On-Site
Showing 225–240 of 242 results
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The Contractor’s Corner – How can I better manage my equipment?
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: This issue’s feature discusses a contractor who’s losing control of his equipment. To find a solution, there are three big questions a contractor should first ask: “Should I lease or buy?” “Who will be using and servicing my assets?” and “Is our permitting and storage up to snuff?”
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Looking back — and ahead — at bonding
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 461
Abstract: Whether general contractor or sub, most construction company owners likely spend a considerable amount of time every year thinking about bonding. The surety industry has learned some tough lessons in recent years, which should explain the tightening of underwriting standards and tougher project analysis. And, in light of the recent recession, the bonding horizon may seem dim. But sureties are much better equipped to deal with economic uncertainties now than they were earlier in the decade, so bonding should be available.
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It’s not too late – Make sure your construction company has a buy-sell agreement
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 629
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement is a contract among a construction company’s owners that sets parameters for the transfer of business interests. Yet many construction companies soldier on without one until, sometimes quite suddenly, an ownership change occurs and the business is thrown into chaos. There are a variety of ways to create an agreement (cross-purchase vs. redemption) and fund it (such as sinking funds, loans, savings plans, installment purchases and life insurance). It’s complex, but doing without (or failing to update) a buy-sell agreement is far more dangerous than confronting the task of creating one.
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Year end tax planning – Don’t get nickel-and-dimed by M&E expenses
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 957
Abstract: An often overlooked way that construction companies lose cash flow is by failing to properly deduct meal and entertainment (M&E) expenses. Contractors do incur a significant amount of these costs in providing food and beverages on job sites and during project meetings. This article looks at the pros and cons of both the per diem method and an “accountable plan” in reporting these expenses, while a sidebar discusses travel expenses.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Should we hire a CFO?
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: A CFO may be a great addition to many construction companies for a variety of reasons. But taking on an employee of this stature is a big decision that warrants some careful consideration. You need to ask: Can your company can fit a CFO into its staff and be prepared to follow through on the initiatives he or she will be responsible for developing? What should the job description say, and how should the search be conducted? This may not be the ideal economic climate to add a major position to your payroll. But having a CFO can allow you to let someone else worry about — and improve — your financials, while you focus on winning and completing projects.
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Go ahead, sweat the little stuff – 3 things you shouldn’t ignore in today’s tough economy
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 694
Abstract: According to the oft-cited self-improvement cliché, we shouldn’t sweat the little stuff in life. But, in the construction business, there’s a lot of seemingly little stuff that you shouldn’t ignore. And, during a recession, it becomes even more important. There are three things, in particular, you shouldn’t overlook while you’re fighting to keep your company competitive in today’s tough economy: indirect costs, receivables and payables, and change orders. This article offers some ideas on how to improve them.
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Futurescope: Construction Business Trends – BIM continues to win hearts, minds and disk space
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 424
Abstract: The popularity of building information modeling (BIM) has been growing for some time. BIM is the digitization of the entire construction planning process. A BIM system generates computerized models of the structure to be built that you can view from any angle and at multiple levels of depth. Two of the most prominent benefits are cost cutting and improved procurement. There are other benefits — and challenges. But the use of BIM is growing.
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Midyear tax planning – Putting extended, expanded breaks to work for your construction company
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 969
Abstract: As expected, a new administration and Congress and a bad economy have led to significant tax law changes in 2009. Some extended and expanded breaks could help contractors reduce their tax bills this year; others may provide a much-needed infusion of cash. To maximize your benefit from many of the breaks, you must act soon to start putting them to work for your construction company. This article discusses depreciation-related breaks, the net operating loss deduction, and the Work Opportunity credit. A sidebar discusses infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline due to the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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The Contractor’s Corner – What are the risks of taking on an out-of-state job?
Spring 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 535
Abstract: In this issue’s “The Contractor’s Corner,” we answer a question from a contractor who’s considering whether to venture beyond state lines for the first time. As one might suspect, doing so involves far more than simply loading up some gear and a work crew and showing up at the job site as usual. There are a variety of risks, including tax, licensing and materials procurement, that need to be considered.
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Futurescope: Construction Business Trends – 3 hot construction areas in a chilly economy
Spring 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 367
Abstract: In this issue’s “Futurescope: Construction Business Trends,” we look at what 2009 may hold for contractors. Although it probably comes as no surprise that the news isn’t exactly rosy, there are three areas — green building, federal infrastructure projects and smaller homebuilding — that could hold promise.
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Business improvement strategies – Benchmarking helps answer the tough questions
Spring 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 654
Abstract: How are you? It’s a question asked all the time. But how often do contractors ask it about their construction businesses? In truth, they can’t know unless they ask some tough questions. This article explores one of the best ways to do so: by undergoing a process called “benchmarking.”
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Mobile computing devices demand top-notch security
Spring 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 526
Abstract: Whether they use a smart phone, PDA, tablet computer, or full-blown laptop, mobile computing devices have become constant companions to most contractors. From a productivity standpoint, this is good news. So many tasks that once kept them tied to their desks are now doable from the remotest parts of a job site, a vehicle or a restaurant booth. All this convenience, however, isn’t without risk. This article discusses the whys and hows of protecting mobile computing devices.
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Fighting back – Tough economy challenges contractors to control cash flow
Spring 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 890
Abstract: The construction business has hardly been spared from economic hardship, with most industry sectors projected to endure drops. During times like this, it’s easy to panic. But a better strategy for contractors is to fight back — figure out ways you can keep your company’s head above water while maybe, just maybe, gaining an edge on the competition. To do so, construction companies need to do one thing in particular: Control their cash flow. This article explains how.
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The Contractor’s Corner – 4 smart ways to improve job-site productivity
Winter 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 547
Abstract: In this issue’s “The Contractor’s Corner,” we hear from a contractor who feels he’s doing all the right things to keep his construction company profitable yet is still struggling to turn a profit. This article notes that the job site offers many bottom-line building opportunities and suggests four in particular.
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Futurescope: Construction Business Trends – Green building evolves under new LEED standards
Winter 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 386
Abstract: Sustainable — or “green” — building is among the most significant construction trends of the last 10 years. In that time, it’s gone from being a “nice idea” to virtually a competitive necessity in some markets. This issue’s “Futurescope: Construction Business Trends” updates readers on recent changes that the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has made to its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard system.
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Break out of your fax funk with Internet-based service
Winter 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 483
Abstract: No matter what a construction company’s purpose or specialty, just about every business in the industry has one thing in common: the fax machine. Bids, contracts, change orders and material invoices have long flowed in and out of those clunky, odd-sounding machines. But many contractors have begun to wonder whether there’s a better way. This article suggests that Internet-based fax service may well hold the answer.