On-Site
ONS
Showing 1–16 of 242 results
-
Are you ready to be a Construction Manager at Risk?
Fall 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
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.
-
Risk management: 6 common causes of construction claims
Fall 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
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.
-
Calculating how much your equipment really costs
Fall 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
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.
-
Employee benefits – Check out the many varieties of HRAs
Fall 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
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.
-
Flying high with a drone while staying grounded about the risks
Summer 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: Many people enjoy using drones for taking cool videos and scoring points on social media. Contractors, however, have many actual and viable business uses for these high-flying tech devices. This article offers a bird’s-eye view of the current state of drone usage in the construction industry, including the potential benefits and risks.
-
5 tips for a smoother surety experience
Summer 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 548
Abstract: For construction businesses, sometimes winning a bid isn’t enough. On some projects, publicly funded ones in particular, contractors need to obtain a surety bond to do the work. Dealing with a surety is an experience unto itself. This article offers five tips to help ensure that the relationship goes as smoothly as possible.
-
Crossing state lines? Brush up on sales and use taxes
Summer 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: Construction companies tend to be highly mobile. When a construction business gets so mobile that it crosses state lines, the leadership of that company needs to know what they’re getting into when it comes to sales and use taxes. Different states handle them in different ways. This article reviews some of the basic concepts involved.
-
Labor burden rate – Ensure bids account for this critical metric
Summer 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: The construction industry may be transforming itself technologically, but projects still depend on boots on the ground to get the job done. That’s why contractors need to maintain a constant awareness of how much they’re paying for labor and what effect that has on profitability. This article discusses how to calculate labor burden rate, a key indirect cost. A sidebar looks at another type of burden rate that tracks inventory costs.
-
Know what you’re getting into with an IDIQ contract
Spring 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: For the right type of construction company, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract can be a lucrative revenue stream. But being at the “beck and call” of a federal agency isn’t particularly easy. This article discusses how IDIQ contracts work and what steps a contractor should take to be prepared for one.
-
How blockchain could change construction
Spring 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: For reasons both good and bad, cryptocurrency has been in the news in recent months. The trading of these digital investments is made possible by a “digital ledger” technology called blockchain. Could this technology be used for construction contracts? As this article explains, yes, it’s entirely plausible and would offer some intriguing benefits.
-
Is it time to formalize your subcontractor prequalification process?
Spring 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: Operating successfully as a general contractor involves engaging and coordinating qualified and competent subcontractors. Or, to put it another way, the failure of a subcontractor can materially affect the reputation and profitability of the general contractor. This article explores how general contractors can mitigate their risk by creating a detailed, comprehensive subcontractor prequalification process.
-
Safety first, safety always – Controlling workers’ compensation costs in the current environment
Spring 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 927
Abstract: Any experienced contractor will tell you: Every safety incident comes with hidden costs, including rising workers’ compensation premiums. If a construction business suffers multiple incidents, the financial impact can be devastating. This article notes some troubling recent statistics and suggests some best practices for keeping workers safe and controlling workers’ compensation costs. A sidebar urges contractors to double-check their experience modification factors.
-
4 ways to wise up to smart buildings
Winter 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 456
Abstract: Everything is connected, or so they say. In a smart building, all of the major systems really are connected … to the Internet. And projects to build these types of structures are growing in popularity. This article offers up four ways that contractors can adjust their expectations when working on a smart building.
-
CHIPS Act offers opportunities and challenges
Winter 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 520
Abstract: When the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science (CHIPS) Act was signed into law, most of the hubbub was about how manufacturers would benefit. But not so fast, construction businesses have been handed a great opportunity as well. This article describes how the new law will likely create billions of dollars’ worth of projects for contractors qualified to perform them.
-
How to up your financial reporting game
Winter 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: Most contractors would probably rather be on the jobsite than hunched over a spreadsheet. But there’s no denying the key role that accurate and exhaustive financial statements and other reports can play in the success and growth of the business. This article discusses several ways that a construction company can improve at financial reporting.
-
What does the future hold? Checking up on backlog: the industry’s and yours
Winter 2023
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 914
Abstract: Few construction companies can get by bidding on, performing and completing one job at a time. The typical practice is to build up a backlog of projects that ensures the business will be busy for the immediate and maybe even long-term future. This article explains how contractors can engage in backlog management using industry data as well as company-focused best practices. A sidebar notes that key performance indicators can greatly aid in this effort.