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Chapter 11 — Control of the Underlying Asset Before Commencement

11.3 Lessee’s Involvement in Construction Before Lease Commencement (Build-to-Suit Arrangements)

11.3 Lessee’s Involvement in Construction Before Lease Commencement (Build-to-Suit Arrangements)

Build-to-suit arrangements can broadly be defined as arrangements in which a lessee is involved in construction of an asset it will eventually lease, including projects undertaken from the ground up and construction of major structural improvements related to existing assets.

Footnotes

1
Paragraph BC400(b) of ASU 2016-02 states, in part, that the FASB “observed that, in concept, the evaluation under Subtopic 842-40 on whether an entity controls an asset that is under construction is similar to the evaluation undertaken in the revenue recognition guidance in accordance with paragraph 606-10-25-27 to determine whether a performance obligation is satisfied over time.”
2
This example contemplates a scenario in which the lessee is able to instruct the lessor to stop construction and thus is liable for only cost plus a reasonable margin incurred through the date of ceased construction. However, the example does not contemplate a specific performance scenario in which, despite the lessee’s request to cease construction, the lessor could elect to complete construction and therefore require the lessee to pay the full consideration in the agreement (cost plus margin). The latter arrangement suggests that the lessee has control over the CIP in a manner consistent with the guidance in ASC 606-10-55-13.