Running a Successful Construction Company

by David Gerstel

Book Overview

You don't need an MBA to create and run a thriving residential construction business, but you do need a tight grip on the fundamentals of construction management and business organization. In this completely revised second edition, David Gerstel shows how to create accurate estimates, set up an office, shop for insurance and keep the books, how to find the right jobs, figure costs, make bids, write strong contracts and handle change...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561585300
• ISBN13: 9781561585304
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Taunton Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.4" x 10.8"

Customer Reviews

Must read for starting a construction company

Most people who start construction companies start out as construction workers who get an opportunity. They are often brilliant at building, but lack training in the business aspect of running a company. My husband and I started a construction firm, he has 15 years experience in construction and I have plenty of business experience. Even with all that we knew between us, there were still huge gray areas in our knowledge base. Because I am an avid reader, I ordered about 15 different books on starting up and running a construction business. Some are wonderful, some are garbage... This book is helpful in that it really explains the business end of the construction industry. Though this won't tell you how to build a house or a hotel... it will tell you the logistics of bidding, tracking expenses, labor costs, time sheets, draws, and all kinds of other things the those not familiar with the industry might have problems with the first go round. It helps you to figure out all of the little things that you might forget when trying to determine "if I do the job for X will I make any money?" The book is quite colorful and has excellent graphs, drawings and pictures to really bring to light what they are explaining to you. If you are considering either starting a construction company, or trying to move up in one... I highly recommend this book.

Running a successful construction company

This has been a real eye opening book. This book has helped me to organize my accounting system in more stream line manner. I have put a plan together ot implement more of the systems into my business. This book is a must for anyone getting in or already in the construction business. It explains so many aspects of the business that no one tells you about.

Excellent book for those considering construction

This is a must read for anyone considering going into the construction business. As somebody who was in the business for almost 20 years, I wish this book was around when I first started. It covers all the bases and offers good advice on where to obtain the necessary items you'll need to get up and going.

shortcut to being informed

Although some of the content does not apply directly to Ausralian construction this book has given me a much better understanding of some key business components, in fact it has delivered more than i expected and helped me to focus on systems that i need to implement. It has also made me aware of the fact that some of my priorities needed to be re-aranged. I believe that this book will help my company keep up with the massive growth phase we are currently experiencing. David Gration. Director, Home Morph. Pty Ltd.

This is a great book

This is a great book for start up and existing construction companies alike. It explains many aspects of the business and how things should be done to ensure profitability and longevity. It has helped my company tremendously. Jim PaulinRubicon ConstructionLincoln Park, MI