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Showing 1–16 of 398 results
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Is your construction business cybersecure?
March / April 2024
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: Construction companies remain a prime target for cybercriminals worldwide. Contractors not only gather and store a treasure trove of sensitive data, but also tend to not be as technologically advanced as other types of businesses. This article suggests a wide variety of best practices, both “big picture” and more specific, for how a construction company can strengthen its cybersecurity.
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5 ways to maintain more secure jobsites
March / April 2024
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: One industry source says that construction businesses lose about $1 billion annually to jobsite theft. Whatever the actual dollar amount is, it’s too much! That’s why contractors need to continuously address and improve how they secure their jobsites. This article offers five ways to tighten things up.
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Being a little “extra” with a schedule of contracts in progress
March / April 2024
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: There’s no doubt that every construction business needs accurate, well-produced financial statements. However, as the company grows, it may want to expand those financial statements to include supplementary “schedules.” This article focuses on a particularly useful example: the schedule of contracts in progress.
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Joint employer final rule – Construction companies should beware of liability
March / April 2024
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 925
Abstract: In 2023, the National Labor Relations Board issued a new final rule that dramatically changes the definition of “joint employer” for purposes of the National Labor Relations Act. The new rule could have serious legal consequences for some construction companies. This article reviews the history of the joint employer rule and describes the potential negative impact of its latest version. A sidebar suggests some basic measures that contractors can take to protect their businesses.
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What’s the deal with subcontractor bonding?
January / February 2024
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 448
Abstract: Most general contractors are familiar with the need to obtain a surety bond on certain projects. However, as their construction companies grow and take on larger projects, they may encounter instances when the subcontractors on such jobs also need to be bonded. This article examines subcontractor bonds and the circumstances under which they’re necessary.
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Using the H-2B visa program to fill labor gaps
January / February 2024
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 555
Abstract: As construction companies continue to do battle with a skilled labor shortage, many contractors have to look near and far for available workers. Regarding the latter option, construction businesses might want to explore the federal H-2B guest worker visa program. This article provides an overview of how the program works.
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Set the tone for strong cash flow this year
January / February 2024
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: A new year is a cause for celebration. However, for construction businesses, it also means another 12 months of grappling with the ever-present issue of cash flow management. This article discusses several best practices for maintaining strong cash flow throughout the year, including carefully using projections and managing projects.
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Worker misclassification – Construction companies remain at risk for penalties
January / February 2024
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 936
Abstract: Construction companies need to be extra careful about properly classifying workers during the ongoing skilled labor shortage, which can increase the pressure to find ways to staff projects. This article discusses how and why worker misclassification occurs. It also reviews the current DOL final rule on worker classification and a proposed one. A sidebar looks at the IRS’s test for determining whether a worker is an independent contractor or employee for tax purposes.
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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.