Contractor
Showing 241–256 of 390 results
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Construction Success Story – Contractor spots market trend and makes his move
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 447
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” discusses a contractor who knew that, when the health care act was finally passed, it likely would mean an explosion in demand for health care facilities. He saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but he and his employees didn’t have required specialized certification and training — and the tepid economy at the time and a light backlog were limiting his funds. His financial advisor identified tax incentives for employee training and devised a plan for leveraging the contractor’s personal property and investments to create additional cash flow.
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Take a tough stand – Common fraud schemes stay that way for a reason
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: Although there’s no surefire protection against dishonest employees, establishing a hands-on management style that rewards honesty and takes a tough stand on thievery will go a long way toward protecting assets from internal fraud. This article discusses check tampering and accounts payable fraud, along with controls to guard against fraud.
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4 types of construction apps for mobile devices
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: Once merely the means of passing the time with an amusing game or keeping up with your messages, tablet and smart phone apps can now legitimately serve construction companies in many ways. This article describes four types of mobile apps to consider for areas such as project management, bidding and estimating, accounting and bookkeeping, and equipment management.
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If you buy, you could qualify – Depreciation breaks offer tax savings for contractors
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 884
Abstract: Contractors can celebrate the arrival of 2014 with new equipment or software — and favorable tax treatment. The American Taxpayer Relief Act temporarily extended the currently more beneficial versions of 50% bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing. This means business owners can write off 50% of the entire price tag for qualified new equipment that’s operational by Jan. 1; and Sec. 179 expensing allows deductions for 100% of the costs (up to $500,000) associated with buying a wide variety of new and used equipment. This article explains the details, while a sidebar discusses how to put idle equipment to profitable use.
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Construction Success Story – HVAC contractor cools down employee burnout
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 448
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” looks at the case of a contractor whose workforce had dwindled during the recession. He worried that this was causing employee burnout but, with the economy still uncertain, he didn’t want to add staff just yet. His advisor showed how increased collaboration and communication, along with additional training opportunities for employees, could improve profitability and employee morale.
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Why now is a good time to review your estate plan
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 552
Abstract: Whether a company is family-owned or not, it’s important to plan for how the wealth one has accumulated to be passed to heirs — if not ownership of the business itself. Now that the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2013 (ATRA) has finally brought some certainty to estate planning, it’s a good time for contractors to review their estate plans. This article discusses how estate tax changes affect construction company owners.
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Have you considered lean construction lately?
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: The term “lean construction” was coined back in the early 1990s to describe an adaptation of certain manufacturing principles to building. In today’s technology-driven world of making everything as efficient as possible, the concept is worth considering (or reconsidering). This article explains how lean construction is designed to improve total project performance by emphasizing teamwork from concept through delivery.
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On the horizon – Contractors must prepare for impending health care penalties
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 883
Abstract: On Jan. 1, 2014, major provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will go into effect. This includes implementation of a state-level insurance marketplace and new requirements, penalties, and tax subsidies for individuals and employers designed to ensure compliance. This article goes over some of the details that small and large employers — and employees as well — should be mindful of. A sidebar reveals that defined-contribution health plans are gaining traction.
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Construction Success Story – Plumber learns tough lesson on payment terms
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” examines the case of a plumbing contractor who had always relied on a simple boilerplate contract, rather than on a ream of densely worded legal documents. This worked fine until he began working with a large national developer specializing in complex commercial projects. Following the owner’s bankruptcy, the contractor found that the term “paid if paid” was an invitation to a legal battle.
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Extended energy-related incentives are still available
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 535
Abstract: For contractors, there are a number of energy-related incentives still available under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that may save money and perhaps generate some business. This article discusses credits for fuel efficiency, “green” energy production and energy-efficient home improvements.
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Keep your wits about you with a crisis management plan
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: Just about any contractor will probably be able to relate a tale of a local disaster — such as a fire at a refueling station, a crane collapse on a jobsite or a temporary wall tumbling over in high winds. This is why it’s essential that every construction company have a crisis management plan in place. This article explains how to identify potential disasters, pick the right people to administer a plan, and deal with employees following a disaster.
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Where’s my crew? Readying your business for the impending labor shortage
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 854
Abstract: It’s estimated that, by 2016, about 50% more workers will be needed in the U.S. than are on the job or otherwise available today. But there are a variety of ways contractors can prepare now to attract and retain tomorrow’s best construction workers. This article looks at benchmarking and at creating job opportunities that meet the needs of the millennial generation. A sidebar discusses the recent extension of the Work Opportunity tax credit.
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Restructuring your debt — Construction companies can keep it together
May / June 2012
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1009
Abstract: Some construction companies have gone under these past few years, while others have lost substantial business or taken on heavy debts. But, for those in the latter category, there are ways to keep it together. This article explains the difference between “canceled” debt and “charged off” or “written off” debt and how to stretch out payments via cancellation of debt (COD) income. It also explores swapping debt for equity and explains how to work with creditors. A sidebar discusses why, for many contractors, finding a way to restructure debt is preferable to declaring bankruptcy. Recommended Article
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Nasty numbers — 8 red flags to watch out for in your financial statements
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1056
Abstract: Financial statements show not only where a construction company is financially, but also where it’s going. Contractors who work with their financial advisors to analyze their statements can often catch problems early on — before they turn into bigger issues. This article lists eight red flags contractors should look out for when reading their next statement, including declining equipment value, significant liability changes, and an increasing ratio of general and administrative expenses to profits. A sidebar offers a glossary of several key financial statement terms. Recommended Article
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Construction Success Story – Contractor electrifies efficiency with accounting software upgrade
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” looks at the case of a midsize construction company owner who was getting frustrated with her aging proprietary software system, which was incurring high maintenance and training costs. Worse yet, it wasn’t integrating well with her company’s other software. Her CPA advised her that a newer system could help her improve cash flow and do a better job of tracking labor and managing vehicles and other equipment. But he also counseled her on the process of choosing the right technology.
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Wrestling with the idea of a captive insurance program
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 697
Abstract: Although eliminating the expense of insurance coverage isn’t a realistic option, contractors may be able to better control it by establishing a captive insurance program. This article explains how captive insurance works and the benefits — including tax advantages — that it can provide to some companies.