Funds Control can be an essential part of ensuring a construction project is completed on time and on budget. Partner’s team of construction professionals are well versed in all aspects of the construction process and are able to fully administer the Funds Control and Disbursements Program associated with keeping a construction project on track.
Funds Control and Disbursement encompasses all of the activities necessary to manage the pay application and disbursement process of a construction project.
From a construction risk management standpoint, sound accounting and business practice dictates not only keeping funds for different projects separated, but also examining the payment requests within each project very carefully. Appropriate invoice support and documentation must be submitted with the draw requests in order to verify that the requests are, in fact, valid and appropriate.
It is important to review the progress of the project to ensure that it is on track before any payments are made. Construction Progress Monitoring, which determines the percentage completion by line item, is usually done in conjunction with the Funds Control process.
The documentation that is inherent in a Funds Control and Disbursement program can significantly increase transparency to bank regulators, particularly during an audit.
The 3rd party risk management firm’s role should include:
Construction Risk Management, which includes Funds Control and Disbursement, is a government-approved alternative to a payment and performance bond. It is a proactive tool that can identify problems as they occur, or even before, and allow for early course correction. It is also far less expensive than a bond (usually about ½ the cost). On the contrary, a performance bond can only be called upon in the case of an actual default, which is the last place anyone wants to be.