Mastering the Construction Startup

CONTENTS Author’s Disclaimer

Why Read This Book?

What is Business Infrastructure?

You’re Not Alone

What You Can Learn

About the Author

Introduction

 

PART 1

THE CONTRACTOR

Chapter 1. Entrepreneurial Characteristics      

It’s Not Easy

Your Dual Role as Owner and Manager of Your Company

Passion for Your New Baby is Good, but…

Chapter 2. Company Culture

Chapter 3. Elements of Leadership

Vision and Strategic Direction

Emotional Intelligence

Communication Skills

Adaptability and Resilience

Integrity and Ethical Leadership

Team Development and Empowerment

 

PART 2

REGULATORY MATTERS

Chapter 4. Business and Government Regulations

Incorporating Your Company

Registration in Other States

Registered Agent

Professional Licensing

Municipal Business Licensing and Permitting

Corporations and LLCs

The LLC

The S Corporation

The C Corporation

Sole Proprietorship

Partnership

Partnership Agreement

Establishing Your Corporate Identity

Choosing the Name for Your Company

 

PART 3

GETTING IT DONE

Chapter 5. The General Contractor

The Owner – Contractor Relationship

Managing Risk

Construction Type

Union or Non-Union

Managing the Common Causes for Contractor Failure

Increase in Project Size

Changing Your Geographic Area

Taking on a New Type of Construction

Lack of Management Maturity

Task Dependency Software

Construction Document Software

Construction Bookkeeping Software

Awareness of the Economy and Other Business Threats and Opportunities

Negotiation

Proactively Manage Budgets

Demand High Quality

Cultivate Relationships

Meet the Schedule

Stakeholder Communication

Human Resources Management

Trust

Marketing

Chapter 6. Subcontractor Management

Effective Subcontract Documents

Trust

Prequalification of Subcontractors

Subcontractor Proposal and Scope of Work

Notice to Proceed Precaution

Official Notice

Inspection of the Subcontractor Work             

Topographical Site Survey

Differing Conditions

Independent Contractor vs Payroll Employee

IRS Regulations for Independent Contractors

Managing Change Orders

Effective Change Order Procedures

Chapter 7. Construction Disputes

Design Defects

Workmanship Defects

Negligence

Changes in Scope

Changes in the Work

Contract Terms and Conditions

Payment

Methods of Dispute Resolution

Negotiation

Mediation

Arbitration

Chapter 8. Project Delay

Causes for Delay

Be Prepared

Chapter 9. Contracts and Agreements

What is a Contract?

The Value of a Written Agreement

Types of Construction Contracts

Lump Sum Contract

Unit Price Contract

Cost-Plus Contract

Incentive Contract

Design-Build Contract

Getting Paid

Example Lawsuit

 

PART 4

RESOURCES

Chapter 10. Lawyers

Construction Industry Lawyer

General Practice or Business Lawyer

Employment Lawyer

Workers Compensation Lawyer

Real Estate Lawyer

Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer

Civil Litigation Lawyer

Tax Lawyer

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer

Immigration Lawyer

Estate Planning Lawyer

Deal Making

Chapter 11. Accounting and Taxes

Tax Preparation

The Income Statement (Profit and Loss Statement)

The Balance Sheet

Statement of Cash Flows

Summary

 

Chapter 12. Hiring the Right People

So, Who Are the Right People?

Tips For Interviewing Prospective Employees

Job Benefits

Jobsite Facilities and Conveniences

Onboarding New Employees

Employee Meetings

Employee Handbook

Non-Compete Agreement

Chapter 13. Banking

Loan Documentation

Personal Guarantee

Variable Rate Loans

Credit Unions

Private Lenders

Chapter 14. Construction Insurance

General/Commercial Liability Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Builders’ Risk Insurance

Business Owners Policy

Product Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Commercial Property Insurance

Fidelity Insurance

Home-Based Business Insurance

Co-Insurance

Making Claims

Performance and Payment Bonds

Performance Bonds

Payment Bonds

Summary

Chapter 15. Business Plan

Purpose and Evaluation

Presentation for the User

Proposal Guidelines

 

PART 5

IDEAS

Chapter 16. Niche Contracting

Advantages of Niche Contracting

Additional Niche Advantages

Chain Store Owners and Franchisors

Chapter 17. Outside Board of Advisors

Is an Advisory Board Necessary?

Chapter 18. Case Study of an Existential Business Crisis—A Personal Account

Another Shoe Drops

A Perfect Storm

Looking Back

A Tough Decision

The Personal Effect

Success, at Last

Chapter 19. Investing in Real Estate as a Parallel Business

Owning STNL Properties—a Successful Proven Strategy

General Characteristics of Single-tenant Net-lease Properties

The STNL Marketplace

Primary Factors in Pricing an STNL Property

Replacing the Property Early

STNL Properties vs the Stock Market

The Case For Investing In Real Estate

Dealing With Capital Gains Tax

The 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange

In Conclusion

Chapter 20. Summary Checklist for Startup Businesses

What to Do First

Chapter 21. Useful Reading

Acknowledgements

Appendix Contents

Appendix A - Partnership Agreement Example

Appendix B - Non-Compete Agreement Example

Appendix C - Business Loan Proposal Form Example

Appendix D - Business Plan Example 1

Appendix E - Board of Advisors Agreement Example

Appendix F - Employee Handbook Example

Appendix G - Independent Contractor Agreement Form Example

Appendix H - Business Plan Example 2

Appendix I - Acord Certificate of Insurance Form Example