Construction Industry Advisor
CIA
Showing 1–16 of 210 results
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5 construction tech strategies for the new normal
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Even before the COVID-19 crisis, technology was transforming the way construction companies go about their business. The pandemic will likely accelerate the technological (r)evolution as contractors look for ways to work more safely and communicate more rapidly. This article covers five tech strategies, including going paperless and using robotic process automation.
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Apply the lessons of crisis and prepare for the future
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 547
Abstract: It’s critical for contractors to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and apply those lessons to preparing for the inevitable disasters and economic downturns of the future. This article offers five ways to do so, including reviewing jobs and backlog, as well as implementing best safety practices.
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Managing project scope: It’s a full-time job
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 640
Abstract: Many contractors don’t think about project scope until something gets really out of whack. The truth is, it’s a full-time job that should begin before a bid is even submitted. This article discusses best practices in scope management from preproject planning through completion.
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Tax planning – CARES Act provisions may boost cash flow
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 867
Abstract: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes several provisions that can help construction companies reduce their tax bills and, thereby, boost their cash flows. This article discusses a couple of such opportunities involving excess business losses and business interest expense. A sidebar looks at the PPP Flexibility Act.
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Have you looked online for skilled labor?
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: The construction industry continues to grapple with a serious skilled labor shortage. To cope, contractors need to take advantage of all recruiting options available — including those on the Internet. This article explains why the labor shortage is dragging on and provides examples of some construction-specific online job sites.
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Opportunity zones may increase demand but present risks
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: The federal government created qualified opportunity zones to attract investment in economically distressed areas by offering tax benefits to those who invest in them through qualified opportunity funds. As this article explains, the program may boost demand for construction services, but contractors should familiarize themselves with the requirements and potential risks.
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Keeping an eye on taxes: the CARES Act and construction
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: The federal government’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has included many tax law changes. This article looks at three issues that construction company owners should keep an eye on in light of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): payroll, net operating losses and the end of the “retail glitch.”
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Classify carefully – IRS continues to scrutinize independent contractors
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 931
Abstract: The classification of workers as independent contractors or employees has significant implications for businesses, but especially for construction companies given the widespread use of subcontractors. This article reviews the differences between independent contractors and employees, and how the IRS evaluates the distinction. A sidebar looks at how the qualified business income deduction relates to independent contractors.
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The potential of robotic process automation
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Robotic process automation (RPA) refers to software tools that automate repetitive, rule-based human tasks. Examples include creating invoices, managing documents and performing certain HR tasks. This article looks into potential uses of RPA for construction companies.
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7 tips for avoiding construction disputes
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 536
Abstract: A single construction dispute can turn a profitable job into a loss; multiple ones can put a contractor out of business. This article describes seven strategies for avoiding them, including careful drafting of contracts, adhering to accurate scheduling and considering alternative delivery approaches.
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Respond quickly to succession plan troubles
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 664
Abstract: Family-owned construction businesses often face distinctive challenges when it comes to succession planning. Emotions can run high, and the business owner’s lifelong working legacy may be at stake. This article discusses various ways to address succession planning concerns and conflicts.
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New accounting standard – Are there leases hiding in your contracts?
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 892
Abstract: Construction businesses with a calendar year end have until 2021 to implement Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 842, Leases, to stay in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This article explores one of the biggest new challenges: embedded leases. A sidebar provides a brief recap of the overall rule changes under ASC 842.
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Risky business: Valuation rules of thumb
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: Determining the market value of a construction company may be necessary or desirable for many reasons, including a business sale or for succession planning. Some contractors may use valuation rules of thumb to do so, but that’s risky business. This article explains why, providing examples of how countless factors affect a business valuation.
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Would you recognize an indirect cost if you saw one?
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: Indirect costs can have a substantial impact on a construction company’s financial picture and bottom line. But they’re not always the easiest things to “see.” This article brings indirect costs into focus by defining them, distinguishing the costs from overhead and explaining how to use a “cost driver” to allocate them.
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Outsourcing employment tasks to a PEO
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 661
Abstract: After reaching a certain level of success, many construction companies struggle to keep up with employment and human resources tasks. One solution may be to outsource these functions to a professional employer organization (PEO). This article explores the benefits and risks of PEOs.
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Year-end tax planning – Tax benefits available to small businesses
Fall 2019
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 923
Abstract: Companies that qualify as “small businesses” enjoy several tax benefits. Whether a company qualifies depends on a gross receipts threshold that was recently increased under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This article explains the advantages of small business status and how to calculate the gross receipts test. A sidebar looks at the perhaps surprising definition of a “tax shelter.”