Construction Industry Advisor
CIA
Showing 1–16 of 266 results
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Is now the time to invest in electric vehicles?
Winter 2024
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 443
Abstract: Most companies today are undertaking serious efforts to reduce their carbon footprints and combat climate change. This is certainly a major imperative and challenge for construction businesses. One major step to consider is replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles. This article explores viable reasons to do so, including some valuable tax incentives currently available.
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Launching a venture as a limited partnership
Winter 2024
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 536
Abstract: When starting up a new business, contractors have a multitude of choices regarding how to legally structure the company. They also need to think about how they’re going to raise capital for the fledgling construction business while managing tax liability and risk. This article focuses on one entity choice that’s particularly well-suited for new ventures: limited partnerships.
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Read up on DBA rules before bidding on public jobs
Winter 2024
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Construction companies that perform on federally funded projects must grapple with the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA), which sets worker compensation based on the prevailing wage rates in the area. Most states have similar rules. It’s critical for contractors to know all applicable rules so they can prepare accurate bids and manage labor costs. This article discusses the latest DBA rules, which apply to contracts entered into after October 23, 2023.
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Group captive insurance may suit construction companies
Winter 2024
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: Every business needs various types of insurance to manage risk. For construction companies, however, it’s particularly important. Of course, sufficient insurance comes with considerable costs. One way some construction businesses may be able to manage these costs is to join a group captive insurance arrangement. This article explains how these arrangements work, including the tax impact, benefits and risks. A sidebar notes that the IRS is increasingly scrutinizing and challenging “microcaptives.”
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Contractors: Watch out for occupational fraud
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: Construction businesses can be afflicted by occupational fraud in various places, including in the office and on the jobsite. That’s why they need to be particularly diligent when it comes to looking for and reacting to schemes. This article looks at some data from the most recent report published by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to help contractors know where to look.
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Tired of HR hassles? Consider a PEO
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: Sometimes the most difficult part of running a business is dealing with payroll, benefits and other such matters. Enter the professional employer organization (PEO). PEOs are outsourcing providers that can relieve construction businesses, as well as other types of companies, from the hassles of human resources. This article examines the advantages and risks of partnering with one.
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Joint ventures offer both revenue and risk
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 655
Abstract: They’re hardly new to the industry, but joint ventures remain a tricky move for any construction business that’s largely unfamiliar with the process and experience. A carefully chosen and well-executed joint venture can indeed be profitable, but there are significant risks to consider. This article explores why contractors typically opt for a joint venture and discusses some of the common challenges involved.
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Cash flow strategies for construction companies
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 941
Abstract: Construction businesses play a dangerous game in having to invest heavily in the means to complete projects well before they get paid. The situation elevates cash flow management to a mission-critical activity. This article discusses some sound strategies for improving cash flow, such as preparing forecasts and staying on top of receivables. A sidebar notes that, under the right circumstances, switching tax accounting methods may boost cash flow.
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Contractors, keep an eye on where AI is headed
Summer 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 445
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting every major industry. Indeed, many construction businesses may already be using AI in some ways and many more functions are likely in the pipeline. This article points out five ways that this technology can improve a construction company’s performance … or soon will.
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Recent report champions women in construction
Summer 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 543
Abstract: Construction businesses have been struggling with a skilled labor shortage for many years. One way to ease the pain is to consider hiring from population groups that have been historically overlooked by the industry. Case in point: women. This article explores the results of a recent survey indicating that adding female workers in various roles can improve project outcomes.
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Upgrading financial statements to a classified balance sheet
Summer 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: Having sound financial reporting practices can help a construction business win over investors, obtain outside financing and get the surety bonds required to work on certain types of projects. One often-overlooked way that contractors can enhance their financial statements is to use a classified balance sheet rather than a conventional one. This article explores some of the details of a classified balance sheet.
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Need an exit strategy? Consider an ESOP
Summer 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 954
Abstract: Just like any business, a construction company needs a succession plan, employee benefits and ways to attract and retain motivated workers. Believe it or not, an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) can accomplish all these objectives in one fell swoop. This article explains how ESOPs work and what advantages they offer. It also notes the downsides to be aware of. A sidebar points out some specific things that construction business owners need to know about ESOPs before establishing one.
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Why contractors should care about ESG
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: Every business owner is at least somewhat aware of today’s expectations regarding sustainability, employee wellness and running an ethically sound company. However, that pressure is intensifying. This article addresses the rising trend of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices; how ESG applies to construction businesses; and why it matters.
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Seizing control of insurance coverage with a CCIP
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: Running a construction business and an insurance company might seem like two totally separate endeavors. But, under a contractor-controlled insurance program, a general contractor provides coverage for most parties to a construction project. This article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of this bold insurance strategy.
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How do federal infrastructure bids work?
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Like a full bottle of ketchup, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has been slow to dispense the many construction projects anticipated. However, confidence is high that more and more federally funded jobs are going to emerge in the coming year if they haven’t already. This article reviews the two most common bidding methods for public projects: sealed bidding and contracting by negotiation.
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Beware of tax surprises when selling equipment or vehicles
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 946
Abstract: Selling or trading in an unneeded vehicle or piece of equipment might seem like a good idea. But if you don’t carefully consider the details, the tax hit can make for quite an unpleasant surprise. This article discusses the details, providing three examples of the tax consequences of a transaction. For contractors thinking about selling their companies, a sidebar suggests an employee stock ownership plan as an effective way to do so.