The Builder's Guide to Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros By Pros) [Paperback]

David Gerstel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 1998

Dear reader:  

Even though I wrote this book, I would like to strongly recommend you do not buy it, but purchase my newer book instead. Here's why: The book shown here is described as  a 1998 book, but it was actually written in 1991!  The only thing that was changed in 1998 was the cover.  The 1991 book, which is what you are really getting when you buy this book, is outdated. You will be much better off spending your money and your time on my newer book, titled Running a Successful Construction Company. It's the one with the black cover that features a photo of  two guys setting a steel beam. It is a stronger book all around. 

You might also enjoy my new book, Crafting the Considerate House (2010), which is available here on Amazon.  

   Sincerely, David Gerstel

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

You don't need an MBA to create and run a thriving construction business, as David Gerstel knows from his own experience. But you do need a tight grip on the fundamentals of construction management and business organization. In this book, Gerstel shows you step by step how to drum up business, choose the right jobs to bid, and estimate them efficiently and accurately; write strong and balanced contracts, work with clients and architects, and document and collect for change orders; set up a compact office, organize and keep your books, and purchase cost-effective insurance; hire and manage crews, maintain a safe and productive work site; and keep your jobs on schedule. 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 run your own company, but feel overwhelmed, this book will give information that can cure those management headaches and help you gain control of your operation. Even if you're a seasoned and successful builder, Gerstel's innovative ideas can help you sharpen your management skills and tighten up your procedures.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (October 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583278
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583270
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,978,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Respected nationally for his books about house design and construction and construction management, David Gerstel has been a licensed builder for 35 years. His interest in building and in writing about it dates back to his elementary school years in North Carolina, when he constructed forts and tree houses and produced an illustrated guide to iconic historical structures from the Parthenon to the Blue Mosque for his sixth grade class. Later, he studied at University College, London, England and at Brandeis University in Boston where he was editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper. Shortly after graduation he set out to learn the whys and hows of building, eventually becoming a master carpenter. His company has long been respected in his community for the integrity of its work and its upfront business practices. His books have all earned praise for their depth of research and expertise along with their readability and humor. In his free time, David plays USTA tennis and reads about history, financial and environmental issues, and the process of imagining and making buildings.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful, but limited in scope, November 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Builder's Guide to Running a Successful Constructi (Best of Fine Homebuilding) (Paperback)

The information presented here is very useful IF you want to run a *small* construction company, specializing in single-family remodeling projects, just as the author has done.

Unfortunately, that wasn't what I was looking for. If you need information on how to branch out into other types of projects -- commercial or industrial -- or how to expand your business, you'd better get a different book. If you want to keep your company small and focused, however, this book would be a good place to start.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, October 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Builder's Guide to Running a Successful Constructi (Best of Fine Homebuilding) (Paperback)

Gerstel's book is full of insightful information that an up-and-coming contractor can use. His candid reveiw of his own pitfalls and successes along with pointers on how to avoid common headaches prooved a valuable tool for our company. We have grown to over a million dollars in volume a year and are still growing strong. We continue to adapt using many of Gerstel's suggestions. Definitely a good source of information for any new contractor.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Builder's Guide to Running a Successful Construction Company, April 13, 2001

By 

bvig (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Builder's Guide to Running a Successful Constructi (Best of Fine Homebuilding) (Paperback)

Very helpful and good book, for any small building contractor. I am building contractor my self for 8 years now and I found that info in this book is still very helpful and absolutely necessary for anybody who wishes to start his or her own construction company. I will definitely recommend it to anyone. Down to earth and very useful. Thank you David.