On-Site
Showing 161–176 of 242 results
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The Contractor’s Corner – How can I trim plan distribution costs?
Fall 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” looks at a contractor who’s concerned about the large amounts of money it takes to distribute building plans — not only the hard cost of the initial printing, but also the expense of revising the plans, overnighting specs to project participants and using a courier service during the job itself. The answer lies in “reprographics” —the practice of reproducing both physical and digital content via means such as scanning, photography, xerography and digital printing.
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Six Sigma for construction companies
Fall 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: “Six Sigma” is a rigorous set of business-improvement practices originally intended for manufacturers and refined by tech giant Motorola in the 1980s. Since then, Six Sigma has been applied to a wide variety of industries — including construction. This article explains the concept and focuses on a particular methodology (DMAIC, or “define, measure, analyze, implement and control”) that contractors are likely to use.
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Fraud alert: How contractors can stay on guard
Fall 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 665
Abstract: Contractors have money coming into the office. They’ve got equipment, tools and supplies on the job site. And, often, they’ve got operations spread out over several locations. For these reasons, they must always be on guard for fraudulent activity. This article describes some of the scams that can occur both on the project site and in the office and offers suggestions for deterring them.
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Year end tax planning – Getting all you can from equipment purchases
Fall 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 914
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act temporarily extended the two primary depreciation breaks: 50% bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing. But time is running out to claim both in their existing, high-value formats. This article explains the breaks and which assets qualify for them — and how it’s possible to claim both. However, it notes that both breaks will be drastically reduced next year unless Congress acts. A sidebar reviews some key distinctions between the cost of owning an asset and the expense of operating it.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Could EDI ease our paperwork problems?
Summer 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” explains how electronic data interchange (EDI) can be a great way to save trees and speed processes for two companies that exchange a large volume of documents. It lists specific paperwork tasks that can be streamlined but notes the importance of both businesses using the same technology provider.
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Prevailing wages remain a sticking point on public jobs
Summer 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Spending on government jobs seems to have moderated a bit, but the work is still out there for contractors with the skill and service sets to suit the projects available. One of the biggest sticking points in taking on a public job, however, is complying with prevailing wage requirements. Is it better to pay fringe benefits in cash or apply fringe benefit credits for contributions to “bona fide” benefit plans? What are the administrative duties? What are the penalties for noncompliance? This article addresses these issues.
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Job site safety and Heinrich’s Law
Summer 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 533
Abstract: Among the most obvious inhibitors of profitability for construction companies is job site safety. But one long-time safety concept, Heinrich’s Law, may offer a glimpse into the future — or at least provide some food for thought. This article explains how this law — while contestable in its specifics — provides an enduring lesson: that, if a construction company experiences a rash of “minor” accidents, they could be the gathering clouds of a much greater storm.
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Workers’ compensation insurance – Experience rating modifiers make all the difference
Summer 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: Among the primary formulas that determine every construction company’s workers’ compensation insurance premiums is the experience rating modifier (ERM). Knowing even just a little about where it comes from and what it does can help a business better control its insurance costs. This article explains how insurance companies calculate an ERM and discusses what contractors can do to submit fewer workers’ comp claims. A sidebar offers a hypothetical example of two similar contractors with dissimilar ERMs — and the financial difference this makes.
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The Contractor’s Corner – How do we guard against the risk of mobile devices?
Spring 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: Smart phones have become useful tools for construction businesses, but their increasing presence has led to new risks, as well. This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” looks at the risks involved when an employee uses a personal device when conducting company business — not just the physical risk of using a phone while driving, but the cyber risk of having valuable company data stolen. These dangers illustrate the need for a formal mobile device policy.
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Phantom stock plans can draw profit leaders
Spring 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 502
Abstract: One way contractors can draw profit leaders to their businesses — or keep ones who are already on staff — may be by offering select employees an additional incentive in the form of a phantom stock plan. Under these arrangements, the employee receives an equity stake in the business without actually receiving any stock. This article explains both the benefits and risks of having such a plan.
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Checking up on your construction company’s estimates
Spring 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: Although estimating may be one of a construction company’s “bread and butter” skills, accuracy can slip over time if the company doesn’t occasionally check up on this mission-critical process. This article discusses how to perform a methodical review of estimates derived from fixed-price and approximate methods. It also notes the benefits of up-to-date estimating software and qualified people.
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The calm before the storm – Preparing for possible health care coverage penalties
Spring 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 870
Abstract: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is set to take full effect in 2014 — including substantial penalties for large employers that don’t meet health care coverage requirements. So contractors should start reviewing their workforces and evaluating the health care benefits they’re providing. This article describes what the law considers a “large employer,” the penalties such employers face if they provide no or inadequate insurance, and the options they might consider. A sidebar looks at the state of government-run health care insurance “exchanges” prescribed under the law.
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The Contractor’s Corner — How can we start winning more bids?
Winter 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 505
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” shows why it’s important for a construction company to keep an eye on its bid-hit ratio — especially when the national economy is uncertain, the local market abruptly tightens, or an upstart competitor offers a challenge. Maintaining a bid-hit ratio as close as possible to 1:1 involves a careful crunching of numbers and, sometimes, a rebranding of the company itself.
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BIM 2013: Where this technology is headed
Winter 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 564
Abstract: Building information modeling (BIM) can no longer be called “new.” But this construction technology keeps evolving, adding functionality and growing in importance. BIM enables anytime, anywhere collaboration among everyone from the owner to subcontractors. This article shows where BIM is headed and how important it could be to construction companies.
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Ensure your construction company’s very existence with a buy-sell agreement
Winter 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 718
Abstract: The very existence of a business could be jeopardized by an ownership change. That’s why a buy-sell agreement should play a key role in every contractor’s succession plan. This article explains how such an agreement works and the different options available for funding one.
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Employee tool reimbursements — IRS fires warning shot with recent guidance
Winter 2013
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 964
Abstract: An accountable plan reimburses employees who buy small tools on their own. These reimbursements are deductible as a business expense, while workers won’t incur employment or income taxes on them. But the IRS recently released Revenue Ruling 2012-25, which fires a warning shot at employers whose reimbursement plans may have fallen out of compliance with the rules for accountable plans. This article explains how to maintain compliance, while a sidebar offers an example of a plan that is not compliant.