Running a Successful Construction Company

by David Gerstel

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 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, Running a Successful Construction Company will give you the information you need to gain control of your operation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781561585304
Publisher:	Taunton Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	11/01/2002
Series:	For Pros By Pros
Edition description:	Revised, Updated ed.
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	405,243
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.88(h) x 0.61(d)

About the Author

Respected nationally for his books about house building and construction company management, David Gerstel has been a licensed builder for 35 years. His interests date back to his childhood and undergraduate days. An avid builder of tree houses during his elementary school years in North Carolina, he served as editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper at Brandeis Universitynear Boston. After college he set out to learn a trade, becoming a master carpenter and founding a construction company that rapidly earned respect for its upfront business practices and the integrity of its work. David's books are widely admired for their depth of research, expertise, readability, and humour. Along with his work, he enjoys tennis and reading about history, financial and environmental issues, and building design and construction as well as (especially) spending time with his wife Sandra.

Editorial Reviews

"Nothing I have seen addresses the management issues facing small-volume builders better than this book. (Gerstel) manages thoroughly to cover the basics in a way that is both informative and entertaining."  —Sal Alfano, editor-in-chief, Journal of Light Construction

"Gerstel's book is insightful, exceptionally readable and compelling. (It) inspires readers to plan and organize. Even the most successful and seasoned builders have expressed their appreciation." —Nuts and Bolts, publication of the Trade Guild "One of the first and by far the best book for the small contractor who wants to be a "Professional." —Builders BookSource "David Gerstel has achieved the ultimate American dream: for years he has worked for himself doing something he loves . . . He knows first hand what it takes for a small volume construction company to survive and prosper in any economic climate." —The Master Builder News "What elevates Gerstel to the top ranks of  professional remodeling is his exceptional ability to manage a company that produces the highest quality work." —Remodeling 

 

From the Publisher