Construction & Real Estate
Showing 1233–1248 of 1263 results
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Construction Success Story – Family business squabbles speak to future opportunities
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 397
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” we tell the tale of how the owner of a homebuilding and rehab company in a historically lucrative suburban area welcomed his son and daughter into the family business only to see them almost immediately set to bickering. It seems both had differing ideas of which strategic direction the company should head in. For guidance, the business owner turned to his financial advisor, who could provide an objective, business-oriented perspective that would keep matters from becoming too personal.
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Generate, authenticate, substantiate – Winning the change order game
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: It’s a rare, if nonexistent, construction project that goes exactly as planned. That’s why savvy contractors know how to play the change order game. This article reveals the keys to victory — in short, contractors have got to generate, authenticate and substantiate. (Updated 4/20/12)
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Recent NLRB rulings settle long-standing litigation
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 552
Abstract: Some recent National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rulings settle long-standing litigation. The decisions came about by close margins — many were decided by 3-2 votes and, for the most part, they favor open-shop contractors. This article provides summaries of the rulings in question.
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When it comes to diversifying, look before you leap!
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 524
Abstract: Despite trimming all visible fat from their operations and improving efficiency as much as possible, many contractors just can’t get their bottom lines to where they want them to be. To cope, some consider diversifying into a new market or service. This article explains that diversification can be either a lifesaver or a letdown, depending on the approach taken. (Updated 3/23/12)
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4 reasons to engage in some midyear tax planning
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 955
Abstract: Although contractors tend to have plenty on their respective plates at any given moment, they shouldn’t let that fact keep them from engaging in some midyear tax planning. For starters, they’ll be making their lives easier come year end when they’ll really need to start thinking about taxes. But there are other reasons as well. This article offers four of them, including saving on equipment acquisitions and grabbing the still-available energy tax credit.
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Can your salaries stand up to IRS scrutiny?
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: If your construction company is an S corporation, the IRS is likely to examine your 2007 tax return closely. That’s because it’s on the lookout for S corporations that fail to pay “reasonable compensation” to shareholders who work for the business. This article explains why it’s such a big deal to the IRS and why it should be a big deal to you, too.
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Dateline 2008: Contractors need — and find — solutions to rising costs
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 364
Abstract: Just as consumers are paying more for gasoline and groceries, contractors are feeling the pinch of escalating material and fuel costs. This article explores the forces that are causing today’s price escalations, including strong demand for construction materials overseas and higher energy costs stateside. But it also offers some practical solutions that you can employ to help keep your costs under control. A sidebar offers a reality check on whether it’s time to raise your rates.
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It’s time for your financial checkup
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: From the time you win a bid until the last punch list has been signed off, you probably know exactly where you stand on every project budget. But can you say the same about your construction company’s finances? This article discusses five key metrics (such as return on assets, return on equity and fixed assets ratio) that will help you identify emerging problems and uncover potential opportunities for increased profit.
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Paying for personal safety equipment is now law
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Get ready: A new OSHA rule requiring contractors and other employers to buy their employees’ personal safety equipment takes effect May 15, 2008. The rule states that you must provide the equipment at no cost to the employee, and that any employer who violates the rule will face stiff fines of up to $10,000 per violation. This brief article gives you the lowdown on the new rule.
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Liability insurance doesn’t cover everything — but it did cover this
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 401
Abstract: Generally, a contractor’s liability insurance protects neither contractor nor owner from losses arising from shoddy work. This brief article describes a case that provides a notable exception to this rule of thumb. Travelers Indemnity v. Miller Building, 2007 WL 685230 North Carolina 4th Circuit (2007).
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Separate identities – “Trust fund” conflicts often complicate the bankruptcy process
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 670
Abstract: Several states have laws on the books stipulating that a general contractor who receives an owner payment must hold the money in trust for the subcontractors and suppliers who provided labor and materials on the project. Under the right (read: wrong) circumstances, however, these superior rights of the “trust fund” beneficiaries can be lost. This article delves into a case involving just such a dilemma. In re R. W. Leet Electric, 2007 WL 2052184 Michigan 6th Circuit (2007).
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Arbitration case turns on two magic words: “Change order”
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 509
Abstract: Many contractors and subcontractors fail to carefully review arbitration provisions before preparing project estimates. This article looks at a recent case involving the famed West Point military academy that shows just how important arbitration provisions can be. U.S. ex. rel. Mathusek Inc. v. J. Kokolakis Contracting, Inc., 2007 WL 1771561 (S.D.N.Y. 2007).
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Who pays for transportation to and from the job site?
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 496
Abstract: In order to meet parking obligations in congested or remote areas, contractors may provide parking at a spot distant from the project location and give workers free transportation from the parking lot to the job. Seems simple enough — until litigation arises over when the clock goes on and off for workers riding the company-provided transportation. This article discusses a case arising from this very circumstance. Burnside v. Kiewit Pacific, 2007 WL 1760747 California 9th Circuit (2007).
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A schedule’s a schedule – Abiding by a recovery schedule is key to preserving legal rights
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 947
Abstract: No matter what’s being built, a schedule’s a schedule. And a court can use a recovery schedule to justify early default termination of even the biggest of contracts. This article looks at a recent case involving household names such as McDonnell Douglas, General Dynamics and, last but not least, the U.S. Navy, that provides ample evidence of this. McDonnell Douglas v. United States, 76 Fed. Cl. 385 (2007).
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Construction Success Story – Contractor creates a total communications plan
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 355
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” the owner of a midsize construction company that specializes in commercial projects was growing increasingly concerned that many of her staff members felt left out of the communications loop. She wanted to restore morale without blowing her budget on expensive technology. For guidance, she turned to her financial advisor and, together, they devised a cost-effective “total communications plan.”
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Psst — wanna buy my construction company? ESOPs offer another retirement option
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: As many contractors near retirement, they begin to wonder what to do with their businesses. In many cases, the answer is to sell to a third party, transfer ownership to family or key employees, or liquidate. There is, however, another option worth considering — the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). This article discusses the ins and outs of these increasingly popular arrangements.