CIA
Construction Industry Advisor
Showing 1–16 of 238 results
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5 tips for avoiding profit fade
Spring 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: Profit fade can be a serious problem for construction companies. As the name suggests, profit fade simply means a decline in expected gross profits over the course of a project. This article suggests five ways to avoid this costly issue, including monitoring work in progress and building in contract protections.
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Could you qualify for an energy-efficient tax deduction?
Spring 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 522
Abstract: Section 179D of the tax code allows a deduction for the cost of energy-efficient improvements to new or existing commercial buildings, as well as certain residential rental buildings. This article explains how construction companies might be able to qualify for the deduction, even though the tax break is primarily intended for property owners.
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Sizing up a public infrastructure project
Spring 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 669
Abstract: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law on November 15, 2021. It represents a veritable mountain of opportunities for construction companies in the months and years ahead. This article offers up some tips on how contractors can assess whether one of these jobs is right for them.
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Sales and use taxes: An ongoing challenge
Spring 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision of South Dakota v. Wayfair is almost four years old. That makes now a good time for contractors to review their sales and use tax obligations. This article discusses the concept of nexus, notes some construction specifics and assesses the ultimate impact of Wayfair. A sidebar looks at the potential benefits of a reverse sales-and-use tax audit.
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Pump up tax savings with the fuel credit
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 445
Abstract: Construction companies that wish to reduce their tax bills or increase their refunds shouldn’t overlook the fuel tax credit. Many contractors likely qualify for it and it’s relatively easy to calculate. This article explores the potential savings and how to go about claiming this often-overlooked tax break.
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Combating the skilled labor shortage
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 536
Abstract: Even before COVID-19, construction companies were facing a scarcity of skilled workers. The pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. This article suggests four ways to combat the skilled labor shortage, including leveraging technology and sprucing up one’s employer brand.
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Why contractors should consider mediation
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: When a construction dispute arises, among the first thoughts that may come to mind is, “Oh no, is this going to wind up in court?” Sometimes that eventuality is unavoidable, but there’s often a much easier and even productive way to resolve the matter: mediation. This article explores why contractors shouldn’t fear the mediation process.
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Construction accounting – 5 ways to optimize your financial reporting
Winter 2022
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 924
Abstract: In today’s challenging environment, a construction company’s relationships with its lenders and surety are more important than ever. One way to enhance these relationships is to provide financial statements (and other documentation) that are complete, accurate and timely. This article discusses five ways to optimize the financial reporting process. A sidebar looks at why contractors should consider comparative financial statements.
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Adding value with life-cycle cost analysis
Fall 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) seeks to estimate a construction project’s overall cost of ownership over its “useful life cycle.” It then strives to identify design or construction alternatives that will minimize costs over that life cycle. This article explains how contractors can play a role in LCCA and, in doing so, give themselves a competitive edge.
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7 coping strategies for volatile steel prices
Fall 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 535
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted steel supply and demand throughout the world, leading to widespread price increases. This article suggests seven strategies that contractors can use to cope with the price volatility, including adjusting bidding approaches and adding price escalation clauses to contracts.
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Is the research credit within your reach?
Fall 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: Many construction company owners might assume that a tax credit related to research and development is out of their reach. Au contraire: Contractors can and have claimed the research credit for improving construction techniques or developing industry-related software. This article provides a refresher on this potentially valuable tax break.
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Put some PEP in your step – A new retirement plan option to consider
Fall 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 931
Abstract: A generous benefits package that includes a robust retirement plan can be a powerful recruiting tool for construction companies. But providing cost-effective, high-quality benefits isn’t easy. This article takes an in-depth look at a new retirement plan option: pooled employer plans (PEPs). A sidebar warns that, though PEPs relieve employers of many benefits-related risks, some fiduciary responsibilities remain.
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Clearing the higher bar for disruption damages
Summer 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: Sometimes an owner’s actions during a construction project may disrupt a contractor’s job progress. In some cases, the contractor may be able to recover damages for additional expenses incurred because of the disruption. However, as this article explains, proving the amount of such disruption damages isn’t easy.
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Do you have a false sense of cybersecurity?
Summer 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: Contractors shouldn’t assume that their risk of a cyberattack is low because they don’t sell products on the Internet or have a major social media presence. Construction businesses are attractive targets for cybercriminals. This article explains why and discusses how to mitigate risk through a cybersecurity assessment and appropriate strategies.
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Place a high value on a business valuation
Summer 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: For any construction business owner, an enduring question is: Just how valuable is my company? The answer is variable because the value of any business rises and falls depending on a number of factors. This article explains why valuations are important for contractors and explores three critical parts of the appraisal process.
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EIDLs offer access to working capital
Summer 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 898
Abstract: Many construction businesses have struggled during the pandemic. One way to obtain some helpful working capital is a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan offered by the Small Business Administration. This article discusses the details and requirements of these loans. A sidebar warns recipients of Paycheck Protection Program loans about misuse of funds.