What is one major aspect that differentiates direct and indirect costs?

The differentiation between direct and indirect costs is primarily based on quantifiability. Direct costs can be traced directly to specific projects or activities, making them easily identifiable and measurable. For instance, materials, labor, and equipment used specifically for a construction project fall into direct costs because their expenses can be directly assigned to that project.

In contrast, indirect costs are not directly traceable to a single project. They are expenses that support the overall operation and management of the business rather than any specific project. Examples include administrative salaries, utility costs, and general office supplies. These costs are typically spread over multiple projects, making their quantifiability more complex.

This concept is important in budgeting and financial management within the construction industry, as understanding how to categorize costs can influence pricing, profit margins, and overall project viability.