About cost code numbering systems

When creating cost codes, use a simple numbering system to avoid the introduction of errors and to divide the cost codes into major categories. When starting with a 4-digit number system, for example, make each thousand a division, such as 1000-General Requirements, 2000-Site Work, 3000-Concrete, and 4000-Masonry.

Caution! Carefully plan your cost code structure before implementing it. After you have entered transactions into the system with a set of cost codes, it is a complex process to change them.

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has designed a set of cost codes intended for cost and specification purposes. General contractors often adopt the system for estimating and cost accounting, and subcontractors often use an extended numbering system defined by the CSI code list.

Note: Cost codes are company-specific, not job-specific.