According to a new analysis of federal employment data released last week by the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment declined in 179 out of 337 metropolitan areas between April 2010 and April 2011. AGC officials noted that despite recent increases in private-sector construction activity, the layoffs are occurring as public investments in
Contractor’s Time Clock: Why Is It Important for Federal Prevailing Wage Projects
One of my favorite vendors at the CONEXPO / CONAGG show featured the job clock system by ExakTime. They had a prime corner spot in one of the main exhibit halls and each representative greeted you with a smile from ear to ear. When I returned from Las Vegas to the real
Contractors, How Long Should You Keep Your Tax (and Project) Records?
I received an alert from my friends at KraftCPAs yesterday with the following subject line: "How long should your keep you tax records?"
The post by Morganne Keel contains some very basic, succinct and easy-to-implement ideas for document retention of tax records, including the following:
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Individual taxpayers
Keep at least three years, but
How To Prove a Constructive Change or Extra Work Claim
Many construction cases that end up in court or arbitration do so because contractors are unable to prove each of the elements of its claim. Additionally, the value of many out-of-court settlements is also reduced because the contractor is unable to prove each of the elements of this claim.
One of the more litigated issues
Heart and Mind: Joint Venture Agreements on Construction and Transportation Projects
A recent article in the Nashville Business Journal equated a joint venture on a construction project to a marriage: "Want a successful joint venture? Think seamless."
The article offered several points of what should be addressed in the joint venture agreement before pursuing work:
- Address potential consequences. Parties should address the potential consequences
Smile: It’s How You Make a Meaningful Connection at a Trade Show
It is time for some new running shoes. In the past month, I attended two major trade shows after speaking to the particular industry association. First, I was humbled to speak to the Kentucky chapter of USGBC on the ASHRAE 189.1 standards and the International Green Construction Code, as well as some of the top
Do You Have a Disaster Recovery or Emergency Plan?
I have never been to Japan. I cannot begin to understand the tremendous circumstances the country and its people have experienced. However, I have lived through a natural disaster. Many of my Nashville friends and clients found themselves in a mess of trouble earlier this year during the May floods.
What did we learn?
Surviving Your First Ten Years As a Lawyer (or Contractor or Executive)
I realize that many different types of people read this blog: contractors, architects, consultants, homeowners, lawyers … and the list goes on. Despite our differences in vocation or industry, I think we all have a few things in common: (1) we all will face adversity in our lives; (2) we all have desire to be better
Young Leaders in AGC Give to Local Ronald McDonald House…Are You Giving?
I am on the board of the Construction Leadership Council of the AGC of Middle Tennessee. Earlier today, we presented a check to the Ronald McDonald House Charities to help support their great work for sick children and their families in and around Nashville, Tennessee.
As I drove back to the office, I thought
I Am No Construction Prophet, But Expect More Economic Challenges in 2011
Last week, I was selected as a Top 20 Under 40 professional by McGraw Hill’s South Central Construction magazine. (…Thanks @SCConstruction…I’m humbled…) In an exchange of emails, one of the editors asked me to identify some of the challenges for the construction industry in 2011 and how contractors should manage and deal