CIA
Showing 241–256 of 262 results
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What’s so captivating about captive insurance?
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 720
Abstract: Captive insurance is a type of self-insurance that can help all types of businesses reduce costs. But is it right for every construction company? Maybe, maybe not. It can depend on the size of a company, the kinds of insurance covered, the location of a captive and the tax consequences of that location. But, if the conditions are right, there are specific benefits that a captive can offer a construction firm.
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Know your financial pulse: It could save your company’s life
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 934
Abstract: Just as a wise patient undergoes regular medical checkups, a construction company should have regular financial checkups. Doing so will help it stay in compliance with loan covenants and maintain its bonding capacity. There are numerous ratios and other metrics that can be used, but it’s important for a contractor to select a manageable number of indicators that makes sense for the company and measure its performance in various areas. Four especially important kinds of ratios involve profitability, liquidity, leverage and efficiency; this article gives examples of each kind. A sidebar discusses the importance of negotiating loan covenants with lenders in this constricted lending environment.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Lawsuits may be on the rise – The right precautions can help you avoid them
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: Lawsuits are a common means of righting wrongs, fixing mistakes and recouping expenses. But now, as a tough economy forces many to look for cash wherever they can find it, litigation may be seen as a quick source of income. This article explores how you may be able to avoid lawsuits by taking the right precautions.
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Grow your business in a slow economy? Yes!
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 364
Abstract: The current slowdown actually provides opportunity for growth, especially with the spending provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This brief article explains how ARRA will fund $30 billion for highway and bridge construction projects and $7.7 billion for federal buildings.
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Automate purchase orders to control costs, save time
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: As hard as you try to track every expense on every project you’re managing, it’s easy to lose control of costs if you’re using an antiquated purchasing system. Moreover, if your current system is allowing billing and inventory discrepancies to fall through the cracks, you’re likely experiencing a negative effect on your cash flow and your ability to take on more work. This article explains why, now more than ever, contractors are choosing to automate the purchasing process to increase tracking efficiency — and increase profits.
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Sale-leaseback financing: The pros and cons of a quick fix
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Sale-leaseback financing has long been a common way for contractors to gain added income without having to sacrifice the use of equipment. And as the economy forces contracting businesses to tighten their belts, it’s become an even more appealing option. But along with the obvious benefits are some drawbacks, such as the loss of flexibility associated with ownership. This article covers the pros and cons so you can make the right financing decision.
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Ending on a high note – How to close out a project without regrets
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 824
Abstract: Closing out a construction project is a critical part of the job. So why is it so easy to let the final stages of a project fall apart? The key to closing out a project on a high note is to stay on top of all aspects of the project right down to the last detail. This article offers some tips on how to do just that. A sidebar offers additional advice on how to keep functional details top of mind when closing out a project.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – New law gets to the HEART of military service
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 471
Abstract: Last summer, in an effort to give military veterans some financial relief, the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act of 2008 was signed into law. If your construction company employs workers active in the military, this is an article you shouldn’t ignore. That’s because you may need to make some changes to your accounting procedures as well as your benefits programs for employees who perform qualified military service.
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Protecting data on mobile communication devices
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 348
Abstract: Your employees probably rely on mobile communication devices to keep them in touch and in control. And whether they’re going across town or across the country, they’re taking critical information with them. If a worker leaves a laptop in a cab or a BlackBerry® at a restaurant, you may be losing more than a piece of equipment. In the wrong hands, such communication devices could be the equivalent to the keys to your company vault. This brief article discusses how to protect that valuable information.
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6 things you should know about before you do work in another state
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 728
Abstract: If this tight economy is pinching your wallet, you may be thinking that now is a good time to explore business opportunities in other states. Before you venture too far from home, however, know what you’re getting into. State requirements surrounding construction projects vary widely. These requirements may not be burdensome, but you’ll need to satisfy them before you can lay the foundation. This article discusses the top six you should know about.
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Improve collections to boost your cash flow
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 890
Abstract: Collections may be a nasty part of doing business but, in a down economy, it’s critical. Sure, you can file a mechanics’ lien to demand payment, but the reality is that, if the bank takes over the property, a lien means you have to get in line to get paid. A far better approach is to develop a good collection process that will keep the cash flowing in when you need it most. A sidebar explains why lien laws can be tricky to understand.
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Mirror, mirror on the wall, do I look good to my surety at all?
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: When the economy’s robust, chances are you don’t have much trouble getting a surety bond. When the economic forecast is bleak, however, sureties may not be as trusting and you may need to do more to improve your bonding capacity. This article offers some tips on how to do just that. Here’s one: If you’ve had significant swings in monthly performance, try to eliminate them and be prepared to explain them to your surety.
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It’s your choice: Go green … or go broke?
Fall 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 736
Abstract: For years, “green” construction was seen as a niche market in the building industry. Today, it’s almost a given that you must have a solid knowledge of — and even experience in — green building if you want to stay competitive. If you’re behind in the green arena, this article is for you. It explains where to learn about green building standards and guidelines, and how to incorporate sustainability into any project.
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How to tame the workers’ compensation beast
Fall 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: In a perfect world, accidents never happen. Unfortunately, hazards abound on job sites and, therefore, someone is bound to get hurt … eventually. Although you may not have a spotless workers’ compensation record, your premiums don’t have to break the bank. This article discusses how making small cost-saving moves may minimize expenses and help you tame the workers’ compensation beast.
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Mobile faxing: A tool for busy contractors
Summer 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 336
Abstract: Sending and receiving faxes in real time via e-mail is a big boost to contractors on the go. There’s no need to be tied to the office for fax machine transmissions of proposals, signed contracts and other documents — you can manage them electronically from job sites or anywhere else, 24/7. This brief article explains how Internet fax services allow you to send and receive faxes using your e-mail, without installing any software on your computer.
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Withholding measure targets government contractors
Summer 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 591
Abstract: If you’re a contractor that performs work for federal, state or local governments, you may want to rethink taking on public projects after Dec. 31, 2010. That’s when Uncle Sam will begin withholding 3% from your total payments under a little-known tax code provision. Internal Revenue Code Section 3402(t) is designed to close the “tax gap” — the difference between what taxpayers should pay and what they actually pay. This article explains how Sec. 3402(t) could affect your construction company.