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TL;DR: SPM sets up ControlQore for grading contractors with cost codes by cut-fill category and equipment aligned to the estimate structure. Foremen post actual costs daily. Weekly: actual CY cost against estimated unit price. Monthly: WIP schedule from actual data. Full setup in 30 days, fully operational in 60 days.

ControlQore for Grading

ControlQore for
Grading Contractors.

QuickBooks shows you total labor cost. ControlQore shows you actual cost per CY against estimated cost per CY — every week, while the job is running. Here is how SPM builds the system for grading contractors.

Published: May 2026  ·  Updated: May 2026
Week 2
When Job Variance Is Visible
30 Days
ControlQore Setup Complete
60 Days
Fully Operational
5 hrs/mo
Owner Time Required
The Setup

How SPM Builds ControlQore for Grading Contractors

The cost code structure is the foundation. Cost codes built to match the grading estimate format produce direct actual vs estimated comparison by cost category weekly. Cost codes built from a generic template produce blended totals that hide variance until closeout.

Cost Codes by CY

CY of cut by soil type, CY of fill by material type, import material by ton, compaction passes. Each cost code maps to the corresponding category in the grading estimate. When a foreman posts hours it hits the same bucket used in the bid.

Weekly Variance Review

Actual cy cost against estimated unit price. When any cost code runs more than 10% over estimated cost for two consecutive weeks SPM flags it. The cause is identifiable in the cost code detail. If a change order applies SPM builds and submits it.

Equipment Idle Rate by Machine

Motor grader, scraper, and compactor each tracked to their own cost code. Monthly utilization: actual billable hours versus available hours. Idle rate visible monthly. Equipment below break-even triggers a redeployment or disposal decision.

Cut-Fill Variance Change Orders

When actual cut-fill quantities differ materially from grade design quantities SPM builds the changed condition documentation and submits the change order. Most grading contracts allow recovery for quantity variances that exceed specified tolerances.

Monthly Deliverables

What the Owner Gets Every Month

WIP schedule from actual ControlQore data. Cost-to-cost percentage complete by job. Overbilled and underbilled positions. Projected final margin updated from actual cost trajectory. Ready for bonding and banking discussions.
Job-level P&L by cost code. Every active job showing actual gross margin vs estimated. Completed jobs showing actual vs estimated at closeout to calibrate future grading estimates.
13-week cash flow forecast. Every cash outflow and inflow mapped 13 weeks forward. Cash gaps visible 8 weeks before they occur.
AR aging and collections report. Every invoice over 30 days flagged. Collections calls made every Monday. Most clients have $50,000-$200,000 in earned AR cleared in the first 30 days of engagement.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ControlQore work for grading contractors?
SPM builds ControlQore cost codes aligned to the grading estimate structure - cost codes by cut-fill category and equipment. Foremen post actual costs daily by cost code. Weekly: actual CY cost against estimated unit price. Monthly: WIP schedule from actual data. The owner sees job-level profitability in week two not at closeout.
What cost codes does SPM build for grading contractors?
Cost codes for grading contractors include: CY of cut by soil type, CY of fill by material type, import material by ton, compaction passes. Each cost code maps to the corresponding category in the estimate so actual vs estimated comparison is direct and weekly.
What is ControlQore?
ControlQore is purpose-built construction job costing and WIP reporting software for commercial subcontractors at $1M-$12M. More capable than QuickBooks for job costing, more affordable than Sage or Foundation. SPM sets it up and manages it. The owner does not have to learn it.
How long does ControlQore setup take?
30 days for setup, 60 days to fully operational. Cost codes aligned to the trade estimate structure, chart of accounts migration, and WIP schedule template are all built in month one.
Does ControlQore replace QuickBooks?
Yes. SPM migrates all clients from QuickBooks to ControlQore at engagement start. ControlQore handles all accounting functions plus construction-specific job costing and WIP reporting that QuickBooks cannot do at the depth commercial subcontractors need.
How much does ControlQore cost?
Approximately $100 per month per $1M in revenue. A $4M subcontractor pays approximately $400 per month for ControlQore in addition to the SPM fee. Significantly less than Sage 100 or Foundation while more capable than QuickBooks for job costing.
Do I need to handle payroll in ControlQore?
No. SPM does not handle payroll. ControlQore integrates with payroll providers. SPM has vetted payroll partners including prevailing wage and Davis-Bacon integrations.
Josh Luebker
Josh Luebker
Fractional CFO · The Construction CFO

Former commercial construction PM and master electrician. 150+ projects, $300M+. Fractional CFO for commercial subcontractors $1M–$12M. About Josh →

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