CIA
Construction Industry Advisor
Showing 1–16 of 222 results
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CRM systems offer intriguing benefits
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) systems offer many benefits to businesses, including stronger customer relations, service and retention. This article explains how CRM systems may be most valuable to construction companies in managing the business development process and focusing a company’s limited resources on winnable, profitable projects.
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Vetting subcontractors is more important than ever
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 545
Abstract: General contractors must work hard to recover from project shutdowns/slowdowns caused by the pandemic and capitalize on what could be a stronger economy ahead. In this environment, vetting subcontractors for quality work and financial stability is more important than ever. This article reviews some basic tenets of prequalification.
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Is your buy-sell agreement up to date?
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 665
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement is a critical tool for owners of closely held construction companies. To be effective, however, construction business owners need to review it periodically and, if necessary, modify its language to reflect changing circumstances. This article explores the importance of scrutinizing the valuation provision, which establishes the purchase price for a departing owner’s shares.
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Tax planning – Don’t forget about the CAA
Spring 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 941
Abstract: The Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law on December 27, 2020, providing relief to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to reducing 2020 tax bills, the act provides several tax benefits for 2021. This article covers highlights that contractors should know about. A sidebar notes that expenses paid with Paycheck Protection Program loan proceeds are deductible.
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Is blockchain the future of construction?
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: Blockchain is the technology that powers Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Although it may not be ready for prime time in construction just yet, industry experts recognize its promise to transform the way projects are managed. This article explains how blockchain works and how “smart contracts” can keep everyone on the same digital page.
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5 tips for reducing workers’ compensation costs
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 530
Abstract: For most construction businesses, workers’ compensation is a significant expense. This article offers five time-tested tips for reducing or at least better controlling these costs, including classifying employees properly and developing a robust safety program.
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Connecting your succession plan to your estate plan
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: For any business owner, contractors included, putting together a succession plan may seem like an overwhelming task. Often, among the most difficult things to conceptualize is precisely how to connect — and beneficially integrate — your succession plan with your estate plan. This article offers a few ideas: selling ownership shares, gifting them and creating a trust.
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Qualified improvement property – Beware of a potential tax trap
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 939
Abstract: The CARES Act fixed a technical glitch, retroactive to 2018, that deprived many taxpayers of 100% bonus depreciation for qualified improvement property (QIP). As this article explains, however, the law also set a dangerous tax trap for those that elect not to claim bonus depreciation. A sidebar looks at how due dates work for amended tax returns.
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Qualified opportunity zone deadline extended
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: The federal government created qualified opportunity zones (QOZs) in 2017 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act “to spur economic development and job creation in distressed communities,” according to the IRS. This article reviews the thinking behind QOZs and notifies readers of an important deadline extension.
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Boost cash flow with savvy accounts payable strategies
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 541
Abstract: Managing accounts payable is a critical task for any business, but it’s particularly important for construction companies. As a back-office function, however, payables don’t always get the attention they deserve. This article provides tips and best practices for improving the process, including being strategic and leveraging technology.
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Accurate job schedules add value to financial reporting
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: When many contractors read the term “financial reporting,” they may naturally think of their financial statements. However, another important aspect of financial reporting is the regular and consistent handling of job schedules. This article describes three types of job schedules and explains why it’s so important to keep these schedules accurate and up to date.
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Asking for forgiveness? Contractors should handle PPP loans with care
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 922
Abstract: Many construction companies have taken advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Loan recipients may qualify for debt forgiveness if they meet certain requirements and submit a timely application with their lenders. This article explains some of the factors in qualifying for forgiveness and discusses recent federal guidance. A sidebar looks at the tax considerations of loan forgiveness.
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5 construction tech strategies for the new normal
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Even before the COVID-19 crisis, technology was transforming the way construction companies go about their business. The pandemic will likely accelerate the technological (r)evolution as contractors look for ways to work more safely and communicate more rapidly. This article covers five tech strategies, including going paperless and using robotic process automation.
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Apply the lessons of crisis and prepare for the future
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 547
Abstract: It’s critical for contractors to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and apply those lessons to preparing for the inevitable disasters and economic downturns of the future. This article offers five ways to do so, including reviewing jobs and backlog, as well as implementing best safety practices.
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Managing project scope: It’s a full-time job
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 640
Abstract: Many contractors don’t think about project scope until something gets really out of whack. The truth is, it’s a full-time job that should begin before a bid is even submitted. This article discusses best practices in scope management from preproject planning through completion.
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Tax planning – CARES Act provisions may boost cash flow
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 867
Abstract: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes several provisions that can help construction companies reduce their tax bills and, thereby, boost their cash flows. This article discusses a couple of such opportunities involving excess business losses and business interest expense. A sidebar looks at the PPP Flexibility Act.