Construction & Real Estate
Showing 1073–1088 of 1263 results
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6 tips for boosting profitability
Winter 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 655
Abstract: The construction business is risky not only from a safety perspective, but from a financial perspective as well — thin profit margins, unpredictable site conditions, volatile costs, change orders and the use of multiple subcontractors. There are six ways a contractor can improve profitability, including evaluating one’s estimating procedures, knowing indirect costs, and building sufficient profit into the bid.
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Accounting for long-term contracts – Understanding look-back is in your best interest
Winter 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 869
Abstract: When the percentage-of-completion method (PCM) is used to account for long-term contracts, income might end up being understated or overstated. Either way, it’s important for tax reporting purposes to understand the look-back rules, in which one “looks back” at the income or loss reported for the job for each tax year during which the contract was performed. This article takes a look at the procedures involved, and instances in which the look-back rules don’t apply. A sidebar discusses the simplified marginal impact method (SMIM) that non-closely-held pass-through entities are required to use.
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Ask the Advisor – Given the current economy, is it wise to accept Sec. 8 tenants?
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 409
Abstract: With the economic recovery still in slow motion, an increasing number of landlords may be tempted to accept Section 8 tenants. These tenants provide a dependable cash flow source, and can be better than average low-income tenants. But there are drawbacks, as well. Getting started as a Sec. 8 landlord is easy. The hard part — and one which likely deserves the most thought — is deciding whether Sec. 8 is right for a particular situation.
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A complex but worthy endeavor – Donating real estate through a CRT
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 529
Abstract: Many investors are looking at donating real estate to charities as a way to lower their tax bills while, at the same time, helping to build up a charity’s coffers. A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is one giving strategy that can benefit both the donor and the charity. But it will be important to distinguish between an annuity trust and a unitrust, and to determine if the charity is willing to accept the gift if it’s accompanied by particular legal responsibilities.
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Adversaries no longer – Win-win agreements between developers and environmentalists increasing
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 520
Abstract: Frustrated by legal costs and government inaction, developers and environmentalists are turning to creative compromise as the best strategy for achieving their goals. Some agreements allow residential developments, oil drilling or new power plants in exchange for preserving some undeveloped land, imposing stricter environmental practices than required by law or investing in alternative energy. Three examples are offered.
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5 misconceptions surrounding Sec. 1031 exchanges
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1041
Abstract: Section 1031 exchanges have become an important tax strategy for real estate investors. These transactions allow investors to exchange properties of a “like kind” and defer any gains on the relinquished properties until they sell the replacement properties. But, despite their popularity, a number of misconceptions remain regarding how they can be structured. This article looks at five misconceptions that cause people to believe that Sec. 1031 exchanges are more restrictive than they actually are. However, as a sidebar explains, excluding gain on a principal residence acquired through a Sec. 1031 exchange is a bit trickier now, thanks to the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008.
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Construction Law Quickcase – Conner Brothers v. Geren – Homeland security trumps delay damages
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 302
Abstract: A construction company that was working on a military base on 9/11 found itself temporarily ordered off the base as a security measure. Later, it sought additional time to complete its work as well as delay damages under the Changes or Suspension of Work clauses in the contract. It was granted the extra time, but not the damages. This article illustrates why.
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Putting AIA contract language to the test
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 490
Abstract: American Institute of Architects (AIA) contracts have been put to use in many a job, and their language is well battle-tested in court. But that hasn’t stopped the occasional party from trying its luck against an AIA clause. In this case, a property insurer that wasn’t a party to the construction contract sought to impose a loss on a contractor’s liability insurance company — despite the existence of an AIA subrogation waiver.
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Get it in writing … or else! Proving the value of missing warranties can prove difficult
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 936
Abstract: Warranties are common and advisable arrangements for general contractors on construction projects. But one common issue at the conclusion of a project is failure of subcontractors to supply written warranties for their portions of the work. And, unless the general contractor buys the missing warranty from another supplier or trade contractor, it might be difficult to prove how much the missing warranty is worth. This case shows that the general contractor may not be able to recover any damages at all for failure of the trade contractor to supply the missing warranty. A sidebar looks at another issue in this case: apportionment of damages.
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Claims settlement – You can’t win if you’re not in the game
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 752
Abstract: Failing to take part in the legal process can leave a party bereft of any potential recourse. In one recent case, a financially strapped subcontractor, being sued for expenses related to poor work, stopped paying its lawyers and failed to participate any further in the case. A settlement had already been paid to the owner by the general contractor — and the subcontractor might normally have been allowed to set this amount off against any recovery against it. But because the subcontractor was in default — and offered no evidence or argument regarding the comparative degree of fault of itself vs. the general contractor — it wasn’t allowed any setoff.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor improves customer service without a big payout
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: Faced with slowing business, a commercial general contractor decided to forgo the equipment and software upgrades he’d planned for. Yet he still felt helpless watching his backlog dwindle with few new prospects on the horizon. Reaching his wit’s end, he met with his financial advisor, seeking suggestions for ways to retain his current clients and gain an edge over his competition — all while saving money. The advisor offered a simple solution: a renewed focus on customer service. It’s inexpensive and one of the most effective ways to strengthen business in the short and long term.
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General contractor focus – Beware of the independent contractor vs. employee dilemma
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: The independent contractor vs. employee dilemma is a natural problem for general contractors, who deal with subcontractors and other specialists regularly. This article looks at a couple of examples where the line between independent contractor and employee isn’t clear, and explains the perspective that the IRS uses when determining employee classification.
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3 tax-related scams and mistakes to avoid
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 412
Abstract: Earlier this year, the IRS issued its annual list of common tax scams, covering everything from identity theft traps to serious mistakes taxpayers can make that the IRS may deem to be frivolous tax claims. Three, in particular, involve phishing scams, misuse of trusts, and fraudulent fuel tax credit claims.
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Presto, chango! – Turning prevailing wages into employee benefits
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 952
Abstract: As contractors vie for new public works projects, the prevailing wage — the minimum wage contractors generally are required to pay employees working on projects initiated by public agencies — is getting more attention. For each job, the prevailing wage is divided into a minimum basic hourly rate and a fringe benefit amount. Although contractors are required to pay their employees the base rate in cash, the fringe benefit portion can be paid in cash or in the form of a “bona fide” benefit plan. To avoid the complexities, it may be a little easier for a business to pay the entire prevailing wage in cash, but it’s much more expensive. This article shows why, while a sidebar discusses the documentation needed in the event of a Department of Labor audit of a prevailing wage plan.
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The Contractor’s Corner – How can I better manage my equipment?
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: This issue’s feature discusses a contractor who’s losing control of his equipment. To find a solution, there are three big questions a contractor should first ask: “Should I lease or buy?” “Who will be using and servicing my assets?” and “Is our permitting and storage up to snuff?”
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Looking back — and ahead — at bonding
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 461
Abstract: Whether general contractor or sub, most construction company owners likely spend a considerable amount of time every year thinking about bonding. The surety industry has learned some tough lessons in recent years, which should explain the tightening of underwriting standards and tougher project analysis. And, in light of the recent recession, the bonding horizon may seem dim. But sureties are much better equipped to deal with economic uncertainties now than they were earlier in the decade, so bonding should be available.