On-Site
Showing 209–224 of 242 results
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The Contractor’s Corner – Construction company owner tires of failing fleet
Fall 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 403
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” addresses the concern of a hypothetical owner: Is there a better way of maintaining a fleet of construction vehicles? This article answers “yes”: Fleet management is a formalized, comprehensive approach to buying, using, maintaining and disposing of construction vehicles. With the appropriate software and GPS technology, owners can keep track of where their vehicles are and how they’re maintained, and make more informed lease-vs.-buy decisions.
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Satisfying your surety in today’s economic environment
Fall 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 390
Abstract: Because of the continuingly rocky economy, many bonding firms have tightened their requirements considerably. This article offers some ways contractors can satisfy their sureties: good communication, well-ordered financials, and a sound business plan.
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Are you forgetting something? For many contractors, sales and use taxes are too easily ignored
Fall 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 838
Abstract: With year end fast approaching, many contractors may be thinking about income tax planning. But there’s another tax issue that also warrants their attention: sales and use taxes. This article explains the distinction between the two, and how to avoid double taxation. It also shows how contract structure plays a big role in how sales and use taxes affect construction companies, while a sidebar looks at two valuable tax breaks for hiring certain unemployed workers.
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Construction trends – Integrated project delivery puts teamwork to the test
Fall 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 620
Abstract: Under the traditional construction paradigm, the three major parties — owner, architect and contractor — are theoretically working toward the same goal: getting a structure built. But their immediate objectives don’t always gel with one another and, when they don’t, conflicts can arise. But this article explains how integrated project delivery (IPD) can serve as a means to reduce conflicts and speed efficiency.
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Managing the risks of green building
Summer 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 393
Abstract: What exactly are the risks of green building? There are uncertainties about costs; confusion when sustainable building elements are added to a project during construction; and the time and expense of obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and putting LEED principles into practice. But sustainable building is one approach to construction that’s probably not going away; and, as its popularity increases, the first cost of a sustainable building is often the same as or lower than that of a traditional structure.
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4 steps to stopping and restarting a project effectively
Summer 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 408
Abstract: In these uncertain economic times, many construction projects have been put on hold. For those who find themselves in such a predicament, there are four steps to stopping and restarting a project effectively. These involve demobilizing in an organized manner; physically securing the project; making sure that insurance is both in effect and effective; and reassessing safety and deadlines upon restart.
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Health care reform – What the new law could mean for contractors
Summer 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 605
Abstract: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), signed into law in March, has a number of major business-related provisions that may affect the construction industry. This article offers an overview of some of the major health insurance and tax considerations for both larger and smaller contractors, along with wider effects on the industry itself. A sidebar discusses two valuable incentives in the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act for hiring and retaining workers.
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From the ground up – Rebuilding a basic budget for your construction company
Summer 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 848
Abstract: In the hustle and bustle of moving from one project to the next, some contractors may let their budget slip onto the back burner or out of sight completely. If so, it’s important that they start rebuilding it so as to properly manage revenue and cash flow. In particular, three elements— income statement, cash flow statement and balance sheet — should serve as the foundation of a sound budget. A sidebar to this article takes a look at the pay-for-performance model to help keep labor costs in line.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Stimulus act boosts ceiling for SBA surety bonds
Spring 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 459
Abstract: When contractors go out in search of bonding, the federal government probably doesn’t immediately leap to mind. But the Small Business Administration (SBA) is an option, and they have some pretty good offerings. The stimulus act has increased the maximum amount of bonding it can offer. And the agency recently established a new electronic bond application process that greatly speeds up applicants’ ability to obtain bonding. All application forms are available online and can be transmitted, expedited and approved electronically.
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Are you ready to upgrade your financial management software?
Spring 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 723
Abstract: Investing in top-of-the-line financial management software can lead to fewer mistakes in estimating, bidding, project management and job-cost accounting. But the dizzying array of applications makes this a difficult buying decision. What type of system and functionality is appropriate? What about compatibility issues? And what should one look for in a vendor? Have they been around for a long time? What do existing customers have to say about their tech support? And, once the decision is made, there are implementation issues to consider, such as designating the right project manager and offering adequate training and support.
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4 ways to better manage materials expenses
Spring 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: Persistent overseas demand coupled with a rocky and slow-to-recover economy has turned many, if not most, materials purchases into key business decisions. But there are four ways to better manage materials expenses. Contractors should renegotiate with vendors; reuse and recycle; learn about and promote value engineering; and consider stockpiling materials.
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Manufacture some tax savings this year – Section 199 deduction rises to new heights
Spring 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 905
Abstract: There are a number of tax breaks contractors might want to consider in 2010. One is the Section 199 deduction, also known as the qualified domestic production activities deduction and the manufacturers’ deduction. Contractors who are regularly involved with construction or major renovation of real property, such as residential and commercial buildings, can qualify for this deduction, which has increased this year. Contractors without taxable income won’t qualify, but they may be able to take advantage of the net operating loss (NOL) deduction. As a sidebar explains, this has been expanded.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Should we try our hand at social networking?
Winter 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 472
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” addresses the concerns of a contractor who’s being prodded by a younger employee to take the company into the world of social networking. The contractor wonders, “Is there really any financial benefit?” There can be — but there are downsides, as well. There are several considerations that should be addressed before making a decision.
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Your bidding practices may have room for improvement
Winter 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: It’s during the bidding process that a contractor has the best shot at getting dibs on the contract and, assuming the legalities can be worked out, procuring the job. How can contractors improve their bidding practices? They can be sure they know their market, keep track of their indirect costs, find the right profit margin, and sharpen their skills as the market changes.
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5 prime suspects in an investigation of profit fade
Winter 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: Among the most common “crimes” of any construction project is profit fade — when the job’s margin dims from view as work progresses (or finishes). This short article discusses five possible causes of profit fade — and how a contractor can arrest each one.
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General contractor focus – Winning the subcontractor lottery with prequalification
Winter 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 911
Abstract: Sometimes getting the right subcontractor for a job may seem like playing the lottery. But a good way for a contractor to win the subcontractor lottery is to prequalify the subs with whom they intend to regularly work. From there, having a sound scheduling system can go a long way toward getting the most from subs that make the list. This article offers tips on how to examine a sub’s financial condition and scheduling capacity, while a sidebar gives suggestions for subcontractors hoping to get prequalified.