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Code Structure & Templates

Design your cost code numbering system and use industry-standard templates.

Numbering Approaches​

CSI MasterFormat​

Industry-standard Construction Specifications Institute format:

ApproachExampleBest For
CSI Format01, 02, 03...Commercial construction
Custom Sequential100, 200, 300...Flexibility for growth
Trade-basedPLM-001, ELE-001Easy trade identification

Leave Room for Growth​

Use numbering that allows additions:

100 - General Conditions
200 - Site Work
300 - Concrete
400 - Masonry
...

Increments of 100 allow inserting new codes (150, 250, etc.) without renumbering.

Decimal Subcodes​

Use decimals for child codes:

09 - Finishes
    09.1 - Drywall
    09.2 - Painting
    09.3 - Flooring
        09.31 - Hardwood
        09.32 - Carpet
        09.33 - Tile

Standard Templates​

Construction (CSI-Based)​

Full CSI MasterFormat structure for commercial and residential construction:

01 - General Requirements
02 - Existing Conditions
03 - Concrete
04 - Masonry
05 - Metals
06 - Wood, Plastics, Composites
07 - Thermal & Moisture Protection
08 - Openings
09 - Finishes
10 - Specialties
11 - Equipment
12 - Furnishings
13 - Special Construction
14 - Conveying Equipment
21 - Fire Suppression
22 - Plumbing
23 - HVAC
25 - Integrated Automation
26 - Electrical
27 - Communications
28 - Electronic Safety & Security
31 - Earthwork
32 - Exterior Improvements
33 - Utilities

Remodeling (Simplified)​

Streamlined structure for residential remodeling:

01 - General Conditions
02 - Demolition
03 - Structural
04 - Plumbing
05 - Electrical
06 - HVAC
07 - Insulation
08 - Drywall
09 - Painting
10 - Flooring
11 - Cabinets
12 - Countertops
13 - Fixtures
14 - Trim & Finish
15 - Appliances
16 - Cleanup

Kitchen & Bath Specialty​

Focused structure for kitchen and bath remodelers:

01 - General Conditions
02 - Demo & Prep
03 - Plumbing Rough
04 - Electrical Rough
05 - HVAC
06 - Framing & Structural
07 - Insulation
08 - Drywall
09 - Tile & Stone
10 - Cabinets
11 - Countertops
12 - Plumbing Fixtures
13 - Electrical Fixtures
14 - Appliances
15 - Painting
16 - Flooring
17 - Trim & Hardware
18 - Cleanup & Punch

Design Services​

For design-build or design-focused firms:

D01 - Consultation
D02 - Site Analysis
D03 - Schematic Design
D04 - Design Development
D05 - Construction Documents
D06 - Specifications
D07 - Bidding & Negotiation
D08 - Project Management
D09 - Selections Assistance
D10 - Site Visits

Exterior/Landscaping​

For exterior contractors:

01 - General Conditions
02 - Site Prep
03 - Grading & Drainage
04 - Hardscape - Concrete
05 - Hardscape - Pavers
06 - Hardscape - Stone
07 - Retaining Walls
08 - Fencing
09 - Decks & Structures
10 - Irrigation
11 - Planting
12 - Sod & Seed
13 - Mulch & Ground Cover
14 - Outdoor Lighting
15 - Water Features

Building Your Structure​

Step 1: Identify Categories​

List the major work types you perform:

  • What trades do you use?
  • What do you need to track separately?
  • What matches your accounting?

Step 2: Choose a Base​

Select a starting template:

  • CSI for commercial alignment
  • Simplified for residential focus
  • Custom for unique needs

Step 3: Customize​

Modify the template:

  • Add codes for your specialties
  • Remove codes you don't use
  • Adjust numbering as needed

Step 4: Add Detail​

Create subcodes where needed:

  • High-volume categories
  • Areas needing detailed tracking
  • Categories with multiple sub-trades

Step 5: Set Defaults​

For each code, configure:

  • Default markup percentage
  • QuickBooks account mapping
  • Type (Production/Design/Non-billable)

Mapping to Accounting​

Chart of Accounts Alignment​

Match cost codes to your accounting structure:

Cost CodeIncome AccountExpense Account
03 - Concrete4030 Concrete Revenue5030 Concrete Costs
09 - Finishes4090 Finishes Revenue5090 Finishes Costs
22 - Plumbing4220 Plumbing Revenue5220 Plumbing Costs

Benefits of Alignment​

  • Simplified reconciliation
  • Consistent reporting
  • Easier QuickBooks sync
  • Clear profit tracking by category

Tips for Success​

Keep It Simple​

  • Start with fewer codes
  • Add detail only where needed
  • Too many codes = confusion

Be Consistent​

  • Same format throughout
  • Similar naming style
  • Logical number sequence

Plan for Reporting​

Consider what you want to analyze:

  • Profitability by trade
  • Labor vs material split
  • Design vs production

Document Your System​

Create a reference guide:

  • Code list with descriptions
  • When to use each code
  • Examples for common scenarios