The Black Hills construction industry stages one of its biggest events of the year this weekend, the Black Hills Home Builders Association Spring Parade of Homes. In all, 16 homes priced from $140,000 to more than $500,000 will be open to people who want to see the latest trends in construction and decorating, said Tyler Tribby board member of BHBBA.

For builders, the Parade of Homes is an opportunity to show their wares directly to the public. Unlike other businesses, some contractors don’t have retail shops or shelves stacked with inventory. That’s one of many differences between construction and other businesses.

In addition, the Black Hills construction industry relies on the weather, which can be unpredictable. Tribby said weather delays at one stage of construction can affect the whole sequence of materials delivery, subcontractor schedules and project completion. “You can kind of predict what might happen, but you can only do so much,” he said.

And in many cases, a contractor’s payday comes only after the job is done, the spec house is sold, or the construction milestone is met. Yet crews and suppliers need to be paid regularly.

Construction can be a financial rollercoaster, but Ketel Thorstenson LLP’s Construction Group can help. KTLLP serves as a trusted advisor to construction businesses of all sizes in the Black Hills area. The Construction Group can help with everything from tax planning and return preparation to job/overhead cost analysis, equipment purchase analysis and surety bonding assistance.

By the way, if you want to tour the Spring Parade of Homes, you can pick up Black Hills Builder Magazine at one of 250 area businesses. Inside you’ll find maps and other information about the Spring Parade of Homes. The Parade is Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.