Construction & Real Estate
Showing 993–1008 of 1263 results
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3 year end tax developments to consider
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: Tax law uncertainty has been making planning a challenge. This article looks at three developments that may require action before year end: Section 179 expensing, a retention credit offered under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, and a potential individual income tax rate increase.
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Here’s to your health care plan – An overview of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 924
Abstract: The staggered implementation and sheer size of the new health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), paired with the fact that the details of some provisions aren’t hammered out yet, have many business owners scratching their heads. This article discusses a few key provisions of the act that could affect construction companies, including “carrots and sticks” to encourage employer coverage, an Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, and changes to tax-related filings. A sidebar discusses coverage of dependent children.
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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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Contractor’s Toolbox – Want to improve your financial performance? Track the WIP!
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 415
Abstract: To avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s important that contractors continuously monitor their work-in-progress (WIP). WIP reports can track key information about each project, such as contract price, projected final costs, costs incurred and amounts billed to date, estimated gross profits, and the value of pending changes. This article shows how timely, accurate WIP reports can, early in a project, help identify problems with profit fade and underbilling, and help strengthen bonding relationships.
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Bonding: Subprime is not a dirty word
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 282
Abstract: The term “subprime” has been associated with predatory lending practices, but it’s not bad by definition; it simply means extending credit to less qualified borrowers, who pay a higher interest rate to compensate the lender for its increased risk. This article shows why, in construction, subprime bonding works essentially the same way as traditional bonding. It shouldn’t be one’s first choice, but it offers a viable option for contractors that don’t qualify for traditional bonding in today’s tight market.
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Go on the defense with an escalation clause
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: Contractors everywhere have experienced the pain of rising construction materials costs and less work, putting their businesses in financial jeopardy. This article shows how an escalation clause in job contracts can help contractors fight back. It shows how such clauses work and how they’re calculated, and how to fend off risks that can be involved.
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Revenue recognition – Proposed changes mean big impact on contractors
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1173
Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board are proposing a new revenue recognition standard that would have significant implications for construction firms. This article looks at how revenue recognition works now and how it could look in the future. A sidebar reveals that the Small Business Jobs Act, passed in September, includes a tax provision extending 50% bonus depreciation to 2010, and shows how it affects calendar-year taxpayers using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.
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Ask the Advisor – What type of insurance coverage is needed for new construction projects?
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: Risk management is as integral to a successful project as the construction materials and crew. And the first step is proper insurance coverage. Real estate professionals who are uncertain whether they have enough should ask a qualified professional to help them conduct an insurance coverage audit. This article shows how coverage audits can reduce the odds of an uncovered incident undermining the project’s profitability — or worse.
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Think twice before bailing out – Save your property and your tenants
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 504
Abstract: A property owner’s financial setback due to loss of tenants can cause a building to fall into disrepair, which may in turn cause existing tenants to leave, leading the owner to lose more money and, in many cases, to lose the property too. This article shows how this vicious cycle can be broken: by working closely with the lender and by adopting a greater “customer service” mentality toward tenants.
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Sec. 1031 exchanges – How to select a qualified intermediary
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 610
Abstract: Anyone who has ever participated in a Section 1031 exchange (also known as a like-kind exchange) knows the critical role that the qualified intermediary (QI) plays. Yet most states don’t regulate the QI industry. Investors who fail to use truly qualified QIs could regret it. This article discusses why QI selection matters, along with the factors that should be considered before retaining one.
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Closing the deal with seller financing
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 999
Abstract: The recent dearth of financing options has prompted some motivated sellers to consider offering seller financing, an arrangement previously associated with smaller transactions. Sellers interested in closing larger deals are now seeing the benefits, but they also face many complexities. This article looks at why seller financing might be a good option, along with what the seller should consider and what tax issues come into play. A sidebar lists the documentation that sellers should obtain when navigating a seller-financed deal.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor heeds warning signs of questionable owner
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” a general contractor was torn. He knew he could put together a stellar bid for a new condominium project, but the owner involved was highly dubious. This local property developer had been involved in some unflattering legal proceedings of late and its financial standing was uncertain to say the least. The contractor’s financial advisor, however, gave the contractor sound tips on how he could proceed while protecting his interests.
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Price adjustment clauses can help curtail unforeseen costs
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 449
Abstract: Construction materials prices are erratic and largely unpredictable, but price adjustment clauses in a contract are one way to prevent, or at least mitigate, such sticky situations. These clauses identify specific materials at risk for price increases and set an effective date from which to measure price changes that trigger an adjustment to the contract amount for materials. This article explains how they can help both contractors and owners save time, money and risk.