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Showing 17–32 of 398 results
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Flying high with a drone while staying grounded about the risks
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: Many people enjoy using drones for taking cool videos and scoring points on social media. Contractors, however, have many actual and viable business uses for these high-flying tech devices. This article offers a bird’s-eye view of the current state of drone usage in the construction industry, including the potential benefits and risks.
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5 tips for a smoother surety experience
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 548
Abstract: For construction businesses, sometimes winning a bid isn’t enough. On some projects, publicly funded ones in particular, contractors need to obtain a surety bond to do the work. Dealing with a surety is an experience unto itself. This article offers five tips to help ensure that the relationship goes as smoothly as possible.
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Crossing state lines? Brush up on sales and use taxes
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: Construction companies tend to be highly mobile. When a construction business gets so mobile that it crosses state lines, the leadership of that company needs to know what they’re getting into when it comes to sales and use taxes. Different states handle them in different ways. This article reviews some of the basic concepts involved.
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Labor burden rate – Ensure bids account for this critical metric
July / August 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: The construction industry may be transforming itself technologically, but projects still depend on boots on the ground to get the job done. That’s why contractors need to maintain a constant awareness of how much they’re paying for labor and what effect that has on profitability. This article discusses how to calculate labor burden rate, a key indirect cost. A sidebar looks at another type of burden rate that tracks inventory costs.
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7 social media tips for construction companies
May / June 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 463
Abstract: For better or worse, social media has become a part of many people’s daily lives. As such, it’s a marketing tool that almost every type of business should try to use. And, yes, that includes construction companies. This article offers up seven tips for succeeding on social media, including choosing the right channels and getting comfortable with video.
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Uh oh, where did my profits go?
May / June 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 536
Abstract: “Let’s pretend we’re in business to make money,” goes the old sarcastic quip. Many construction business owners may find themselves muttering it when the profit margin of a given project slowly dwindles to zero. This article discusses the problem, commonly known as “profit fade,” and suggests several ways that contractors can mitigate its ill effects.
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Perusing PIP clauses are in every contractor’s best interest
May / June 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 658
Abstract: Construction contracts are multifaceted documents. One chunk of legal language that has caused much controversy over the years is the pay-if-paid (PIP) clause. It stipulates that a general contractor will pay subcontractors only if payment is received from the project owner. This article explains why contractors need to get and stay up to speed on the latest legal implications of PIP clauses.
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Midyear tax planning – Document key deductions now to lower next year’s bill
May / June 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 939
Abstract: Although it’s tempting to forget about taxes until it’s time to file, the savviest construction business owners carefully track and document deductible expenses throughout the year. This article suggests six types of deductions to keep an eye on, including depreciation and training. A sidebar explains why contractors shouldn’t ignore the possibility of claiming the research credit.
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Know what you’re getting into with an IDIQ contract
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: For the right type of construction company, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract can be a lucrative revenue stream. But being at the “beck and call” of a federal agency isn’t particularly easy. This article discusses how IDIQ contracts work and what steps a contractor should take to be prepared for one.
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How blockchain could change construction
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: For reasons both good and bad, cryptocurrency has been in the news in recent months. The trading of these digital investments is made possible by a “digital ledger” technology called blockchain. Could this technology be used for construction contracts? As this article explains, yes, it’s entirely plausible and would offer some intriguing benefits.
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Is it time to formalize your subcontractor prequalification process?
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: Operating successfully as a general contractor involves engaging and coordinating qualified and competent subcontractors. Or, to put it another way, the failure of a subcontractor can materially affect the reputation and profitability of the general contractor. This article explores how general contractors can mitigate their risk by creating a detailed, comprehensive subcontractor prequalification process.
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Safety first, safety always – Controlling workers’ compensation costs in the current environment
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 927
Abstract: Any experienced contractor will tell you: Every safety incident comes with hidden costs, including rising workers’ compensation premiums. If a construction business suffers multiple incidents, the financial impact can be devastating. This article notes some troubling recent statistics and suggests some best practices for keeping workers safe and controlling workers’ compensation costs. A sidebar urges contractors to double-check their experience modification factors.
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4 ways to wise up to smart buildings
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 456
Abstract: Everything is connected, or so they say. In a smart building, all of the major systems really are connected … to the Internet. And projects to build these types of structures are growing in popularity. This article offers up four ways that contractors can adjust their expectations when working on a smart building.
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CHIPS Act offers opportunities and challenges
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 520
Abstract: When the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science (CHIPS) Act was signed into law, most of the hubbub was about how manufacturers would benefit. But not so fast, construction businesses have been handed a great opportunity as well. This article describes how the new law will likely create billions of dollars’ worth of projects for contractors qualified to perform them.
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How to up your financial reporting game
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: Most contractors would probably rather be on the jobsite than hunched over a spreadsheet. But there’s no denying the key role that accurate and exhaustive financial statements and other reports can play in the success and growth of the business. This article discusses several ways that a construction company can improve at financial reporting.
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What does the future hold? Checking up on backlog: the industry’s and yours
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 914
Abstract: Few construction companies can get by bidding on, performing and completing one job at a time. The typical practice is to build up a backlog of projects that ensures the business will be busy for the immediate and maybe even long-term future. This article explains how contractors can engage in backlog management using industry data as well as company-focused best practices. A sidebar notes that key performance indicators can greatly aid in this effort.