Construction & Real Estate
Showing 1137–1152 of 1263 results
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Doth the contractor protest too soon? Public construction bid dispute sparks question of legal timing
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 917
Abstract: Pennsylvania’s “Separations Act” requires the preparation of separate specifications, and the taking of separate bids, for plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrical work on any public building costing more than $4,000. If a project is released for bidding without the required separation of trades, the act is enforced by allowing excluded trade contractors to submit bid protests. This article addresses a case in which the timing of just such a bid protest was at the heart of the matter.
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The Clean Air Act – Watch your permit or lose your project
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 644
Abstract: The federal Clean Air Act applies strict requirements to the permitting and construction of all coal-fired electric plants. Recently, an Illinois power company tested the flexibility of the act when challenged by a special interest group. This article discusses the resulting legal case, which holds important lessons for owners and contractors alike.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor learns benefits of a business appraisal
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 392
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” we tell the tale of a contractor with a five-year-old commercial construction business who was faced with growing competition in his sector — and only a vague idea of his current competitive standing. After learning a fellow construction business owner had learned a lot about his company following an appraisal, the contractor asked his financial advisor about the benefits of the valuation process.
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Same equipment, smaller investment – Rental/leasing agreements offer a variety of potential advantages
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 727
Abstract: Investing in high-end machinery can be a big financial burden — especially in a down economy. That’s why more and more contractors are seeking to minimize costs by renting or leasing their equipment. This article explains that, beyond the obvious cost savings, equipment rental or leasing provides several important benefits worth considering.
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3 simple steps to more effective scope management
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 499
Abstract: More than just a theory, scope management provides contractors with a plan for staying on-task and on-budget. And adopting a plan for scope management doesn’t require a major overhaul to a construction company owner’s current management style. This article describes three simple steps to improving a construction company’s scope management.
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Do you know where your money goes? Job costing software can help
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 516
Abstract: When it comes to the money spent and made on a project, what contractors don’t know can hurt them. Upgrading to job costing software could provide a construction company owner with the details needed to streamline spending and control costs. This article provides some buying tips for this highly practical technology tool.
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Control your debt (so it won’t control you)
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 954
Abstract: As fuel costs fluctuate and project income becomes less reliable, contractors are increasing their debt load in record numbers. In fact, most contractors have come to depend on debt as a source of liquidity to keep their operations running smoothly. Yet, in an unstable economy, having a plan for managing debt is vital — especially now that bankruptcy is more common than ever. This article offers some tips on putting together just such a plan.
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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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Contractor’s Toolbox – Lawsuits may be on the rise – The right precautions can help you avoid them
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: Lawsuits are a common means of righting wrongs, fixing mistakes and recouping expenses. But now, as a tough economy forces many to look for cash wherever they can find it, litigation may be seen as a quick source of income. This article explores how you may be able to avoid lawsuits by taking the right precautions.
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Grow your business in a slow economy? Yes!
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 364
Abstract: The current slowdown actually provides opportunity for growth, especially with the spending provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This brief article explains how ARRA will fund $30 billion for highway and bridge construction projects and $7.7 billion for federal buildings.
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Automate purchase orders to control costs, save time
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: As hard as you try to track every expense on every project you’re managing, it’s easy to lose control of costs if you’re using an antiquated purchasing system. Moreover, if your current system is allowing billing and inventory discrepancies to fall through the cracks, you’re likely experiencing a negative effect on your cash flow and your ability to take on more work. This article explains why, now more than ever, contractors are choosing to automate the purchasing process to increase tracking efficiency — and increase profits.
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Sale-leaseback financing: The pros and cons of a quick fix
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Sale-leaseback financing has long been a common way for contractors to gain added income without having to sacrifice the use of equipment. And as the economy forces contracting businesses to tighten their belts, it’s become an even more appealing option. But along with the obvious benefits are some drawbacks, such as the loss of flexibility associated with ownership. This article covers the pros and cons so you can make the right financing decision.