Construction & Real Estate
Showing 1041–1056 of 1263 results
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Don’t throw in the towel – How to get your groove back after the recession
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 508
Abstract: After several years of this tough economy, many contractors may be ready to throw in the towel. But they can get back in the groove by harnessing cash flow and actively managing their company’s finances. Every contractor should have three- to six-month cash flow projections, and not let client debts mount. This is also a good time to look at capitalization, accounting practices and other financial management issues. Nor should marketing efforts be overlooked.
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IRS employment exams: Will your construction company pass the test?
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 735
Abstract: Recently, the IRS launched an audit program that focuses on employment tax issues. As part of a National Research Project (NRP), the IRS will randomly select approximately 6,000 employers over the next three years for detailed employment tax examinations. The IRS offers few details about the specific issues it plans to probe, but it’s expected that some of the main employment tax issues NRP audits will target include worker classification, officer compensation and reimbursed expenses. A sidebar to this article discusses the Davis-Bacon Act, a federal law that requires contractors to pay a “prevailing wage” on most federal projects.
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Ask the Advisor – How can I reduce the use of asphalt paving?
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 426
Abstract: While pavement is necessary for busy roads and the national highway system, there’s a growing awareness of the negative ecological impact triggered by too much asphalt. Developers can help curb the proliferation of asphalt paving. Not only can environmentally friendly paving projects enhance developers’ reputations, but they can also save money on materials and labor. But creative urban planning, which requires a unified effort by policy makers, citizens and developers alike, is key.
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Preventive maintenance programs pay off
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 575
Abstract: As the economy inches toward recovery, it’s tempting to postpone (or forgo) building and equipment maintenance to save money. But this strategy is likely to backfire over the long run. Poorly maintained equipment is a safety hazard, but fixing minor problems early also is often cheaper than dealing with major repairs and replacements later. Following five important steps can be part of a strong preventive maintenance program that will eventually result in increased efficiencies and a healthier bottom line.
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Conduit loans: Down but not out
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Like all bank funds, conduit financing is more scarce and its terms are often less flexible than during its heyday from 2005 through 2007 — but it’s still a viable alternative for healthy, diligent borrowers. This article shows how conduit loans work and what they can and can’t do. They may not be right for every development, but they’re still worth a second look for those who can live within certain constraints. And the benefits they offer — low fixed rates and flexible payment schedules — are hard to beat.
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Creative concessions get the deal done
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: Many sellers, though willing to compromise to a certain extent, may hold out for their “bottom line” price to the point where it appears non-negotiable. But buyers can still find ways to wrap up a deal through creative concessions. This may involve asking for repairs or improvements, or seeking seller financing at below-market rates. One’s options are bound only by one’s own imagination — the secret is figuring out what each side values. A sidebar to this article discusses a few winning negotiation strategies.
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Construction Law Quickcase: Andrews v. City of Springfield – RFP process throws city to the dogs
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 329
Abstract: Rather than taking the time to acquire property, design a new building and get public construction bids, Springfield, Mass., decided to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to lease an animal control center built to its specifications. Springfield taxpayers sued, seeking a declaration that the construction arrangement was invalid and violated local construction bidding laws.
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Unwritten code: Drainage system is no “extra”
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: When, after signing a contract for a new building, a doctor found out that local building codes required the construction of a commercial building drainage system, she disputed the additional charge. The court’s finding illustrates that every construction contract calling for code compliance includes, by such reference, all the provisions of the applicable building codes and laws just as if they were written into the contract — whether or not the contractor is aware of them.
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The Davis-Bacon Act – Construction workers or coal miners?
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 799
Abstract: The Davis-Bacon Act, which mandates that workers on federal jobs be paid prevailing wages, has given rise to many conflicts over the years. In 2004, West Virginia approved a Davis-Bacon exemption for coal miners spreading mine spoil along a 14-mile roadway and adjacent property intended for commercial development. A labor group brought suit, claiming that the exemption violated federal and state prevailing wage laws. But a federal judge determined that the mere involvement of workers and a construction project doesn’t necessarily mean the law’s protections can be enforced by unions, unless the union can show that the failure to pay prevailing wages caused a direct loss to the union itself.
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File the claim – Court examines insurer’s duties under its policy
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 973
Abstract: Insurance is important to any construction project. But contractors are often hesitant to file a claim if their odds of a favorable result appear slim. As one recent case shows, however, the effort to file a claim can pay off no matter what the result. At a minimum, contractors most likely can get their attorneys’ fees and court costs paid by the insurer. This article looks at the details, while a sidebar lists two specific protections a business should receive in exchange for its premiums.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor considers supplementary certification
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 449
Abstract: For the owner of a general contracting business in a mostly urban rehab/high-rise market, times were tough. With the economy in gradual recovery mode, work was slowing down and competition was stiff. So, during a visit to his financial advisor, the owner asked for ideas on gaining an edge. She had one that he found quite surprising: supplementary certification. Contractors who seek certification beyond what’s required for licensure, she explained, are in a better position to compete for business and broaden their horizons in areas they wouldn’t normally explore. She mentioned several well-known organizations where he might go for continuing education and certification courses.
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Mind your metrics – Key financial measures can keep you in the game
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: As the local market picks up or slows down, contractors need to know exactly where they stand financially to reasonably decide whether to move boldly forward or pull conservatively back. And when it comes to determining financial standing, the more accurate and precise one is, the better. That’s where certain key financial measures come into play. This article discusses such measures as return on assets and return on equity, along with a number of important ratios.
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Extended NOL carryback period offers contractors tax relief
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: This tax season, some construction companies may find welcome relief from an uncertain economy and challenging marketplace because of the recently extended net operating loss (NOL) carryback period. This provision is part of the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, a bill passed last November that aims to create jobs and offer respite to struggling businesses and the unemployed. The newly renewed NOL rules allow most businesses to carry back their NOLs for up to five years, instead of the previously sanctioned two.
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Better start, better finish – 5 steps for avoiding project delays before work begins
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 875
Abstract: Project delays occur for a number of reasons, and can range from small misunderstandings to huge conflicts that may put the financial success of a project on the line. But there are five steps that will help a contractor get to the finish line quicker by getting off to a better start: checking the owner’s financing; having a specific, well-defined contract; collaborating with all parties on a plan of action; creating standardized information management systems and processes; and choosing suppliers wisely. A sidebar to this article lists key questions that a contractor should ask potential vendors when considering a shift to paperless operations.
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Ask the Advisor – What cost-effective steps can I take to turn my rental homes “green”?
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: Remodeling an older rental home to make it “green” is a wise alternative to building a new property. Because of the tremendous savings in lumber, that choice alone is one of the greenest ones a landlord can make. But this article looks at other ways to green up an otherwise energy-inefficient house, thereby not only saving energy costs, but taxes as well.
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Help ensure a successful future for your firm with a succession plan
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 600
Abstract: All too often business owners get so bogged down in the daily grind of running their companies that they fail to adequately plan for their futures. A well-thought-out succession plan will help an owner pass on responsibility for running the company to a successor. If children are involved in the business or there’s another logical successor, it’s important to start grooming that person as early as possible. If selling to family members isn’t feasible, other options include selling the firm to employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), setting up a management buyout, or selling to an outside buyer. But it will be important to upgrade business processes before finding potential buyers and marketing the business to them.