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Showing 1–16 of 314 results
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4 ways construction teams can work more remotely
September / October 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 448
Abstract: Contractors can’t work from home, but they can benefit from technology that supports remote collaboration and safer distancing to address COVID-19 and other threats. This article looks at four technology solutions that can help team members stay more separated but still connected, including videoconferencing and construction cameras/drones.
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Now’s a good time to re-evaluate employee benefits
September / October 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 544
Abstract: In difficult economic times, cost cutting becomes a necessity — and employee benefits are an easy target. Yet one of the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the value and importance of benefits. This article explores various low-cost options that contractors should consider, such as Health Savings Accounts, employee assistance plans and SEP-IRAs.
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Enhancing preconstruction to protect workers and the bottom line
September / October 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 669
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic slowdown have made careful planning of every job essential. More stringent safety protocols and, in many instances, a scarcity of projects mean a much slimmer margin of error. This article reviews some key aspects of preconstruction.
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Year-end tax planning – Depreciation deductions remain viable
September / October 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 956
Abstract: Like so many aspects of 2020, year-end tax planning will be different this year. Contractors should review tax-related legislation passed in response to the COVID-19 crisis, but some tried-and-true strategies remain viable. This article discusses Section 179 expensing, “bonus” depreciation and cost segregation studies. A sidebar reminds readers to manage cash flow independently of tax deductions.
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Could the critical path method improve your scheduling?
July / August 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 447
Abstract: Contractors must deliver projects on schedule and within budget — or risk taking a loss. To rise to the challenge, many of today’s project managers apply an approach that has been widely used by larger construction companies: the critical path method (CPM). This article explains what CPM is and how software can boost its benefits.
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Risk management 2.0 for construction companies
July / August 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 528
Abstract: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the construction industry. Contractors have learned valuable lessons about risk management during the pandemic — call it “risk management 2.0.” This article offers a variety of tips on how to structure contracts and tackle projects more safely.
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Remember the CARES Act as the year goes on
July / August 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 692
Abstract: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act may seem like old news. But its tax provisions remain in effect as the year goes on and, in some cases, beyond 2020 (unless subsequent legislation changes them). This article reviews three key issues for contractors: operating losses, qualified improvement property projects and the payroll tax credit.
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Succession planning – Planned liquidations have varying tax consequences
July / August 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 950
Abstract: Under some circumstances, the most expedient and beneficial way to end the existence of a company is through a planned liquidation. This article explains how the tax consequences of such a move vary depending on business structure. A sidebar discusses the fact that many other entities besides the IRS may need to be informed about a planned liquidation.
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7 red flags of an impending jobsite accident
May / June 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: An unfortunate fact of life is that accidents can happen — especially in construction. As the summer construction season heats up, it’s critical to keep workers safe. This article raises seven red flags that can warn you an accident is becoming more likely, including new faces on the jobsite and harmful noise levels.
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Playing the name game with a DBA
May / June 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 554
Abstract: For a variety of reasons, contractors often need to retool their branding to better represent their services or reach new customers. Sometimes the best way to do this is to operate all or part of your business under a new name. This article explores the purposes and legal requirements of a “doing business as” filing.
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Don’t let accounts receivable fraud take what you’ve earned
May / June 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 678
Abstract: Revenue coming into a business is an obvious temptation to a dishonest person. And, indeed, accounts receivable fraud is among the most common crimes committed internally against business owners — and contractors are hardly immune. This article describes common schemes, offers prevention tips and explains how to investigate.
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The best defense is a good account balance – Cope with delayed jobs through sound financial management
May / June 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 960
Abstract: When a severe delay hits a project, a construction business’s financial risk tends to skyrocket. Even if the contractor isn’t at fault, the owner may withhold payments while the situation is sorted out. This article explains that the best defense is to strengthen the company’s financial position to the point where it can absorb the risk of a slowed-down job. A sidebar points out the importance of confidentiality when it comes to maintaining a cash reserve.
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LEED isn’t the only green-building game in town
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Mention “green building” and most contractors think of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. LEED may be the front-runner in green building rating systems, but it’s not the only game in town. This brief article runs down alternatives that construction companies may encounter when working with project owners.
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Industry trends: Megaprojects are on the rise
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 534
Abstract: They’re big, and they’re big business. Megaprojects, large-scale and often high-profile construction projects that cost $1 billion or more, are taking the industry by storm. This article provides some stunning statistics on the trend and suggests questions a contractor should ask before submitting a bid.
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Reviewing the finer points of the Section 199A tax deduction
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: It’s been over a year since the IRS issued final regulations regarding Internal Revenue Code Section 199A. This Code Section created a tax deduction enabling owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations to write off up to 20% of their qualified business income. This article reviews the limits and construction specifics of the tax break.
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A surgical approach – Sharpen your project accounting with activity-based costing
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 934
Abstract: Activity-based costing is an accounting methodology that identifies activities and assigns a “cost driver” to each one based on resources consumed. This article explains how this approach can be applied to various jobsite activities. A sidebar points out that, once proper formulas are established, cost-driver calculations can often be applied for a long time.