Construction Industry Advisor
CIA
Showing 1–16 of 226 results
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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.
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Qualified opportunity zone deadline extended
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: The federal government created qualified opportunity zones (QOZs) in 2017 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act “to spur economic development and job creation in distressed communities,” according to the IRS. This article reviews the thinking behind QOZs and notifies readers of an important deadline extension.
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Boost cash flow with savvy accounts payable strategies
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 541
Abstract: Managing accounts payable is a critical task for any business, but it’s particularly important for construction companies. As a back-office function, however, payables don’t always get the attention they deserve. This article provides tips and best practices for improving the process, including being strategic and leveraging technology.
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Accurate job schedules add value to financial reporting
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: When many contractors read the term “financial reporting,” they may naturally think of their financial statements. However, another important aspect of financial reporting is the regular and consistent handling of job schedules. This article describes three types of job schedules and explains why it’s so important to keep these schedules accurate and up to date.
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Asking for forgiveness? Contractors should handle PPP loans with care
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 922
Abstract: Many construction companies have taken advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Loan recipients may qualify for debt forgiveness if they meet certain requirements and submit a timely application with their lenders. This article explains some of the factors in qualifying for forgiveness and discusses recent federal guidance. A sidebar looks at the tax considerations of loan forgiveness.