Construction & Real Estate

Showing 1089–1104 of 1251 results

  • Tell it to the jury – Dustup over soil conditions puts case in dubious hands

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 579

    Abstract: In a case involving a building that was damaged due to shifting ground, the judge denied all defense motions and permitted the case to be argued to the jury on the theories of negligent design, negligent construction and breach of contract against all of the defendants. The lesson? If parties to a construction contract can’t resolve their differences via negotiation or arbitration, those differences may be decided by lay jurors who may have no background in construction.

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  • Is construction management the same as general contracting?

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 956

    Abstract: California courts are notorious for refusing to let unlicensed general contractors collect payments due them — even in cases where the license had lapsed only for a few days during a lengthy project. But one case shows that a court may draw a distinction between construction management and general contracting. At the heart of this case is whether an entity which provides construction management services to a private owner developing commercial real property is required to be licensed. This article describes the Court of Appeal’s decision and its reasoning, while a sidebar looks at the point of view of the lone dissenting judge.

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  • Construction Success Story – Contractor goes paperless with IWA system

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 437

    Abstract: This month’s Construction Success Story tells of one contractor who had been pondering the idea of going paperless but hadn’t found the right tool to help her do so. When she asked her CPA for ideas, he mentioned imaging and workflow automation (IWA) systems. He explained that many business owners, including contractors, have been using IWA systems to streamline their invoice and accounts payable processes.

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  • On-the-job training provides lasting returns

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 477

    Abstract: A contractor will benefit clients, employees and itself by providing on-the-job training at every level. Sure, it takes time and money, but not as much as one might think — and the results can mean a more efficient company and bigger profits. Knowledgeable employees work faster and better; in the end, they’ll make the company more money. Plus, an employee who feels valued is more likely to stick around, helping to decrease turnover. But many managers get promoted to leadership positions because they are hard workers and great at their jobs, not because they’re natural or skilled leaders. So it’s important to ease the transition and the learning curve by creating opportunities for new managers to learn from experienced leaders within the company.

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  • The inside scoop on the manufacturers’ deduction

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 492

    Abstract: Many contractors have been taking advantage of a useful break with a somewhat misleading name: the manufacturers’ deduction, which provides a tax break for many businesses besides manufacturers — including contractors. Certain kinds of construction activities qualify for the deduction, which will be increasing in 2010.

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  • Employee benefits – Self-funded health insurance may be a healthy option

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1009

    Abstract: Because of rapidly rising health insurance premiums and shrinking budgets, some contractors are choosing to forgo offering health care benefits to their employees as a way to save money in a down economy. But a number of alternatives can reduce their financial burden while still giving their employees access to the health care services they need. One such route is the self-funded health insurance plan. This article discusses how it differs from commercial insurance, the risks and rewards, and the obligations involved. A sidebar discusses what to look for when choosing a third-party administrator for a plan.

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  • Ask the Advisor – What are short sales, and why are they so popular?

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 517

    Abstract: Short sales are a form of preforeclosure where a home sells for less than the mortgage amount. A homeowner facing foreclosure may benefit from a short sale because it reflects more favorably on the owner’s credit report than does a foreclosure. When the numbers are right, banks also benefit from short sales, because they avoid the hassle and expense of foreclosure. A real estate investor purchasing through a short sale wins too, because it’s getting a home at a discounted price. But getting one isn’t a given; there are requirements that must be met, and steps that investors should take to improve their success in negotiations.

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  • LLC or LP: Finding the best fit

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 775

    Abstract: Limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited partnerships (LPs) are popular business entities for real estate investors today. By providing both tax and nontax benefits, they achieve many investor goals. But choosing the best entity for holding a real estate investment will be influenced by a number of details. The pros and cons of each entity are discussed.

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  • How to thrive in a tenants’ market

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 672

    Abstract: As the deteriorating economy continues to impact the real estate market, landlords are taking a hit. Despite the significant drift toward a tenants’ market, the opportunity for deal-making still exists in tenant negotiations. Three specific suggestions are described, while a sidebar offers seven signs that a tenant is in trouble.

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  • The perfect windstorm

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 364

    Abstract: The rising costs of energy, the falling price of wind turbines and the lure of federal and state tax credits are all converging into a perfect windstorm that may inspire more building owners to make wind power part of their energy mix. This short article discusses financial incentives, including tax benefits that are available as a result of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

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  • The tax man cometh, bearing gifts – 2009 may be your year for tax breaks

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 776

    Abstract: In the midst of all the bailout bills, budget proposals and credit crunch measures of the past year, some of the old standbys have gotten a facelift which can greatly benefit real estate professionals. This article covers updates to laws regarding leasehold and restaurant depreciation, the Section 179 expensing election, the 50% first-year bonus depreciation allowance, net operating loss carrybacks and energy-related tax breaks.

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  • The Contractor’s Corner – Should we hire a CFO?

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 437

    Abstract: A CFO may be a great addition to many construction companies for a variety of reasons. But taking on an employee of this stature is a big decision that warrants some careful consideration. You need to ask: Can your company can fit a CFO into its staff and be prepared to follow through on the initiatives he or she will be responsible for developing? What should the job description say, and how should the search be conducted? This may not be the ideal economic climate to add a major position to your payroll. But having a CFO can allow you to let someone else worry about — and improve — your financials, while you focus on winning and completing projects.

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  • Go ahead, sweat the little stuff – 3 things you shouldn’t ignore in today’s tough economy

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 694

    Abstract: According to the oft-cited self-improvement cliché, we shouldn’t sweat the little stuff in life. But, in the construction business, there’s a lot of seemingly little stuff that you shouldn’t ignore. And, during a recession, it becomes even more important. There are three things, in particular, you shouldn’t overlook while you’re fighting to keep your company competitive in today’s tough economy: indirect costs, receivables and payables, and change orders. This article offers some ideas on how to improve them.

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  • Futurescope: Construction Business Trends – BIM continues to win hearts, minds and disk space

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 424

    Abstract: The popularity of building information modeling (BIM) has been growing for some time. BIM is the digitization of the entire construction planning process. A BIM system generates computerized models of the structure to be built that you can view from any angle and at multiple levels of depth. Two of the most prominent benefits are cost cutting and improved procurement. There are other benefits — and challenges. But the use of BIM is growing.

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  • Midyear tax planning – Putting extended, expanded breaks to work for your construction company

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 969

    Abstract: As expected, a new administration and Congress and a bad economy have led to significant tax law changes in 2009. Some extended and expanded breaks could help contractors reduce their tax bills this year; others may provide a much-needed infusion of cash. To maximize your benefit from many of the breaks, you must act soon to start putting them to work for your construction company. This article discusses depreciation-related breaks, the net operating loss deduction, and the Work Opportunity credit. A sidebar discusses infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline due to the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

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  • Construction Law Quickcase – Roofers Edge v. Standard Building – Existential defense costs general contractor dearly

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 275

    Abstract: As lines of credit tighten, parties who find themselves unable to fulfill their payment responsibilities may turn to desperate, sometimes even bizarre, measures to escape their obligations. One company that tried to deny that it had even contracted with the plaintiff ended up paying more than twice what the work would have cost in the first place.

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