News: Construction Design & Engineering
Posted: July 14, 2009
ASM wins reprieve on sales tax increase for construction
The sales tax increase to 6.5% takes effect August 1, but contractors will enjoy a temporary reprieve, thanks to a special exemption in the new law included at the urging of ASM. Specifically, the law grants an exemption for building materials and supplies purchased pursuant to a bid or a contract that predates the increase. The Dept. of Revenue (DOR) must still issue "transitional rules," which are expected to be similar to those in 1975, when the rate last increased. At the very least, we expect the current 5% rate will apply to materials purchased under a contract signed before the new rate kicks in; OR under a contract signed within 60 days of the increase, pursuant to a bid that predated the increase - provided the sale or use of materials takes place before Jan. 1, 2011. The special exemption will likely apply only to contracts without escalator clauses. Watch the DOR website for information on the "transitional rules" as they become available.
MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering
Construction Design & Engineering
Weston & Sampson earns award from ACEC for Arlington DPW job
Arlington, MA Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 58th annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA). The award comes for leading the renovation of the Arlington Department of Public Works (DPW) facility.
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Columns and Thought Leadership
The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder
When it comes to corporate interior spaces for both commercial and industrial projects, partnering with a design-build firm with in-house interior design services can offer clients many benefits. Unlike traditional delivery methods where interior designers operate independently from the design and construction teams, often creating a longer project timeline as cost negotiations and revisions ensue
Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?
The answer is “Yes!” While January marks the official new year, many businesses view September as a fresh start. This makes summer an ideal time for commercial property owners to schedule long-term electrical maintenance projects.
Ask the Electrician: How do I prepare my commercial building for a disaster?
New England’s notorious weather – from fierce winter storms to summer squalls and fall hurricanes – can leave businesses in the dark. While power outages are often blamed on storms, they can also be caused by unforeseen events like accidents or construction mishaps. While it’s impossible to prevent disasters and power outages entirely, proactive preparation can significantly minimize their impact on your commercial building.
State legislature ends session without passing PLA bill - by Joe Camilo
Massachusetts taxpayers dodged a bullet when the state Senate didn’t take up legislation passed by the House in the waning moments of the legislative session that would have made it easier for municipalities and state agencies to use union-only project labor agreements (PLAs) on construction projects.
