Labour budget left
Compare the estimated labour allowance with the cost created by regular and overtime hours.
Three budgets, three clear positions
A single project total can hide the source of an overrun. ActualCost keeps estimated labour, materials and subcontractors visible separately and calculates the remaining budget for each category.
Budget left = Estimated cost − Actual cost
Material budget left
Compare the estimated material allowance with supplier costs assigned to the job.
Subcontractor budget left
Compare the outside-work allowance with subcontractor entries without mixing them into team days.
Total actual cost
Combine all three actual-cost categories to understand the complete current position.
Useful before the job is finished
Budget-versus-actual tracking is most valuable while there is still time to investigate a loss, correct purchasing, adjust labour planning or price similar work more accurately next time.
Read the practical guide: Estimated cost versus actual cost in construction.