Construction Industry Advisor
CIA
Showing 1–16 of 230 results
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Adding value with life-cycle cost analysis
Fall 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) seeks to estimate a construction project’s overall cost of ownership over its “useful life cycle.” It then strives to identify design or construction alternatives that will minimize costs over that life cycle. This article explains how contractors can play a role in LCCA and, in doing so, give themselves a competitive edge.
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7 coping strategies for volatile steel prices
Fall 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 535
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted steel supply and demand throughout the world, leading to widespread price increases. This article suggests seven strategies that contractors can use to cope with the price volatility, including adjusting bidding approaches and adding price escalation clauses to contracts.
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Is the research credit within your reach?
Fall 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: Many construction company owners might assume that a tax credit related to research and development is out of their reach. Au contraire: Contractors can and have claimed the research credit for improving construction techniques or developing industry-related software. This article provides a refresher on this potentially valuable tax break.
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Put some PEP in your step – A new retirement plan option to consider
Fall 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 931
Abstract: A generous benefits package that includes a robust retirement plan can be a powerful recruiting tool for construction companies. But providing cost-effective, high-quality benefits isn’t easy. This article takes an in-depth look at a new retirement plan option: pooled employer plans (PEPs). A sidebar warns that, though PEPs relieve employers of many benefits-related risks, some fiduciary responsibilities remain.
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Clearing the higher bar for disruption damages
Summer 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: Sometimes an owner’s actions during a construction project may disrupt a contractor’s job progress. In some cases, the contractor may be able to recover damages for additional expenses incurred because of the disruption. However, as this article explains, proving the amount of such disruption damages isn’t easy.
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Do you have a false sense of cybersecurity?
Summer 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: Contractors shouldn’t assume that their risk of a cyberattack is low because they don’t sell products on the Internet or have a major social media presence. Construction businesses are attractive targets for cybercriminals. This article explains why and discusses how to mitigate risk through a cybersecurity assessment and appropriate strategies.
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Place a high value on a business valuation
Summer 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: For any construction business owner, an enduring question is: Just how valuable is my company? The answer is variable because the value of any business rises and falls depending on a number of factors. This article explains why valuations are important for contractors and explores three critical parts of the appraisal process.
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EIDLs offer access to working capital
Summer 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 898
Abstract: Many construction businesses have struggled during the pandemic. One way to obtain some helpful working capital is a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan offered by the Small Business Administration. This article discusses the details and requirements of these loans. A sidebar warns recipients of Paycheck Protection Program loans about misuse of funds.
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CRM systems offer intriguing benefits
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) systems offer many benefits to businesses, including stronger customer relations, service and retention. This article explains how CRM systems may be most valuable to construction companies in managing the business development process and focusing a company’s limited resources on winnable, profitable projects.
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Vetting subcontractors is more important than ever
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 545
Abstract: General contractors must work hard to recover from project shutdowns/slowdowns caused by the pandemic and capitalize on what could be a stronger economy ahead. In this environment, vetting subcontractors for quality work and financial stability is more important than ever. This article reviews some basic tenets of prequalification.
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Is your buy-sell agreement up to date?
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 665
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement is a critical tool for owners of closely held construction companies. To be effective, however, construction business owners need to review it periodically and, if necessary, modify its language to reflect changing circumstances. This article explores the importance of scrutinizing the valuation provision, which establishes the purchase price for a departing owner’s shares.
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Tax planning – Don’t forget about the CAA
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 941
Abstract: The Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law on December 27, 2020, providing relief to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to reducing 2020 tax bills, the act provides several tax benefits for 2021. This article covers highlights that contractors should know about. A sidebar notes that expenses paid with Paycheck Protection Program loan proceeds are deductible.
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Is blockchain the future of construction?
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: Blockchain is the technology that powers Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Although it may not be ready for prime time in construction just yet, industry experts recognize its promise to transform the way projects are managed. This article explains how blockchain works and how “smart contracts” can keep everyone on the same digital page.
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5 tips for reducing workers’ compensation costs
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 530
Abstract: For most construction businesses, workers’ compensation is a significant expense. This article offers five time-tested tips for reducing or at least better controlling these costs, including classifying employees properly and developing a robust safety program.
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Connecting your succession plan to your estate plan
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: For any business owner, contractors included, putting together a succession plan may seem like an overwhelming task. Often, among the most difficult things to conceptualize is precisely how to connect — and beneficially integrate — your succession plan with your estate plan. This article offers a few ideas: selling ownership shares, gifting them and creating a trust.
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Qualified improvement property – Beware of a potential tax trap
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 939
Abstract: The CARES Act fixed a technical glitch, retroactive to 2018, that deprived many taxpayers of 100% bonus depreciation for qualified improvement property (QIP). As this article explains, however, the law also set a dangerous tax trap for those that elect not to claim bonus depreciation. A sidebar looks at how due dates work for amended tax returns.