CIA
Showing 209–224 of 262 results
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Do you have a financial health plan? If not, it’s time to establish one
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Having a financial health plan is critical for any construction business, but it’s especially helpful during a lackluster economy. By taking the company’s “pulse” on a regular basis, a contractor can ward off a number of financial maladies before the bottom line develops a serious ailment. This article describes some of the most important financial indicators, along with some of the ratios and other key measures used to assess them.
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Manufacturers’ deduction offers contractors valuable tax savings
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: Many contractors overlook the manufacturers’ deduction because it sounds like it applies only to manufacturing companies. Not so — many construction businesses, as well as architectural and engineering firms, can avail themselves of the deduction’s valuable tax savings. This article shows which activities qualify and how the deduction is calculated. A sidebar cites a court case explaining that, for purposes of claiming the deduction, the distinction between “substantial renovation” and “maintenance” is critical.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Use these simple tools to combat check fraud
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 415
Abstract: One of the most common fraud schemes today is also one of the simplest: check fraud. It’s relatively easy to create a forged or counterfeit check with nothing more than a computer, scanner and printer. But this article discusses a couple of simple solutions to this problem: positive pay and going paperless.
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Get a handle on multistate sales and use tax issues
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 612
Abstract: Over the last few years, the recession has caused many construction companies to expand into other states or even explore international options. It’s critical that contractors doing business in several states understand how each state’s sales and use tax laws will affect their business. This article explains how laws and regulations can vary widely from state to state, including how they differ in their treatment of contracts with tax-exempt entities.
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Want to avoid court? Try ADR instead
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 757
Abstract: Disputes arise in all types of business. But they can be particularly nasty for construction companies, because there are so many entities trying to get paid for projects fraught with risk. Yet such disputes can often be resolved more easily and quickly if they avoid litigation altogether. This article looks at a variety of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods that offer effective ways to address different degrees of conflict severity. Besides negotiation, mediation and arbitration, there are smaller, more intermediate steps that can be considered. A sidebar explains what’s involved when all else fails and it’s necessary to go to court.
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Owner/developer bankruptcies – Don’t get soaked
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 724
Abstract: Bankruptcy is an unfortunate fact of life. In the current economic climate, construction companies may be faced with project owners or developers that file for Chapter 7 (liquidation) or Chapter 11 (reorganization) protection. This article offers some tips to help contractors maximize their chances of getting paid. It explains how to obtain a security interest in the project, get paid from assets that aren’t part of the bankruptcy estate, and protect the right to payment for current work.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Getting to the job: Transportation or commuting?
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: Few areas of tax law are more confusing than the distinction between deductible transportation expenses and nondeductible commuting expenses. This issue is important for contractors and construction workers, who often travel from home to one or more temporary job sites or who use a home office as a base. This article shows how the IRS sees it.
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Structural engineering – How separate entities can strengthen your firm
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: Each form of business — whether it’s a sole proprietorship, C or S corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or partnership — offers different advantages and disadvantages for a contractor. But there can be potential advantages to operating segments of a business through separate legal entities. This article shows how such a practice can reduce risk, offer tax advantages, help with succession and estate planning, and increase bonding capacity.
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Don’t let profit fade wipe out your bottom line
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: Many construction projects fall prey to what’s known as “profit fade.” In many cases, this costly problem comes into play when a job goes awry, taking with it the expected profit margin. This article shows how doing one’s homework, expecting the unexpected, and writing clear, specific contracts can help prevent profit fade from wiping out the bottom line — and make a surety more confident in one’s ability to make a profit.
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A blueprint for strong cash flow
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 820
Abstract: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, but it’s particularly critical for construction companies. It’s essential to lay a solid foundation for healthy cash flow, starting with the contract. In many cases, it’s possible to negotiate contract terms that can accelerate the flow of cash. This article looks at such terms, including payment terms, retainage provisions, change order procedures and requisitions. A sidebar offers nine cash-flow management tips.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Want to improve your financial performance? Track the WIP!
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 415
Abstract: To avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s important that contractors continuously monitor their work-in-progress (WIP). WIP reports can track key information about each project, such as contract price, projected final costs, costs incurred and amounts billed to date, estimated gross profits, and the value of pending changes. This article shows how timely, accurate WIP reports can, early in a project, help identify problems with profit fade and underbilling, and help strengthen bonding relationships.
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Bonding: Subprime is not a dirty word
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 282
Abstract: The term “subprime” has been associated with predatory lending practices, but it’s not bad by definition; it simply means extending credit to less qualified borrowers, who pay a higher interest rate to compensate the lender for its increased risk. This article shows why, in construction, subprime bonding works essentially the same way as traditional bonding. It shouldn’t be one’s first choice, but it offers a viable option for contractors that don’t qualify for traditional bonding in today’s tight market.
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Go on the defense with an escalation clause
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: Contractors everywhere have experienced the pain of rising construction materials costs and less work, putting their businesses in financial jeopardy. This article shows how an escalation clause in job contracts can help contractors fight back. It shows how such clauses work and how they’re calculated, and how to fend off risks that can be involved.
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Revenue recognition – Proposed changes mean big impact on contractors
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1173
Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board are proposing a new revenue recognition standard that would have significant implications for construction firms. This article looks at how revenue recognition works now and how it could look in the future. A sidebar reveals that the Small Business Jobs Act, passed in September, includes a tax provision extending 50% bonus depreciation to 2010, and shows how it affects calendar-year taxpayers using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Go paperless. Save money. Save time.
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 431
Abstract: Paperless construction management offers a variety of significant benefits — and using less paper is just the beginning. Paperless systems can not only reduce costs and help save trees, but also help increase productivity, reduce errors, and improve cash flow and profitability. This article looks at some of the specific benefits.
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Think twice before walking away from stalled projects
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 528
Abstract: Stalled and abandoned projects are an unfortunate reality in the construction business today. Financing may dry up, or owners faced with dwindling prospective tenants may conclude that they’re better off walking away. But that doesn’t mean contractors should do the same. Depending on their potential liability exposure, it may make sense for contractors to do some extra work to secure or stabilize the job site, or to protect their work against the elements — even if they won’t be compensated for it. This article describes the steps to take.