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TL;DR: SPM sets up ControlQore for underground utility contractors with cost codes aligned to the estimate. Foremen post actual costs daily. Weekly: actual cost per linear foot by pipe type against estimated unit price. Monthly: WIP schedule from actual data. Full setup 30 days, fully operational 60 days.

ControlQore for Underground Utility

ControlQore for
Underground Utility Contractors.

QuickBooks shows total labor cost. ControlQore shows actual cost per LF against estimated cost per LF every week while the job is running. Here is how SPM builds the system.

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 Underground Utility Contractors

Cost codes built to match the underground utility estimate format produce direct actual vs estimated comparison weekly. Generic templates produce blended totals that hide variance until closeout.

Cost Codes by LF

8-inch water main by depth band, 12-inch sewer by depth band, service connections per unit, restoration by SF. Each cost code maps to the corresponding estimate category. When a foreman posts hours it hits the same bucket used in the bid.

Weekly Variance Review

Actual cost per linear foot by pipe type against estimated unit price. When any cost code runs more than 10% over estimate for two consecutive weeks SPM flags it. The cause is identifiable in the cost code detail.

Utility Conflict Change Order Documentation

Written GC notice within 48 hours of utility conflict discovery. Photo documentation before rerouting. Daily reports with superintendent acknowledgment. Cost proposal within 48 hours. Most utility conflicts are billable under differing site conditions clauses.

Separate Overhead Rates for Prevailing Wage

DOT and municipal underground utility work carries fringe benefit requirements of $12-$20 per hour above base wages. SPM calculates separate overhead rates for prevailing wage and private work.

Monthly Deliverables

What the Owner Gets Every Month

WIP schedule from actual ControlQore data. Cost-to-cost percentage complete. Overbilled and underbilled positions. Projected final margin by job. Ready for bonding and banking discussions.
Job-level P&L by cost code. Every active job showing actual vs estimated gross margin. Completed jobs showing actual vs estimated at closeout to calibrate future underground utility 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.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ControlQore work for underground utility contractors?
SPM builds ControlQore cost codes aligned to the underground utility estimate structure. Foremen post actual costs daily. Weekly: actual cost per linear foot by pipe type against estimated unit price. Monthly: WIP schedule from actual data. Job-level profitability visible in week two not at closeout.
What cost codes does SPM build for underground utility contractors?
Cost codes include: 8-inch water main by depth band, 12-inch sewer by depth band, service connections per unit, restoration by SF. 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.
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 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 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.
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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