On-Site

Showing 193–208 of 238 results

  • The Contractor’s Corner – How can we tighten up our insurance claims process?

    Summer 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 441

    Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” examines the plight of a construction company that, following a series of natural disasters, felt that they’d lost money on soft costs that their adjuster had successfully disputed. This article offers suggestions on how to tighten up the claims process.

    Read More

  • Paperless projects harbor both perks and pitfalls

    Summer 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 440

    Abstract: Most contractors would probably be more interested in a paperless job site than an all-digital office — because that’s where they spend most of their time. Indeed, paperless projects are possible, but they harbor both perks and pitfalls. This article shows how a Web-based project management system can tie together documents from the project owner, the architect and any subcontractors, enabling the contractor to improve organization and efficiency. But the transition involves time, expense, and buy-in from the parties involved.

    Read More

  • Confronting the specter of an IRS audit

    Summer 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 651

    Abstract: An IRS audit, though not entirely preventable, is more manageable than one might think. Construction companies are document-oriented businesses. So if they manage those documents properly, they’ll likely be well on their way to defending whatever tax breaks they’ve claimed. This article discusses topics such as the types of records to keep and the importance of properly classifying employees and independent contractors.

    Read More

  • Don’t give up on going green – Sustainable building remains a viable force in construction

    Summer 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 891

    Abstract: Although it has certainly been affected by the economy and slower construction markets in many areas, green building is still right here and doing just fine. So it’s important for contractors to stay familiar with the topic and be cognizant of its benefits and risks. This article discusses requirements a project must meet to be qualified as sustainable, and the financial and reputational benefits that can follow. A sidebar discusses current events in green building.

    Read More

  • The Contractor’s Corner – How can I keep debt from sneaking up on me?

    Spring 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 423

    Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” looks at the dilemma of a contractor who worries about encroaching debt even when work is plentiful. Construction businesses are particularly sensitive to cash flow fluctuations, so giving up too much flexibility to debt could really hurt. This article explains how contractors need to prioritize debt, paying particular attention to their debt-to-equity ratio. It also discusses options to bankruptcy when debt becomes overwhelming.

    Read More

  • The state of your construction company – Benchmarking can help you determine where you stand

    Spring 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 648

    Abstract: To get and stay ahead, contractors must continually focus on getting better. One way to do so is to regularly undertake the process of benchmarking their company’s performance against either its previous results or those of other contractors who provide comparable services. This article examines the differences between internal and external benchmarking and how to choose the specific benchmarks that have the most effect on the company. It’s then a matter of assembling the right data to be measured.

    Read More

  • Manage subcontractor risk with the right software

    Spring 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 416

    Abstract: Subcontractors are a calculated risk, so it’s imperative to gather and track data pertinent to ensuring effective subcontractor management. The good news is that there is software available to help automate the process. This article discusses the tasks that specialized software can perform, with the result that contractors can improve cash flow and the timing of payments, and ensure they’re not paying subs who haven’t fulfilled a job’s administrative requirements.

    Read More

  • 2011 tax planning – Keeping your eye on the ball as the season heats up

    Spring 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1037

    Abstract: Whatever contractors do in the coming year will have a big effect on their 2011 tax bill. So it’s important that they keep their eye on the ball as the months progress — particularly in light of tax law changes that were passed last year. This article discusses these changes as they affect bonus depreciation, the Section 179 expensing deduction, and which of these options might provide a bigger benefit in a particular situation. Several other tax breaks are mentioned, while a sidebar shows that it might still be possible to qualify for a retention credit even though the HIRE Act of 2010 hasn’t been extended.

    Read More

  • The Contractor’s Corner – Many subcontractors struggle with surplus of idle workers

    Winter 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 435

    Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” discusses a contractor who, facing a dearth of projects, is thinking about laying off employees. But this article offers possible options, such as determining the true costs of both active and idle workers, instituting pay cuts or job-sharing programs, or even “loaning” employees to friendly competitors.

    Read More

  • Take it step by step – The basics of savvy succession planning

    Winter 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 642

    Abstract: Sooner or later, every construction company owner must relinquish control of his or her business. If the owner doesn’t want to sell the business to an outside party, it’s essential to find a family member or employee who can be trusted and believed in. This article shows the basics of savvy succession planning. It describes how to identify a leader and provide for heirs who won’t be involved in the business, and looks at issues involving management structure, buy-sell agreements and estate planning. It also mentions the importance of the owner finding him- or herself a new role after stepping down.

    Read More

  • A different animal – Federal projects bring a variety of challenges

    Winter 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 889

    Abstract: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “stimulus act”) appropriated billions of dollars in construction spending. Only now, however, are many of these projects finally arriving. But federal contracting warrants some careful preparation. These jobs are a far different animal from their privately funded counterparts. This article explains the types of competitors involved, the bidding process, and the tax ramifications. A sidebar points out that there are also ethical requirements involved.

    Read More

  • 3 areas of fraud-proofing to focus on

    Winter 2011
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 429

    Abstract: As the economy continues to challenge everyone, the motivation for some employees to steal isn’t hard to understand. One way to divide and potentially conquer fraudsters is to focus on the three primary areas where fraud typically can occur: in the office, during banking transactions, and on the job site. This article offers tips.

    Read More

  • The Contractor’s Corner – Construction company owner tires of failing fleet

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 403

    Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” addresses the concern of a hypothetical owner: Is there a better way of maintaining a fleet of construction vehicles? This article answers “yes”: Fleet management is a formalized, comprehensive approach to buying, using, maintaining and disposing of construction vehicles. With the appropriate software and GPS technology, owners can keep track of where their vehicles are and how they’re maintained, and make more informed lease-vs.-buy decisions.

    Read More

  • Satisfying your surety in today’s economic environment

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 390

    Abstract: Because of the continuingly rocky economy, many bonding firms have tightened their requirements considerably. This article offers some ways contractors can satisfy their sureties: good communication, well-ordered financials, and a sound business plan.

    Read More

  • Are you forgetting something? For many contractors, sales and use taxes are too easily ignored

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 838

    Abstract: With year end fast approaching, many contractors may be thinking about income tax planning. But there’s another tax issue that also warrants their attention: sales and use taxes. This article explains the distinction between the two, and how to avoid double taxation. It also shows how contract structure plays a big role in how sales and use taxes affect construction companies, while a sidebar looks at two valuable tax breaks for hiring certain unemployed workers.

    Read More

  • Construction trends – Integrated project delivery puts teamwork to the test

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 620

    Abstract: Under the traditional construction paradigm, the three major parties — owner, architect and contractor — are theoretically working toward the same goal: getting a structure built. But their immediate objectives don’t always gel with one another and, when they don’t, conflicts can arise. But this article explains how integrated project delivery (IPD) can serve as a means to reduce conflicts and speed efficiency.

    Read More