Friday, January 30, 2015

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-SNOW

Happy Friday all!  It has been a long week with a lot of snow and alot of snow removal.  Hope everyone is helping out with cleaning side walks, exhaust pipes, mail boxes, and fire hydrants.  Keep in mind at those bus stops with high snow banks wait small children who might run out or slip and fall so be extra careful.  I thought this little cartoon sort of sums up what most of us are thinking about the potential of more snow. 



At least we have the "Big Game" to look forward to and here is one Patriot Fan showing their support.
 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Laborers, Carpenters/plumbers shortage

Found these numbers in Remodeling trade magazine, November 2014 issue, that I thought I would share.  The next generation the working class should keep these numbers in mind when thinking about what they want to be when they grow up.  Trade school might just be a good idea and your parents will thank you later because you saved them thousands in super expensive University tuition.

Construction laborers and carpenters rank 10th and 13th, on the list of job categories that will see the most growth by 2022.
  • 1.2 million -number of carpenters needed nationwide, 2022
  • 901,200 -number of carpenters nationwide, 2012
  • 6.5%-number of how many more jobs are forecast for, 2016
  • 11.52 million-number of jobs projected to commissioned this year nationwide.

A few years from now, an hour with a good plumber-if you can find one is going to cost more than an hour with a good psychiatrist. At which point we'll all be in need of both.  Mike Row, host of "Dirty Jobs", in testimony to Congress.

Currently things are slow so I guess it is a long slow journey but I do hope this is the way our industry goes.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Brookstone Builders, Inc-Tax Tips for new business/start-ups

We have made it past the holiday and have turned the page on a new calendar year and for many that means a new tax season.  For businesses and individuals you are probably closing out your expenses for 2014. 

In addition to keeping records of everything,( copies of signed slips, receipts, invoices, checks, bank statements, etc. ) keep them organized and  in a secure place. 

Here are a couple of other things to consider for taxes.

1) What type of classification is your company?  Be sure to consider all types LLC, Inc., etc.  each classification has different tax breaks.

2) Reimbursements.  Many small business owners have several different accounts in order to receive more tax deductions.  Consider setting up a MERP (medial expense reimbursement) plan, this type of plan allows you to convert your medical expenses into pre -taxed benefits.  There are limitations, so you have to do your homework to see if you and your business qualify.  Another one to consider is an accountable plan for your personally owned vehicle.  The corporation receives the tax deduction and you get money out of the company.   Finally, your home office/administrative office can also be a tax deduction.

So take the time to really map out your business, think about which direction your business is going in, It may not be there now but will it be some day.  Put the right accounts in place in order to help you save money. 

Friday, January 9, 2015

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-HVAC MNGR

Happy Friday. First full week in a long time and just a few hours until the weekend.  Enjoy and we will be back on Monday.  I thought  this one was  a good one considering the cold blast we have just been through.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Construction employment stats

Construction firms added jobs in 37 states over the last year and 30 states between January and February.

Florida led all state in both percentage and total construction gains with 11% rise and 39,200 new jobs between February 2013 and 2014. 

A total of 10 states plus D.C.  shed construction job between February 2013-2014 while employment was constant in three other states. 

California added the most jobs between January and February (14,100 jobs)
FPC May 2014

Though things are looking up in some areas we still have a way to go so here is hoping we keep moving things in the right direction in 2015.