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Contractor

Showing 1–16 of 386 results

  • Are you ready to be a Construction Manager at Risk?

    September / October 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 460

    Abstract: Although the traditional approach to handling construction projects (design-bid-build) still reigns supreme, there are others out there gaining steam. One method that’s become more popular, particularly in the realm of publicly funded jobs, is Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). This article explains how CMAR works and identifies the benefits and risks.

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  • Risk management: 6 common causes of construction claims

    September / October 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 535

    Abstract: It almost goes without saying that construction is a risky business. Yet many contractors don’t adequately tackle the daunting yet critical topic of risk management. To guard against risks, construction business owners need to identify them. This article identifies and explores six common causes of construction claims.

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  • Calculating how much your equipment really costs

    September / October 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 681

    Abstract: Construction businesses invest millions of dollars in equipment annually. Of course, that investment goes far beyond the initial purchase price. This article explores some of the analytical concepts involved in accurately calculating equipment costs and then setting billing rates to recoup those costs.

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  • Employee benefits – Check out the many varieties of HRAs

    September / October 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 921

    Abstract: Health care benefits and construction go hand in hand. After all, many construction workers face physically demanding work and it’s critical for contractors to keep jobsites fully staffed so projects can be completed on time. This article explains how several kinds of Health Reimbursement Arrangements offer employers flexibility, affordability and tax advantages. A sidebar warns construction business owners to stay on top of compliance with the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate.

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  • Flying high with a drone while staying grounded about the risks

    July / August 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 453

    Abstract: Many people enjoy using drones for taking cool videos and scoring points on social media. Contractors, however, have many actual and viable business uses for these high-flying tech devices. This article offers a bird’s-eye view of the current state of drone usage in the construction industry, including the potential benefits and risks.

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  • 5 tips for a smoother surety experience

    July / August 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 548

    Abstract: For construction businesses, sometimes winning a bid isn’t enough. On some projects, publicly funded ones in particular, contractors need to obtain a surety bond to do the work. Dealing with a surety is an experience unto itself. This article offers five tips to help ensure that the relationship goes as smoothly as possible.

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  • Crossing state lines? Brush up on sales and use taxes

    July / August 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 666

    Abstract: Construction companies tend to be highly mobile. When a construction business gets so mobile that it crosses state lines, the leadership of that company needs to know what they’re getting into when it comes to sales and use taxes. Different states handle them in different ways. This article reviews some of the basic concepts involved.

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  • Labor burden rate – Ensure bids account for this critical metric

    July / August 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 876

    Abstract: The construction industry may be transforming itself technologically, but projects still depend on boots on the ground to get the job done. That’s why contractors need to maintain a constant awareness of how much they’re paying for labor and what effect that has on profitability. This article discusses how to calculate labor burden rate, a key indirect cost. A sidebar looks at another type of burden rate that tracks inventory costs.

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  • 7 social media tips for construction companies

    May / June 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 463

    Abstract: For better or worse, social media has become a part of many people’s daily lives. As such, it’s a marketing tool that almost every type of business should try to use. And, yes, that includes construction companies. This article offers up seven tips for succeeding on social media, including choosing the right channels and getting comfortable with video.

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  • Uh oh, where did my profits go?

    May / June 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 536

    Abstract: “Let’s pretend we’re in business to make money,” goes the old sarcastic quip. Many construction business owners may find themselves muttering it when the profit margin of a given project slowly dwindles to zero. This article discusses the problem, commonly known as “profit fade,” and suggests several ways that contractors can mitigate its ill effects.

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  • Perusing PIP clauses are in every contractor’s best interest

    May / June 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 658

    Abstract: Construction contracts are multifaceted documents. One chunk of legal language that has caused much controversy over the years is the pay-if-paid (PIP) clause. It stipulates that a general contractor will pay subcontractors only if payment is received from the project owner. This article explains why contractors need to get and stay up to speed on the latest legal implications of PIP clauses.

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  • Midyear tax planning – Document key deductions now to lower next year’s bill

    May / June 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 939

    Abstract: Although it’s tempting to forget about taxes until it’s time to file, the savviest construction business owners carefully track and document deductible expenses throughout the year. This article suggests six types of deductions to keep an eye on, including depreciation and training. A sidebar explains why contractors shouldn’t ignore the possibility of claiming the research credit.

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  • Know what you’re getting into with an IDIQ contract

    March / April 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 446

    Abstract: For the right type of construction company, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract can be a lucrative revenue stream. But being at the “beck and call” of a federal agency isn’t particularly easy. This article discusses how IDIQ contracts work and what steps a contractor should take to be prepared for one.

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  • How blockchain could change construction

    March / April 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 532

    Abstract: For reasons both good and bad, cryptocurrency has been in the news in recent months. The trading of these digital investments is made possible by a “digital ledger” technology called blockchain. Could this technology be used for construction contracts? As this article explains, yes, it’s entirely plausible and would offer some intriguing benefits.

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  • Is it time to formalize your subcontractor prequalification process?

    March / April 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 663

    Abstract: Operating successfully as a general contractor involves engaging and coordinating qualified and competent subcontractors. Or, to put it another way, the failure of a subcontractor can materially affect the reputation and profitability of the general contractor. This article explores how general contractors can mitigate their risk by creating a detailed, comprehensive subcontractor prequalification process.

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  • Safety first, safety always – Controlling workers’ compensation costs in the current environment

    March / April 2023
    Newsletter: Contractor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 927

    Abstract: Any experienced contractor will tell you: Every safety incident comes with hidden costs, including rising workers’ compensation premiums. If a construction business suffers multiple incidents, the financial impact can be devastating. This article notes some troubling recent statistics and suggests some best practices for keeping workers safe and controlling workers’ compensation costs. A sidebar urges contractors to double-check their experience modification factors.

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