Business

Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros, by Pros)

David Gerstel
Builders know how to build, but maybe not much about finance, marketing, hiring, and the law as it affects building. This book demystifies the day-to-day challenges that all small contractors face, and is completely updated from the earlier edition. Part of the Taunton Press series, For Pros By Pros. Completely revised and updated.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction

PART ONE: GETTING READY

1. A Builder's Career
What It Takes
Opportunities & Challenges
Making a Plan

2. A Builder's Tools
Office & Shop
Computers in Construction
Policy Statement
Operating Capital
Insurance

3. A Builder's Numbers
Knowing Your Numbers
Starting with a Shoebox
Moving Up to a One-Write System
Keeping Job Cost Records
Adding Payroll
Leaping to a Computer Program
Going Deeper into Your Numbers

PART TWO: GETTING THE RIGHT JOBS

4. Entering the Marketplace
Marketing
Connecting with Design Professionals
Evaluating Projects
Competitive Bidding
Design/Build
Cost Planning

5. Estimating & Bidding
Nailing Your Numbers
Gathering Information
Calculating Direct Costs
Figuring Overhead
Figuring Profit
Alternative Methods

6. Construction Contracts
Why and Which One
The Agreement
The Conditions
Two Critical Conditions: Change Orders & Dispute Resolution
Subcontracts

PART THREE: GETTING THE JOBS DONE RIGHT

7. Labor, Materials, & Subcontractors
Hiring & Firing
Crew
Project Leads & Delegation
Pay
Subcontractors
Suppliers

8. Project Management
Safety First
Job Setup
Running Projects
Working with Clients

Resources
Glossary

Index