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Contractor
Showing 1–16 of 390 results
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Embrace construction technology to sharpen your competitive edge
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: One 2023 survey found that construction is viewed as “the least technologically proficient” industry in the United States. Well, that’s no good. On the bright side, there’s still plenty that contractors can do about it. This article discusses various ways that construction businesses can embrace tech to operate more competitively and attract younger workers.
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OSHA’s new recordkeeping rule will soon take effect
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 533
Abstract: In July 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published its final electronic recordkeeping rule, which is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2024. The rule expands current occupational injury and illness reporting requirements for construction and other designated high-hazard industries. This article explains what the rule means for construction businesses required to comply and why some industry groups have spoken out against it.
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Reviewing your options for a business structure
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 670
Abstract: Construction business owners know a thing or two about building a structure. But they also need to know the ins and outs of establishing a business structure or changing to a new one. This article reviews the four major choices, explaining the advantages and potential disadvantages of each.
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How about that new lease-reporting standard? New accounting rules call for constant vigilance
November / December 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 898
Abstract: Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) took effect for privately held businesses in 2022. This new lease-reporting standard sets forth rules that could markedly affect certain financial ratios for construction companies that lease property and equipment. This article reviews the old rules, describes the new rules and discusses how the new standard may impact some of those ratios. A sidebar notes that the new lease-reporting standard could impact a construction company’s tax liability.
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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.