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Showing 97–112 of 398 results
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LEED isn’t the only green-building game in town
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Mention “green building” and most contractors think of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. LEED may be the front-runner in green building rating systems, but it’s not the only game in town. This brief article runs down alternatives that construction companies may encounter when working with project owners.
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Industry trends: Megaprojects are on the rise
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 534
Abstract: They’re big, and they’re big business. Megaprojects, large-scale and often high-profile construction projects that cost $1 billion or more, are taking the industry by storm. This article provides some stunning statistics on the trend and suggests questions a contractor should ask before submitting a bid.
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Reviewing the finer points of the Section 199A tax deduction
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: It’s been over a year since the IRS issued final regulations regarding Internal Revenue Code Section 199A. This Code Section created a tax deduction enabling owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations to write off up to 20% of their qualified business income. This article reviews the limits and construction specifics of the tax break.
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A surgical approach – Sharpen your project accounting with activity-based costing
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 934
Abstract: Activity-based costing is an accounting methodology that identifies activities and assigns a “cost driver” to each one based on resources consumed. This article explains how this approach can be applied to various jobsite activities. A sidebar points out that, once proper formulas are established, cost-driver calculations can often be applied for a long time.
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4 ways AI is impacting the construction industry
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has transitioned from science fiction to everyday life. Although the construction industry is sometimes wary of new technology, AI is becoming more and more prevalent on jobsites. This article looks at four examples: cameras/drones, 3D modeling, sensors and self-driving vehicles/robots.
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Walk the talk: Prioritizing company core values
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 546
Abstract: A contractor’s core values, or business principles, should be more than a superficial exercise in platitudes. When a construction business establishes a set of values, that company is proclaiming what they stand for and how they do business. This article explains why values are important and what to do with them once you’ve chosen a few.
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Viewing your lender as a business partner
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: It’s easy for contractors to get intimidated when applying for a business loan. One way to lower the stress level is to view lenders as partners rather than gatekeepers. This article explains why construction companies should articulate a clear rationale for a loan, shop around for a good provider and know the financial metrics that drive lending decisions.
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A symbiotic bond – How WIP reports relate to your financial statements
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 949
Abstract: Work in progress (WIP) reports are too often ignored and less often fully understood. A construction company’s WIP reports share a symbiotic bond with its financial statements — the two should be consistent in the information they present. This article looks at four different schedules of a typical WIP report and discusses how they relate to financial statements.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor ponders the ROI of wearable technology
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 456
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a contractor who specializes in building and renovating medical facilities. Recently, he began considering a purchase of “wearable tech” — data-gathering items that can be affixed to construction workers’ clothing. Before spending any money, however, he visited his financial advisor to discuss return on investment.
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4 reasons to review your business plan at year end
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 540
Abstract: Nearly all construction companies began with a business plan. But, once a business is up and running, the document tends to get buried either in a file cabinet or on a hard drive. This article suggests contractors dig out their business plans and use them to assess their operations, as well as to plan for the coming year.
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Contain the creep by carefully managing project scope
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 642
Abstract: No one likes a creep. When it comes to construction projects, one kind of creep that contractors must avoid is scope creep: when the actual work performed on a job gradually expands beyond the contract parameters without compensatory change orders. This article offers tips on how to avoid this costly problem.
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General contractor focus – Be mindful about subcontractor retainage
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 899
Abstract: Most construction projects succeed because of the strong relationships between general contractors and subcontractors. One source of conflict that can quickly sour the rapport is retainage. This article explains why general contractors should take a mindful approach to remitting subcontractors’ retainage. A sidebar looks at how to deal with slow-paying owners.
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Construction Success Story – Reluctant contractor looks for “likes” on social media
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features a high-end homebuilder who had been slow to adapt to social media. She didn’t think much of it until she stumbled across a competitor’s Facebook page and saw all the likes and comments. She mentioned the problem to her CPA, who had several initial suggestions, including choosing the right channels and leveraging cool imagery.
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Control job costs with smarter materials management
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 527
Abstract: Managing project costs can get tricky — especially in today’s construction materials marketplace. The goal of materials management is to ensure that the correct quantity and quality of materials are procured at the lowest possible prices and available when and where needed. This article offers some ideas on how to get the best results.
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A busy industry: M&A activity is hot in construction
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: The construction industry saw many merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in 2018. Although activity is expected to cool off by the end of 2019, there are still plenty of deals under consideration and in the works. This article discusses some fundamental M&A concepts that contractors should know.
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Year-end tax planning – Entity choice may evolve with your company
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: Choosing the ideal business structure for a construction company isn’t a simple decision. Entity choice may evolve over time, depending on the needs of ownership and the business itself. This article explores important issues related to re-evaluating business structure at year end. A sidebar touches on key points for contractors who own rental real estate.