Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros, by Pros) [Paperback]

David Gerstel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1561585300 | ISBN-13: 978-1561585304 | Publication Date: November 1, 2002 | Edition: Rev Upd

Running a small business can be daunting to the builder whose expertise is in the hands on work -- not finance or law. This book, written by a builder who came up through the trades himself -- and who for decades has run a highly respected and successful construction operation that does both remodeling and new construction -- helps to demystify the day-to-day challenges that contractors face. Running a Successful Construction Company is acknowledged as the leading book in its field. Includes 50 color photos and drawings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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 Author

--  good luck, David Gerstel

Product Details

• Paperback: 265 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press; Rev Upd edition (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561585300
• ISBN-13: 978-1561585304
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #70,306 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

73 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book, December 17, 2002

By 

Jim Paulin (Lincoln Park, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros, by Pros) (Paperback)

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 Paulin
Rubicon Construction
Lincoln Park, MI

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for starting a construction company, September 29, 2008

By 

Ravenskya "Princess of Horror" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros, by Pros) (Paperback)

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for those considering construction, October 9, 2006

By 

Steve (CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros, by Pros) (Paperback)

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.