Contractor
Showing 97–112 of 390 results
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Construction Success Story – Contractor ponders the ROI of wearable technology
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 456
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a contractor who specializes in building and renovating medical facilities. Recently, he began considering a purchase of “wearable tech” — data-gathering items that can be affixed to construction workers’ clothing. Before spending any money, however, he visited his financial advisor to discuss return on investment.
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4 reasons to review your business plan at year end
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 540
Abstract: Nearly all construction companies began with a business plan. But, once a business is up and running, the document tends to get buried either in a file cabinet or on a hard drive. This article suggests contractors dig out their business plans and use them to assess their operations, as well as to plan for the coming year.
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Contain the creep by carefully managing project scope
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 642
Abstract: No one likes a creep. When it comes to construction projects, one kind of creep that contractors must avoid is scope creep: when the actual work performed on a job gradually expands beyond the contract parameters without compensatory change orders. This article offers tips on how to avoid this costly problem.
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General contractor focus – Be mindful about subcontractor retainage
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 899
Abstract: Most construction projects succeed because of the strong relationships between general contractors and subcontractors. One source of conflict that can quickly sour the rapport is retainage. This article explains why general contractors should take a mindful approach to remitting subcontractors’ retainage. A sidebar looks at how to deal with slow-paying owners.
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Construction Success Story – Reluctant contractor looks for “likes” on social media
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a high-end homebuilder who had been slow to adapt to social media. She didn’t think much of it until she stumbled across a competitor’s Facebook page and saw all the likes and comments. She mentioned the problem to her CPA, who had several initial suggestions, including choosing the right channels and leveraging cool imagery.
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Control job costs with smarter materials management
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 527
Abstract: Managing project costs can get tricky — especially in today’s construction materials marketplace. The goal of materials management is to ensure that the correct quantity and quality of materials are procured at the lowest possible prices and available when and where needed. This article offers some ideas on how to get the best results.
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A busy industry: M&A activity is hot in construction
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: The construction industry saw many merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in 2018. Although activity is expected to cool off by the end of 2019, there are still plenty of deals under consideration and in the works. This article discusses some fundamental M&A concepts that contractors should know.
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Year-end tax planning – Entity choice may evolve with your company
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: Choosing the ideal business structure for a construction company isn’t a simple decision. Entity choice may evolve over time, depending on the needs of ownership and the business itself. This article explores important issues related to re-evaluating business structure at year end. A sidebar touches on key points for contractors who own rental real estate.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor looks out for everyone with a SEP-IRA
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a contractor who owns a small subcontracting company. He recently found himself facing the dual challenge of trying to retain skilled workers while saving for his own retirement. The contractor’s CPA suggested exploring the advantages of a Simplified Employee Pension plan paired with an IRA (SEP-IRA).
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How CRM software can help build business relationships
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 543
Abstract: In construction, building relationships can be just as important as building structures. But keeping track of multiple clients, contacts and projects can be challenging — especially for contractors who spend more time on jobsites than in the office. This article looks at a potential solution: customer relationship management software.
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Turning your surety’s frown upside-down
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 593
Abstract: Bad luck and unforeseen circumstances can put any construction company in jeopardy of losing bonding capacity or even ending its relationship with a surety altogether. This article suggests some fundamental ways to turn a surety’s frown upside-down and get back on the right track.
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Achieve true payroll enlightenment – Setting up automated accruals of benefits and insurance costs
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 978
Abstract: Contractors need to understand the total cost of payroll so they can track how much each project is costing them. This article explains how to accrue on-site workers’ benefits and insurance costs under an automated job-costing process. A sidebar adds an important point about making monthly adjustments to the documented accruals.
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Construction Success Story – Cost-conscious contractor tries “print as a service”
May / June 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a general contractor who recently took over her father’s business and needs to upgrade the company’s print technology. Her CPA suggests exploring the possibilities of “print as a service,” an arrangement under which an outside vendor provides printers and other equipment, as well as maintenance and support, for a fee.
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Recognize the typical schemes of subcontractor fraud
May / June 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 543
Abstract: General contractors usually have good relationships with their subcontractors. But fraud happens in every industry — and construction is no exception. This article examines some of the typical schemes associated with subcontractor fraud and suggests a variety of measures to stop it.
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The design-build model: It’s still a thing
May / June 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: Under the design-build model, one entity performs the architecture, engineering and construction components of a project all under a single contract. The concept is nothing new, but recent research results show it’s still a force in the construction industry. This article delves into the data and explores the benefits and risks of design-build.
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Tax law reform – Now’s a good time to rethink your accounting method
May / June 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: Because of changes wrought by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many construction companies can now choose from a wider variety of accounting methods for tax purposes. This article explores some of the options available. A sidebar looks at the benefits of the straight accrual method, which offers a simpler alternative to the percentage-of-completion method.