[PDF] A Simple Guide To Turning A Profit As A Contractor eBook

Author : Melanie Hodgdon
Publisher : Dog Ear Publishing
Page : 216 pages
File Size : 47,82 MB
Release : 2009-10
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9781608442546

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This is the book you should have bought the day you decided you could make more money running a construction company than banging nails for somebody else. It provides you with the answers to those business questions that plague contractors: what am I doing wrong and what's stopping me from making the money that I deserve? You'll meet Mike, a remodeler who thought he owned a business but actually had a low-paying job. Many contractors start out like Mike. This book, in a very simple and easy to understand way, follows Mike as he learns to understand his numbers, adopts new systems, and creates a repeatable process for profit. "Every contractor should read this book. It is the first and only book that makes the numbers game easy to understand, but, more importantly, easy to incorporate into a contractor's business. Bravo!" - Shawn McCadden, CR, CLC, CAPS, award-winning remodeler, columnist, and nationally recognized remodeling industry specialist. "The authors have distilled many of the mysteries of the small-business person who can no longer manage the business by quick thinking and fast actions." - Mike Gorman, CR, construction industry author and speaker. "Contractors love a good story, and that's what they get. All of the basics are covered, including cash flow analysis, distinguishing job costs from overhead expenses, and calculating mark-up." - Sal Alfano, Editorial Director, Hanley Wood Business Media. Melanie Hodgdon (Business Systems Management, Inc.) and Leslie Shiner, MBA (The ShinerGroup) both manage successful consulting and coaching companies. With over 40 years combined experience, they help contractors better understand and improve business practices and maximize profits. In 2007, they began to work on a series of joint projects that would capitalize on their combined talents. This book is one product of that collaboration.

Author : Michael C. Stone
Publisher :
Page : 332 pages
File Size : 32,97 MB
Release : 2012
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9781572182714

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In order to succeed in a construction business, you have to be able to price your jobs to cover all labor, material and overhead expenses, and make a decent profit. But calculating markup is only part of the picture. If you're going to beat the odds and stay in business -- profitably, you also need to know how to write good contracts, manage your crews, work with subcontractors and collect on your work. This book covers the business basics of running a construction company, whether you're a general or specialty contractor working in remodeling, new construction or commercial work. The principles outlined here apply to all construction-related businesses. You'll find tried and tested formulas to guarantee profits, with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow examples to help you learn how to operate your business successfully. Includes a link to free downloads of blank forms and checklists used in this book.

Author : Michael Stone
Publisher : Craftsman Book Co
Page : 316 pages
File Size : 43,87 MB
Release : 1999-01-01
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9781572180710

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In order to succeed in a construction business you have to be able to mark up the price of your jobs to cover overhead expenses and make a decent profit. The problem is how much to mark it up. You don't want to lose jobs because you charge too much, and you don't want to work for free because you've charged too little. If you know how much to mark up you can apply it to your job costs and arrive at the right sales price for your work. This book gives you the background and the calculations necessary to easily figure the markup that is right for your business. Includes a CD-ROM with forms and checklists for your use.

Author : Thomas C. Schleifer
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 292 pages
File Size : 31,21 MB
Release : 2014-03-31
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 1118836944

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Take control of your construction contracting business and manage it through the natural highs and lows of the construction market. Learn from a team of construction business veterans led by Thomas C. Schleifer, who is commonly referred to as a construction business "turnaround" expert due to the number of construction companies he has rescued from financial distress. His financial acumen, combined with his practical, hands-on experience, has made him a sought-after private consultant. His experience and no-nonsense philosophy have truly given him a unique perspective. Important topics covered include: Understanding the primary areas of construction business failure in the next decade Minimizing business risk with real-world examples Developing a positive and competent management attitude and strategy Discover how to maneuver through this complicated and risky industry by using the authors' research and proven success strategies to sustain and grow your business.

Author : Robert Baldwin
Publisher :
Page : 180 pages
File Size : 40,36 MB
Release : 2012-02-01
Category :
ISBN : 9780578082530

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This book covers the business aspects of construction, and is written for general contractors as well as subcontractors. Subjects examined in depth include the following: Sales Techniques and Strategies: Includes a basic sales plan and 15 key sales tactics to be used in negotiations with clients. There is also an extensive section devoted to closing techniques. The advice contained in this chapter will increase builders' closing percentages and help them avoid wasting time on customers who will never buy. Estimating: This chapter presents the only estimating formula a builder will ever need and gives precise information on how to figure overhead and profit into their estimates. This section also examines the differences between estimating for remodeling and for new construction. Advertising, Website Design, and Social Media: Discusses the extent to which each trade should use traditional advertising media, presents a case for a reduced emphasis on traditional advertising in general, and sets forth 8 ways to achieve an alternative to conventional advertising that will increase the size and quality of the response. Also covers website design and optimization, and social media, in depth. Kitchen Design and Cabinetry: This section contains an overview of the most important area of knowledge for remodeling contractors, that is, kitchen design, and presents the basics of the technical aspects of cabinetry and dealerships. Accounting, Tax Avoidance and Record Keeping: Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the different business forms and accounting methods, gives the procedures for forming sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations, and examines how each affects taxes. The Legal Aspects of Construction: Covers lien law and the legal relationship between the contractor and his clients, and details the provisions contained in construction contracts. This book also contains a general construction contract, a contract for use between contractors and subcontractors, and a construction management agreement. Subjects also covered in this book are employee relations, bankruptcy options, survival strategies, and a discussion about trends and influences that will impact the future of the industry.

Author : Greg Vanden Berge
Publisher : Greg Vanden Berge
Page : 72 pages
File Size : 26,49 MB
Release : 2011-04-28
Category : House & Home
ISBN :

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"Contractor Secrets Finally Revealed To The Public" For years I've been threatening contractors to write a book like this and I finally did. Some of the contractors I've worked with in the past, don't want the information in this book to ever be revealed. Contractor secrets like these are usually taken to the grave and wouldn't ever be revealed. These secrets can provide property owners with valuable negotiating tools that contractor's desperately don't want you to have. You can't negotiate effectively, if you don't understand your opponent. In this book you'll learn how to negotiate effectively with contractors, compare estimates and find contractors. This book provides you with plenty of tips on how to sort through the professionals to find the real winners. Contractor's Personalities In recent years, human behavior and psychology have played an important role in construction job sales. Contractors like myself are starting to study and learn more about different personalities. Some of this information is priceless and if you're looking for a good contractor, you need to understand how to communicate and interact with them effectively. Hiring the wrong contractor isn't just going to cost you a lot of money or waste your time, it's going to create other problems that you might not be aware of. There's a section in this book that talks about conflicting personalities and how you can avoid dealing with them. If you're an arrogant person, there's a good chance that you're not going to get along with another arrogant person. If you're someone who can't make decisions and you're not interested in someone forcing you to make them, you'll need to avoid hiring an aggressive contractor. Aggressive contractors can force their clients into accepting unnecessary change orders and creating a hostile working environment. In the book you'll find personalities that don't work well with other personalities and this by itself, could be worth 10 times the actual amount you're actually paying for this book.

Author : Bill Carillon
Publisher :
Page : 160 pages
File Size : 13,89 MB
Release : 1999
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9780738803050

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This book is a well-developed, principally oriented information source, gathered from years of experience in the Civil Engineering and Construction industry. The content is clear, simple, yet thorough in its depth. The author hopes the reader will review in detail the chapters on Planning and Sales since these are essential to making your company more profitable. Furthermore, the chapters on Crews and Methods, scheduling and production control will unable your company to implement sound cost control measures. Other critical information is contained in the Time Management, Negotiation and Training chapters. All the information contained within this book has but one focus in mind... THE BOTTOM LINE. This book can be used as a powerful tool within your company. Read and refer to it often. I trust you will use this information more like a manual versus a book. I encourage you to write specific notes on the pages and refer to these notes on a regular basis. By doing so, you will become my co-author and those ideas will grow and soon benefit your company on a regular basis. Take and learn from the 40 years of experience Ive gained. This book is a must for the individual, small business and large organization alike. BOOK DISCUSSION This book represents a compilation of over forty years experience in the Civil Engineering and construction industry. It is written as a guide or manual that every person within your organization who reads it, will gain valuable insight and knowledge to all aspects of their specialty. This book is RESULTS oriented, with clear, easy to follow guidance that will increase your companys productivity. Chapter 1 outlines the Overview Planning process within your firm. You will learn to identify the general objectives, goals and strategies of your company and the purposes of each activity. You will be able to identify the various Stakeholders within your organization and their roles within as well as the general condition of your company. Chapter 2 discusses Marketing strategies within your organization. It further explores your firms capabilities, target clients, areas of influence, financial resources as well as true tables to meet your market objectives. Chapter 3 is crucial to the Sales strategy of your firm and the acquisition of jobs/projects. You will see how your sales plan can be developed and coordinated with your planning concepts. Additionally, this chapter will identify your specific sales program with information regarding bidding verses negotiating, risk factors, competition and your companies overall sales climate. To assist your sales team, the book reviews Sales presentations, generations of leads, entertainment, Newsletters, brochures and photos. Lastly.in this chapter you will find sound principles in Sales Training. Chapter 4 rounds out the discussion on sales. This chapter outlines the methods to produce effective Sales Calls. You will be able to identify your action person who represents the client, identify the specific needs of the client and the information required making an effective and persuasive sales call. You will be able to manage and track a successful Sales Call program to include: sales call strategies, sales call reports, and sales call analysis. Chapter 5 begins a comprehensive discussion on Estimating. You will learn about procedures to set up your estimate and the cost relationships you can use for estimating and cost control. You will also see the steps required to prepare your estimate and check lists proven essential to eliminating costly errors in preparing your proposal. You will also read about 6 pitfalls to avoid insuring a complete bid as well as 4 hazards to avoid when dealing with sub-contractors. Other valuable tips for determining the proper profit for each type of job and t

Author : Nick B. Ganaway
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 209 pages
File Size : 41,38 MB
Release : 2006
Category : Architecture
ISBN : 075068108X

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A basic guide only, this book is intended to provide the reader with general information about construction business management, based on the author's personal experience. As such it is not intended as a replacement for professional advice.

Author : Shawn Van Dyke
Publisher :
Page : 218 pages
File Size : 10,51 MB
Release : 2018-12-03
Category :
ISBN : 9781790264506

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Construction industry business coach, speaker, and author, Shawn Van Dyke, has taken the core concepts of Mike Michalowicz's Profit First and customized them to address the specific needs of the construction industry. Profit First for Contractors addresses the major struggles contractors face and provides clear and actionable guidance on how to overcome them. Shawn shows contractors how to go from simply getting by to becoming permanently profitable. This book is for every construction business owner who dreams of prosperity. Using Van Dyke's Profit First for Contractors system, readers will learn how to break out of the "craftsman cycle" - the seemingly never-ending loop of urgent tasks and responsibilities that keep contractors from gaining traction toward their important goals. He guides construction business owners how to understand their financial statements and how to use them to determine the markup and margin that lead to profits. You will also learn hot to develop solid rules of thumb for the operation of your construction businesses, and how to implement an effective cash management plan that simplifies accounting and leverages normal human behavior. Using real-life stories from actual construction business owners, step-by-step advice, and his conversational twang, Van Dyke puts permanent profitability within reach of every construction business owner.

Author : Claudiu Fatu
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Page : 224 pages
File Size : 19,85 MB
Release : 2015-03-17
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 1621534707

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This incisive, practical guide provides a thorough breakdown of the ins and outs everyone needs to know when turning contracting skills into a business. From summoning the motivation to start your own business to the intricacies of being your own boss, Claudiu Fatu artfully turns his personal experiences and those of other successful contractors into advice on every aspect of building a business. The chapters focus on: Developing a business structure, including bank accounts, tax registration, insurance, and branding Handling legal and accounting hurdles Managing employees and dealing with clients Using marketing systems to find and book work Estimating and bidding on jobs Writing contracts Creating invoices and a billing system Controlling costs, keeping records, and understanding profit margin Planning retirement and other benefits for the self-employed By teaching contractors to anticipate problems that can arise when dealing with clients, and to build a business plan that can support a contractor’s talents in the best way possible, Starting Your Career as a Contractor is the ultimate manual to getting the job done right! Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.