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Showing 161–176 of 390 results
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Construction Success Story – Turning a new shade of green with LEED v4
March / April 2017
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features the owner of a residential homebuilding company who already recognized the value of sustainable construction. But, when a new version of LEED was released last year, she wanted some help staying compliant. So the contractor and her CPA discussed LEED v4 and budget-friendly ways of getting certified.
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Could an escalation clause help with your materials costs?
March / April 2017
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: An escalation clause specifies that, in the event materials costs rise beyond a specified amount, the contractor may pass those costs along to the project owner. Is such language worth negotiating into a contract? This article addresses that question, describing how these clauses work and the associated risks.
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Energize your tax planning with the Section 179D deduction
March / April 2017
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 527
Abstract: Section 179D of the Internal Revenue Code allows qualifying businesses to deduct up to $1.80 per square foot for eligible projects placed into service between 2006 and 2016. The tax break can particularly benefit contractors who have performed work on projects such as schools, libraries and correctional facilities. This article provides background on the deduction and explains four important questions to ask when looking to claim it.
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Bonding in 2017 – Strong surety market looking for customers
March / April 2017
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 930
Abstract: The surety market is strong, drawing new players to the game and spurring competition among carriers. This is good news for contractors, who should have plenty of options when it comes to bonding. This article offers tips on how construction companies can maximize their bonding capacity in this positive environment. A sidebar looks at an alternative for large general contractors: subcontractor default insurance.
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Construction Success Story – Saving a troubled project (without breaking the bank)
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a remodeler who undertook a large-scale project only to encounter setback after setback. To discuss saving the troubled job while trying to preserve a shot at profitability, the contractor met with his CPA. They discussed a variety of emergency steps and created a viable turnaround plan.
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Make your case with audited financial statements
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 664
Abstract: When trying to grow their companies, business owners often find themselves having to convince others of their plans. And contractors are no different. Something that can really help: audited financial statements. This article explains the power of audited financial statements and lists some of the documentation needed to create them.
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Protecting your construction company’s data privacy
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 539
Abstract: Today’s contractors are increasingly using digital technology to participate in project design, communicate with project partners and conduct their daily operations. But with technological improvements come cyber risks. This article specifies a number of such risks and suggests various protective steps.
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Boldly, into the future – Developing leaders in the construction industry
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 842
Abstract: Every construction company needs strong leadership to prosper and grow. But it’s easy to lose sight of this necessity as a business struggles to win bids and complete projects. This article discusses ways to promote strong leadership on the part of both the business owner and key employees. A sidebar looks at industry organizations that offer leadership training.
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Construction Success Story – Growing business upgrades its accounting software
September / October 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a residential builder who had invested heavily in jobsite assets while his accounting system languished. After his bookkeeper elicited a cry for help, the contractor sat down with his CPA to discuss how to go about picking the right accounting software while sticking to a sensible budget.
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Get rolling on your transportation safety policies
September / October 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 524
Abstract: Effective safety programs address all sorts of potential jobsite hazards. Yet one area that’s often overlooked is vehicle accidents, a fairly common occurrence on construction sites. This article explores a variety of important elements that contractors should consider when establishing transportation safety policies.
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Better numbers, better results: Job cost reporting
September / October 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: Once a project is underway, it’s easy for contractors to focus on other tasks rather than the numbers. Job cost reporting — the process of coding and allocating project expenses to track financial efficiency and profitability — is a mission-critical activity. This article offers several best practices to keep in mind, including refining estimates and identifying the most needed data.
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Year end tax planning – Depreciation-related tax breaks — still going strong
September / October 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 867
Abstract: Now’s a good time for contractors to consider their tax situations for the year and to take steps that may help reduce their prospective liability. The PATH Act, passed late last year, kept depreciation-related tax breaks going strong. This article discusses the current specifics of Sec. 179 expensing and bonus depreciation. A sidebar looks at the research credit, which rewards innovation.
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Construction Success Story – General contractor takes a look at telematics
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 554
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a general contractor whose profitability was suffering because of mechanical breakdowns and high fuel costs. While at a construction equipment trade show, he learned of “telematics” — technology that transmits data from machine parts to a central database. He asked his CPA whether telematics might be worth his time and money.
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Will your construction company last forever?
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 660
Abstract: With the right succession plan in place, contractors can help ensure that their companies continue down a path of success for at least another generation. And it’s never too early to start thinking about stepping down — even if one has no intention of doing so. This article offers some key points to consider, including anticipating the complexities of succession planning and facing the potential tax consequences.
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Making the most of preconstruction
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 531
Abstract: Once a contractor has signed on to a project, it’s important to take an active part in preconstruction. Committing to this process will not only help the job run more smoothly, but also increase the chances of prompt payment. This article looks at some common preconstruction issues and emphasizes the importance of group communication.
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Construction accounting update – New lease rules may add ink to your balance sheet
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: Many construction companies lease vehicles or equipment for use on their projects. Earlier this year, the FASB issued its long-awaited update revising the appropriate treatment of leases on financial statements. This article covers some of the pertinent details of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). A sidebar looks at how the guidance affects businesses that act as lessors.