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Showing 49–64 of 242 results
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4 ways construction teams can work more remotely
Fall 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 448
Abstract: Contractors can’t work from home, but they can benefit from technology that supports remote collaboration and safer distancing to address COVID-19 and other threats. This article looks at four technology solutions that can help team members stay more separated but still connected, including videoconferencing and construction cameras/drones.
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Now’s a good time to re-evaluate employee benefits
Fall 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 544
Abstract: In difficult economic times, cost cutting becomes a necessity — and employee benefits are an easy target. Yet one of the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the value and importance of benefits. This article explores various low-cost options that contractors should consider, such as Health Savings Accounts, employee assistance plans and SEP-IRAs.
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Enhancing preconstruction to protect workers and the bottom line
Fall 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 669
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic slowdown have made careful planning of every job essential. More stringent safety protocols and, in many instances, a scarcity of projects mean a much slimmer margin of error. This article reviews some key aspects of preconstruction.
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Year-end tax planning – Depreciation deductions remain viable
Fall 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 956
Abstract: Like so many aspects of 2020, year-end tax planning will be different this year. Contractors should review tax-related legislation passed in response to the COVID-19 crisis, but some tried-and-true strategies remain viable. This article discusses Section 179 expensing, “bonus” depreciation and cost segregation studies. A sidebar reminds readers to manage cash flow independently of tax deductions.
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Could the critical path method improve your scheduling?
Summer 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 449
Abstract: Contractors must deliver projects on schedule and within budget — or risk taking a loss. To rise to the challenge, many of today’s project managers apply an approach that has been widely used by larger construction companies: the critical path method (CPM). This article explains what CPM is and how software can boost its benefits.
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Risk management 2.0 for construction companies
Summer 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 530
Abstract: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the construction industry. Contractors have learned valuable lessons about risk management during the pandemic — call it “risk management 2.0.” This article offers a variety of tips on how to structure contracts and tackle projects more safely.
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Remember the CARES Act as the year goes on
Summer 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 693
Abstract: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act may seem like old news. But its tax provisions remain in effect as the year goes on and, in some cases, beyond 2020 (unless subsequent legislation changes them). This article reviews three key issues for contractors: operating losses, qualified improvement property projects and the payroll tax credit.
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Succession planning – Planned liquidations have varying tax consequences
Summer 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 952
Abstract: Under some circumstances, the most expedient and beneficial way to end the existence of a company is through a planned liquidation. This article explains how the tax consequences of such a move vary depending on business structure. A sidebar discusses the fact that many other entities besides the IRS may need to be informed about a planned liquidation.
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LEED isn’t the only green-building game in town
Spring 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Mention “green building” and most contractors think of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. LEED may be the front-runner in green building rating systems, but it’s not the only game in town. This brief article runs down alternatives that construction companies may encounter when working with project owners.
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Industry trends: Megaprojects are on the rise
Spring 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 534
Abstract: They’re big, and they’re big business. Megaprojects, large-scale and often high-profile construction projects that cost $1 billion or more, are taking the industry by storm. This article provides some stunning statistics on the trend and suggests questions a contractor should ask before submitting a bid.
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Reviewing the finer points of the Section 199A tax deduction
Spring 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: It’s been over a year since the IRS issued final regulations regarding Internal Revenue Code Section 199A. This Code Section created a tax deduction enabling owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations to write off up to 20% of their qualified business income. This article reviews the limits and construction specifics of the tax break.
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A surgical approach – Sharpen your project accounting with activity-based costing
Spring 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 934
Abstract: Activity-based costing is an accounting methodology that identifies activities and assigns a “cost driver” to each one based on resources consumed. This article explains how this approach can be applied to various jobsite activities. A sidebar points out that, once proper formulas are established, cost-driver calculations can often be applied for a long time.
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4 ways AI is impacting the construction industry
Winter 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has transitioned from science fiction to everyday life. Although the construction industry is sometimes wary of new technology, AI is becoming more and more prevalent on jobsites. This article looks at four examples: cameras/drones, 3D modeling, sensors and self-driving vehicles/robots.
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Walk the talk: Prioritizing company core values
Winter 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 546
Abstract: A contractor’s core values, or business principles, should be more than a superficial exercise in platitudes. When a construction business establishes a set of values, that company is proclaiming what they stand for and how they do business. This article explains why values are important and what to do with them once you’ve chosen a few.
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Viewing your lender as a business partner
Winter 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: It’s easy for contractors to get intimidated when applying for a business loan. One way to lower the stress level is to view lenders as partners rather than gatekeepers. This article explains why construction companies should articulate a clear rationale for a loan, shop around for a good provider and know the financial metrics that drive lending decisions.
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A symbiotic bond – How WIP reports relate to your financial statements
Winter 2020
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 949
Abstract: Work in progress (WIP) reports are too often ignored and less often fully understood. A construction company’s WIP reports share a symbiotic bond with its financial statements — the two should be consistent in the information they present. This article looks at four different schedules of a typical WIP report and discusses how they relate to financial statements.