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Showing 161–176 of 238 results

  • The Contractor’s Corner – Could EDI ease our paperwork problems?

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 428

    Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” explains how electronic data interchange (EDI) can be a great way to save trees and speed processes for two companies that exchange a large volume of documents. It lists specific paperwork tasks that can be streamlined but notes the importance of both businesses using the same technology provider.

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  • Prevailing wages remain a sticking point on public jobs

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 675

    Abstract: Spending on government jobs seems to have moderated a bit, but the work is still out there for contractors with the skill and service sets to suit the projects available. One of the biggest sticking points in taking on a public job, however, is complying with prevailing wage requirements. Is it better to pay fringe benefits in cash or apply fringe benefit credits for contributions to “bona fide” benefit plans? What are the administrative duties? What are the penalties for noncompliance? This article addresses these issues.

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  • Job site safety and Heinrich’s Law

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 533

    Abstract: Among the most obvious inhibitors of profitability for construction companies is job site safety. But one long-time safety concept, Heinrich’s Law, may offer a glimpse into the future — or at least provide some food for thought. This article explains how this law — while contestable in its specifics — provides an enduring lesson: that, if a construction company experiences a rash of “minor” accidents, they could be the gathering clouds of a much greater storm.

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  • Workers’ compensation insurance – Experience rating modifiers make all the difference

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 876

    Abstract: Among the primary formulas that determine every construction company’s workers’ compensation insurance premiums is the experience rating modifier (ERM). Knowing even just a little about where it comes from and what it does can help a business better control its insurance costs. This article explains how insurance companies calculate an ERM and discusses what contractors can do to submit fewer workers’ comp claims. A sidebar offers a hypothetical example of two similar contractors with dissimilar ERMs — and the financial difference this makes.

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  • The Contractor’s Corner – How do we guard against the risk of mobile devices?

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 435

    Abstract: Smart phones have become useful tools for construction businesses, but their increasing presence has led to new risks, as well. This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” looks at the risks involved when an employee uses a personal device when conducting company business — not just the physical risk of using a phone while driving, but the cyber risk of having valuable company data stolen. These dangers illustrate the need for a formal mobile device policy.

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  • Phantom stock plans can draw profit leaders

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 502

    Abstract: One way contractors can draw profit leaders to their businesses — or keep ones who are already on staff — may be by offering select employees an additional incentive in the form of a phantom stock plan. Under these arrangements, the employee receives an equity stake in the business without actually receiving any stock. This article explains both the benefits and risks of having such a plan.

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  • Checking up on your construction company’s estimates

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 666

    Abstract: Although estimating may be one of a construction company’s “bread and butter” skills, accuracy can slip over time if the company doesn’t occasionally check up on this mission-critical process. This article discusses how to perform a methodical review of estimates derived from fixed-price and approximate methods. It also notes the benefits of up-to-date estimating software and qualified people.

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  • The calm before the storm – Preparing for possible health care coverage penalties

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 870

    Abstract: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is set to take full effect in 2014 — including substantial penalties for large employers that don’t meet health care coverage requirements. So contractors should start reviewing their workforces and evaluating the health care benefits they’re providing. This article describes what the law considers a “large employer,” the penalties such employers face if they provide no or inadequate insurance, and the options they might consider. A sidebar looks at the state of government-run health care insurance “exchanges” prescribed under the law.

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  • The Contractor’s Corner — How can we start winning more bids?

    Winter 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 505

    Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” shows why it’s important for a construction company to keep an eye on its bid-hit ratio — especially when the national economy is uncertain, the local market abruptly tightens, or an upstart competitor offers a challenge. Maintaining a bid-hit ratio as close as possible to 1:1 involves a careful crunching of numbers and, sometimes, a rebranding of the company itself.

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  • BIM 2013: Where this technology is headed

    Winter 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 564

    Abstract: Building information modeling (BIM) can no longer be called “new.” But this construction technology keeps evolving, adding functionality and growing in importance. BIM enables anytime, anywhere collaboration among everyone from the owner to subcontractors. This article shows where BIM is headed and how important it could be to construction companies.

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  • Ensure your construction company’s very existence with a buy-sell agreement

    Winter 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 718

    Abstract: The very existence of a business could be jeopardized by an ownership change. That’s why a buy-sell agreement should play a key role in every contractor’s succession plan. This article explains how such an agreement works and the different options available for funding one.

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  • Employee tool reimbursements — IRS fires warning shot with recent guidance

    Winter 2013
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 964

    Abstract: An accountable plan reimburses employees who buy small tools on their own. These reimbursements are deductible as a business expense, while workers won’t incur employment or income taxes on them. But the IRS recently released Revenue Ruling 2012-25, which fires a warning shot at employers whose reimbursement plans may have fallen out of compliance with the rules for accountable plans. This article explains how to maintain compliance, while a sidebar offers an example of a plan that is not compliant.

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  • The Contractor’s Corner — Should I control my own insurance program?

    Fall 2012
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 512

    Abstract: A contractor controlled insurance program (CCIP) can enable construction company owners to more closely manage how a given project is covered. But implementing a CCIP is a big step for any general contractor. Whether it would be worthwhile depends on a variety of factors. This article explains how a CCIP works and examines the risks (higher deductibles and premiums) vs. benefits (cost control and increased efficiency).

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  • Building your construction company’s online reputation

    Fall 2012
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 511

    Abstract: Every type of business today has to deal with the Internet, and construction companies are no exception. They not only need to protect their online reputation — they need to build it, as well. This article shows where to look to find customer reviews, and how to respond if they’re negative. It also explains how to upgrade a website and take advantage of social media.

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  • Start finishing early to win the completion game

    Fall 2012
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 721

    Abstract: To be in the best possible position to close out a job, it’s necessary for a construction company to start finishing early. This article shows that the process begins with ensuring that all parties agree to the contract specifications from the very beginning. Further planning steps are necessary roughly one month before substantial completion is reached, and the completion of the project calls for conducting the punch-list walk-through, training staff on the building’s equipment, handling documentation — and even writing thank-you letters.

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  • Help wanted, help available — You have options for finding skilled labor

    Fall 2012
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 999

    Abstract: Contractors have options for finding skilled workers right away — and a related tax break may await. This article looks at the Work Opportunity tax credit for contractors who hire veterans in 2012, and lists additional labor networks it may be possible to tap. It also discusses longer-term solutions, such as quality customer service, positive publicity and educational outreach. But it’s also important to vet potential hires; a sidebar lists five important safeguards to implement when hiring.

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