Contractor's Survival Manual

by William D. Mitchell

Book Overview

Explains what it really takes to survive hard times in the construction industry and how to thrive in good economic times by taking full advantage of the business cycle. Whether you're just getting... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0910460426
• ISBN13: 9780910460422
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: Craftsman Book Company
• Length: 158 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.4" x 10.8"

Customer Reviews

Revised, updated and significantly expanded new edition

The construction industry is as profitable as it is competitive. Now in a revised, updated and significantly expanded new edition, "Contractor's Survival Manual" by licensed architect and successful general contractor William D. Mitchell (and now revised by Brian E. P. Beeston) offers practical, step-by-step, process-by-process advice and instruction on starting, operating, and maintaining a construction business. Mitchell covers such issues as setting realistic goals, the use of limited partnerships, working with local building officials, calculating finances (including overhead, contingency and profit margins, structuring a company, building financial reserves, project estimations, scheduling and contracts, marketing and building a prospect list, billings and collections, the impact of economic cycles, using other people's money, alternatives to bankruptcy, dealing with lawsuits (including judgements and liens), becoming an effective salesman with prospective clients, and generally knowing the all the ins and outs of the contracting business. Enhanced with major new sections on using personal computers for bookkeeping, scheduling, and other tasks, web addresses for information resources appropriate for construction contracting, the "Contractor's Survival Manual" is an absolute necessity for those new to the business, and has a great deal of practical value for even the more experienced contractor in the field.

Fantastic

Mitchell is full of wisdom drawn from the depths of experience with hitting the bottom in the construction business and digging your way out and making sure you do not visit the bottom again. It is very practical and not overly technical. A real easy read in a couple of sittings. Also, being an Architect he brings great perspective from the design arena and how the construction/design collaboration does and does not work. Read this book before ever jumping into the construction business.

must read for building contractors

This "straight talk" manual is a must read for all building contractors. Learn insights and a new perspective on your buisness. A How To manual for survival and success.