/blog/how-to-stop-chasing-revenue-actually-improve-your-margins): A bigger top-line revenue number might look good on paper, but revenue does not equal profitability. Here's how to actually improve your margins. - [Quick Guide to Design and Build Contracts for Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/quick-guide-to-design-and-build-contracts-for-contractors/): The design and build contract is becoming more popular for its emphasis on collaboration and streamlined process. Learn more. - [What Every Contractor Needs to Know About a Construction Bond](https://crewcost.com/blog/what-every-contractor-needs-to-know-about-construction-bonds): Construction bonds protect project owners from losing money on a build. Read our guide for more on how they work and who they protect. - [3 Limitations of QuickBooks for Construction Accounting](https://crewcost.com/blog/3-reasons-why-quickbooks-doesnt-work-for-construction-accounting): Here are three reasons why QuickBooks isn't the best accounting software for construction, and where to look instead. - [Invitation to Bid in Construction: A Detailed Guide for Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/invitation-to-bid-itb-in-construction-a-detailed-guide-for-contractors/): Learn how the invitiation to bid process works and how you can draft winning proposals for ITBs. Read on. - [Mastering Project Closeout | Guide for General Contractors](https://crewcost.com/blog/mastering-project-closeout-guide-for-general-contractors/): Project closeout determines the overall success of a job and uncovers how well you managed the project. Read our guide to a smooth closeout. --- Generated by [FreshJuice llms.txt Generator](https://freshjuice.dev/tools/llmstxt-generator/) Total pages: 99