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Showing 129–144 of 242 results
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The Contractor’s Corner – Should I use my own crew or hire a sub?
Fall 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: In this issue’s “Contractor’s Corner,” we answer a query about a general contractor’s temptation to use his own work crew for projects instead of bringing in a subcontractor. As the article explains, quality concerns and contract requirements usually weigh in favor of hiring a subcontractor.
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How to calculate the damages of an owner-delayed project
Fall 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: There are instances when a project owner causes a delay that inflicts financial damages on the construction company performing the job. In these situations, contractors may have recourse under the conflict resolution measures established under the contract — or even by taking the owner to court. This article explains how to calculate delay damages under a defensible approach.
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Incentive-based safety programs: Benefits and risks
Fall 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 513
Abstract: Some construction companies can manage safety informally through stated rules, trust and accountability. But, as a business grows, a more formal approach may be warranted. Many contractors eventually consider an incentive-based safety program. This article describes both the benefits and risks of these programs.
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Year end accounting for contractors – Put yourself in prime position for 2016
Fall 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 936
Abstract: Year end represents an excellent opportunity for contractors to perform a number of accounting-related tasks that can put them in prime position to have a successful and profitable 2016. This article offers several detailed examples of such tasks, while a sidebar suggests three important questions to ask about tax planning.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Are payroll cards a good idea for construction companies?
Summer 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 448
Abstract: In this issue’s “Contractor’s Corner,” we answer a query about the feasibility of payroll cards for construction companies. Under this practice, employers issue workers a magnetic-striped card (much like a credit or debit card) that links to a payroll account. As the article explains, doing so offers cost savings and convenience for the business but comes with significant legal and administrative risks.
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Finding solid ground when it comes to sales and use taxes
Summer 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: Contractors often peer across state lines and envision vast, profitable fields of green. But, without proper preparation, a construction company can find itself on shaky ground because of sales and use taxes. This article advises contractors to do their research and remain flexible in their efforts to cope with this taxation dilemma.
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3 ways to manage backlog (before it manages you)
Summer 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 522
Abstract: For contractors, a healthy backlog is a good thing. But having too much of this good thing can lead to project delays and frustrated customers. This article offers three ways to stay in control: approaching bids methodically, tracking mobilization times and managing customers’ expectations.
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Appraisals in action – Discover the underlying value drivers of your business
Summer 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 910
Abstract: Many contractors likely have a general idea of some of the primary elements that drive the value of their business. But there are a number of underlying value drivers that can impact an appraisal. This article looks at licenses and permits, engineering-related assets, and goodwill — all of which can reveal previously unseen perspectives on a construction company. A sidebar offers several reasons why contractors should get a valuation, even when they’re not selling the company.
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The Contractor’s Corner – What should I do with my idle equipment?
Spring 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: In this issue’s “Contractors Corner,” we answer a question about what to do with a piece of idle construction equipment. There are essentially three choices: keep it, sell it or scrap it. The article discusses key points about each option.
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3 sneaky threats to a good estimate
Spring 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 518
Abstract: Many contractors have a set approach to estimates that they’ve been using for years. If it’s working, great! But estimating is still an area fraught with risks, where even minor mistakes can add up to many lost dollars. This article points out three threats to a good estimate that can sneak up on even the savviest of estimators.
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Creating a crisis communication plan
Spring 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: Negative fallout from a mishandled job-site crisis can have a lasting impact on a construction company’s bottom line. That’s why every contractor needs a crisis communication plan. This article explains how to create crisis categories, train company communicators and consider the emotional toll of difficult situations.
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Construction accounting outlook – AICPA’s Audit Risk Alert raises red flags
Spring 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 948
Abstract: As contractors strive to reach year end with sound financial statements and a healthy bottom line, it helps to know from where threats might arise. One trustworthy source of pertinent information is the latest Audit Risk Alert, Real Estate and Construction Industry Developments, produced by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. This article delves into a number of red flags, all of which may lead to material misstatements in financial reporting. A sidebar looks at three important accounting developments for those who follow GAAP.
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The Contractor’s Corner – What’s the big deal about telematics?
Winter 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 441
Abstract: Under a simple definition, telematics is the electronic transmission of information from machine parts to a central database. In the last few years, software developers have stepped up their games in offering systems that deliver practical data about vehicles and heavy equipment to contractors and their fleet managers. This article explains how telematics can help contractors save money on vehicle maintenance.
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Recent law promotes training for skilled construction workers
Winter 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 506
Abstract: The signing into law of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) this past July didn’t garner many headlines. But the act’s potential impact on the construction industry is indeed newsworthy, for the act represents a chance to do something about the skilled labor shortage that’s been plaguing contractors for years. This article looks at the law’s attempt to consolidate and enhance a wide variety of federally run job-training programs.
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3 key factors in succession planning
Winter 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Succession planning is an important activity for every business owner. Moreover, it’s never too early to start thinking about the general concepts involved. This article describes three key succession planning factors to consider: the family, the buyer and the market.
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Recognize this – New accounting rules for contracts are coming soon
Winter 2015
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 940
Abstract: Last year, FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update intended to improve financial statement comparability. It establishes five steps to follow when determining the proper time to recognize revenue from contracts on financial statements. For construction companies that follow U.S. GAAP, this was a significant development that will likely grow in importance over the next couple of years. This article discusses why, and includes a sidebar explaining how to account for change orders under the new rules.