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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 orders. The new edition includes updates on business information technology and a discussion of how the increasing complexity in construction technology has changed the way construction companies are organized.

If you're starting your own contracting business, the systems Gerstel offers will help you get going with low overhead and without drowning in paperwork. If you already own your own company, this book will give you the information you need to gain control of your operation. 272 pp.

Taunton's For Pros By Pros Running a Successful Construction Company - Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• PART ONE: GETTING READY
  • A Builder's Career
    • What It Takes
    • Opportunities and Challenges
    • Making a Plan
  • A Builder's Tools
    • Office and Shop
    • Computers in Construction
    • Policy Statement
    • Operating Capital
    • Insurance
  • 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
  • Entering the Marketplace
    • Marketing
    • Connecting with Design Professionals
    • Evaluating Projects
    • Competitive Bidding
    • Design/Build
    • Cost Planning
  • Estimating and Bidding
    • Nailing Your Numbers
    • Gathering Information
    • Calculating Direct Costs
    • Figuring Overhead
    • Figuring Profit
    • Alternative Methods
  • Construction Contracts
    • Why and Which One
    • The Agreement
    • The Conditions
    • Two Critical Conditions: Change Orders and Dispute Resolution
    • Subcontracts
• PART THREE: GETTING THE JOBS DONE RIGHT
  • Labor, Materials, and Subcontractors
    • Hiring and Firing
    • Crew
    • Project Leads and Delegation
    • Pay
    • Subcontractors and Suppliers
  • Project Management
    • Safety First
    • Job Setup
    • Running Projects
    • Working with Clients
• Resources
• Glossary
• Index