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Showing 145–160 of 242 results
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The Contractor’s Corner – What is a zero net energy building?
Fall 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 443
Abstract: In this issue’s “Contractor’s Corner,” we answer a question about the definition and nature of zero net energy (ZNE) buildings. A ZNE building, as defined by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is one that generates enough renewable energy on-site to equal or exceed its annual energy usage. Getting in on one of these projects now could position a construction company as a leader in this sustainable building trend going forward.
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Year end tax planning – Don’t overlook the Section 199 deduction
Fall 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 530
Abstract: The Section 199 deduction got plenty of attention when it was first introduced as part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. But it’s since become just one of several complex but intriguing tax breaks that come into play at year end. This article explains some of the ways to qualify for this potentially valuable deduction.
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Defending your job sites from theft
Fall 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 646
Abstract: The threat of thieves infiltrating construction sites is nothing new. But it’s a danger that demands constant attention from contractors, as the drag on a construction company’s bottom line from theft can go deep and heavy. This article looks at the types of assets that thieves look for and what can be done to better secure job sites.
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Objective: Make money – Get to know the 3 states of profitability
Fall 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 921
Abstract: For contractors, the daily minutiae of finding, winning, running and completing projects can make keeping their eyes on the profitability prize difficult. One way to simplify matters is to determine in which of three “profitability states” their company lies and where to go from there. This article examines circumstances and strategies for operating at a loss, breaking even and operating profitably. A sidebar distinguishes the important difference between sales and marketing.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Is it really time to upgrade our accounting software?
Summer 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: Technology is tricky. Much of today’s software is engineered so well that it will perform adequately for years. But technology is also getting better all the time. And contractors who aren’t getting as much out of their financial data as their competitors are could be at a disadvantage. On the other hand, if a construction company doesn’t need any major accounting process changes, it probably doesn’t need a major accounting software change either. This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” discusses some of the considerations involved in this decision.
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4 ways to do project management just a little bit better
Summer 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 526
Abstract: Contractors manage projects every day. But, as the construction industry evolves, so does their need to keep getting just a little better at project management. This article describes four ways to gain a competitive edge when managing jobs. They involve preconstruction planning, simplifying field systems, and training managers and then holding them accountable.
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Rev up revenue by contributing to a cost segregation study
Summer 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 650
Abstract: Contributing services to a cost segregation study remains a viable option for contractors to rev up revenue. It allows building owners to maximize their current tax deductions by using shorter lives and faster depreciation rates for qualifying parts of their properties. This article offers a quick review of the pertinent aspects and how contractors can contribute their expertise.
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Construction accounting update – New guidance addresses certain leasing arrangements
Summer 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 934
Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued new guidance that permits private companies following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to, in some circumstances, elect not to consolidate the financial reporting from variable interest entities (VIEs) that lease property to them. This article explains how to determine whether an entity is a VIE and when a private company may elect an alternative not to apply the previously established GAAP VIE guidance to a lessor. However, a sidebar discusses certain disclosures that will still be required.
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The Contractor’s Corner – How can I get my technology in order?
Spring 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: In a recent survey of contractors, more than a quarter of respondents reported that they haven’t integrated all of their software. This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” looks at implementing a companywide strategic IT plan. Doing so involves defining IT objectives and then taking a phased approach to adopting technology — just like a construction project!
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Preparing for an audit while you “think taxes”
Spring 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 670
Abstract: Come springtime, many people start to “think taxes.” While doing so, contractors might also want to think about how to best position their construction business to minimize the chances of a time- and resources-consuming IRS audit. This article discusses four areas in which contractors need to be wary of running afoul of regulations: cash vs. accrual methods of accounting, employee misclassification, long-term contracts, and business structure.
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More than money: Customer-smart invoicing
Spring 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: Sending customers an invoice and receiving their payment sounds simple. But the process can be so much more — it can be an opportunity to improve business relationships and gather useful data. It’s called “customer-smart invoicing,” and it’s about more than just money. This article examines the two basic concepts underlying customer-smart invoicing: communication and information.
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Forget the keyhole, knock down the door – Operational visibility for construction companies
Spring 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 917
Abstract: Many construction business owners fall prey to “keyhole vision.” That is, they’re trying to envision their company’s future but limiting their viewpoint to the size of a keyhole. A concept called “operational visibility” — which refers to maintaining regular attentiveness to every major aspect of the company — can help contractors step back from that keyhole and knock down the door. This article discusses three primary areas of the business to focus on, using report generation followed by analysis and prediction. A sidebar looks at taking operational visibility literally with “wearable tech.”
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The Contractor’s Corner – What’s a smart building?
Winter 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” takes a look at “smart buildings,” which have sensors that gather and track information about the structure’s usage and performance. With this data, owners can better regulate the building’s energy consumption and, ultimately, save money. But this trend isn’t limited to new construction; it’s also in renovations and rehabs. Going forward, this trend will be particularly important for companies that work on design-build projects, where complex technologies are often factored into building plans upfront.
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Planting the seeds of tomorrow’s skilled workforce
Winter 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 558
Abstract: Last fall, the Associated General Contractors of America released the results of an industry study in which 74% of respondents reported having difficulty locating qualified “craft” workers such as carpenters, equipment operators and technicians. This article notes ways to steer young people toward a construction career, such as supporting or participating in job fairs, mentorships, or even a construction learning academy. It also mentions the recent launch of an online social network specifically designed for skilled construction labor.
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Bonding outlook: A familiar scene in 2014
Winter 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 644
Abstract: Generally, when it comes to bonding, contractors should anticipate a pretty familiar scene in 2014. Sureties will likely continue to see the positives in the construction industry along with the negatives. As always, though, startup construction companies could have a tougher time. This article discusses ways to increase working capital and maintain a strong relationship with a dependable surety.
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Get some answers – Final IRS regulations address capitalization vs. expensing
Winter 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 904
Abstract: This past fall, the IRS released its long-awaited final regulations on the tax treatment of expenditures related to tangible property. So contractors and other business owners finally have some answers to the “deduct or capitalize” quandary. This article discusses a couple of safe harbors to the capitalization requirement; the tests that are used to determine whether an expense should be capitalized; and replacement of the former ceiling on expensed amounts with a new safe harbor determined at the invoice or item level. A sidebar looks at key changes to rules covering materials and supplies.