Be A Successful Building Contractor

R. Dodge Woodson (Brunswick, ME) has over 20 years' experience as a home builder, contractor, master plumber, and real estate broker. He is the author of many McGraw-Hill books, including Be A Successful Building Contractor 2/e, and National Plumbing Codes Handbook 2/e.

Introduction.
Becoming an After-Hours Builder.
Getting Your Feet Wet.
Deciding What You Want.
Taking the Plunge.
Choosing a Business Structure.
Avoiding 15 Common Builder Mistakes.
Building Model Homes: Pros and Cons.
Courting Bankers.
Selling from the Hood of Your Truck.
Opening Your own Office.
Finding the Best Building Lots.
Controlling Desirable Lots.
Developing Your Own Building Lots.
Building on Speculation.
Working with Real Estate Brokers.
Making the Most of Your Time and Money.
Getting Computerized.
Keeping Track of Your Cash.
Buying Trucks, Tools, Equipment, and Inventory.
Dealing with Subcontractors, Suppliers, and Code Officers.
Bidding: Methods that Really Work.
Running Smooth and Profitable Jobs.
Keeping Your Customers Happy.
Creating and Promoting an Attractive Business Image.
Hiring Employees.
Planning for Your Future.
Appendix: Federal Tax Forms.
Glossary.
Index.
About the Author.