Top 10 books for construction professionals” rel=”bookmark”> CSI members recommend must-read books for every construction professionals. Photo © BigStockPhoto.com When asked, “What is the one book you think every construction industry professional should read, and why?” CSI members offered dozens of interesting and relevant options. Here are the top 10 books, as recommended by CSI Members:

Wiggins, Manual of Construction Documentation ; Ching, Building Construction Illustrated ; CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide (PDPG); Why Buildings Stand Up ; The Contractor’s Guide to Change Orders – How to Resolve Disputes and Get Paid; Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer; Global History of Architecture ; Form, Space, & Order ; Quality Management in Construction Projects; and Building Construction.

What is the best book to learn about construction?

Here are the best construction books that are a must-read – Construction Business Management Written by a veteran of 25 years in the business, this is a no-nonsense book that provides excellent information. Ganaway’s book covers essentials such as the ins and outs of contracts, how to ensure that you are payed what you are owed, mechanics’ liens, administrative tasks that must be completed before breaking ground, effective marketing, licensing and registration, as well as much more. Markup & Profit: A Contractor’s Guide, Revisited To be successful one must make a profit and Stone’s book provides information to help you do just that. You’ll learn how to bid jobs so that you’ll cover your material, overhead and labor expenses, as well as making a profit. Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros, by Pros) David Gerstel’s experience proves that you don’t need an MBA to have a productive construction business and his book will help you do the same. Want to know how to round up business, pick the appropriate jobs to bid, estimate accurately and efficiently, as well as write contracts that are strong and fitting for your jobs? Gerstel’s book will teach you that. How to Build and Run a Construction Business Another veteran of the construction industry, Fatu provides real world information in his book. In reading you’ll learn how to develop your business structure, what you need in insurance for your company, how to brand your company, dealing with legal and accounting hurdles, as well as managing employees and working with clients. Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods Used as a textbook by many students of architecture, engineering, and construction technology this book is a go to. Allen’s book covers construction materials and methods, focusing on common methods of construction including wood frame systems, masonry techniques, steel frame systems, and reinforced concrete. Building Construction Chen’s book is an indispensable reference book for contractors, construction managers, designers, developers, and even those interested in DIY construction projects. Written by a veteran of over 20 years in construction, Chen provides insight into developing your business, working with governmental agencies, how to make your business safe and profitable, coordinating and working with subcontractors, managing your workload, developing work logs and checklists to facilitate your business, and much more. Construction Leadership Success For any business to succeed the person in charge needs to be an effective leader. McCarty’s book is important to include in this list, as it focuses on more than just the nuts and bolts of construction. You want to be an effective leader, right? This is the book for you. Construction Management JumpStart We weren’t content to provide just one book that focuses on the management side of construction, so here’s another great resource. Jackson also has 20+ years in construction, so the information he provides is proven in the field.

This great resource also includes coverage on what it takes to be successful in construction management, choosing competent workers, ensuring work site safety, managing projects to ensure timely completion, within the budget and resulting in profit, understanding Building Information Modeling (BIM), and much more.

This is also another great choice for reference. View on Amazon Contractor’s Survival Guide Reid is also a veteran of the construction industry and his book provides proven information as do the others in this list. If you want to avoid the “Contractor Death Spiral,” then this book has information that is important for all in the construction industry.

Although Reid’s company focuses on residential repainting, he has background to back up his writing. Reid covers Branding your business, not often discussed in books such as this. Reid also provides a worksheet to help you in your branding process. In addition Reid’s book covers time management, customer and employee relationships, as well as expense management and much more.

View on Amazon Project Management for Engineering and Construction As the title implies, this book is about project management, which is crucial to timely completion of profitable projects. Oberlander teaches from his experience in working with hundreds of project managers, in helping them be successful.

Oberlender’s book covers project quality, parametric estimating and the importance of accurate estimates, phases of construction from the start to completing the “punch list,” working with construction teams and subcontractors, risk management, construction management skills, and much more. This is another top pick for your library.

View on Amazon Construction Project Scheduling and Control Construction projects requires the scheduling of many different aspects of a project. There’s design work, permits to be pulled, materials to be delivered when needed, workers to be on the job, subcontractors to complete their tasks, and more, all necessary for the successful completion of a project.

Mubarak not only provides info on a vast array of topics but also shares information on software that can make your life as a contractor easier. Through Mubarak’s writings, you’ll learn about scheduling that is direct, but also flexible enough to allow for delays and changes, all common in the construction industry, as well as how to deal with those and be successful.

View on Amazon Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide This is another great read if your considering the field of construction, or doing your own subcontracting. Although it’s aimed at construction professionals and those studying construction project management, it is also useful for those looking at DIY construction projects.

Netscher, another veteran of the industry, provides insight into project planning, scheduling, worker and client relationships, material selection and acquisition, scheduling subcontractors, the financial aspects of the business, and more. His book is broken into multiple sections and highlights what not to do to avoid mistakes and delays.

View on Amazon Managing a Construction Firm on Just 24 Hours a Day Running any sort of business takes time and sometimes there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Stevens provides information that will help streamline your contracting business, by breaking things down into three key elements- acquiring work, doing the work, and keeping track.

Stevens doesn’t leave it that simple. On the contrary, he provides detailed information on bidding; tracking progress; working with clients, employees, and subcontractors; changes in contracting over the past 3 decades; fast track scheduling; negotiating; ethics in the industry; and more. This is another great resource for anyone in or considering entering the field of construction.

View on Amazon Financial Management and Accounting Fundamentals for Construction Halpin’s book is a bit different from the others in that he focuses on management and finances in the construction industry. After all, the purpose of running a construction or contracting business is to be successfully profitable.

Halpin clarifies financial reports, how much cash must be available for a subcontractor to complete his job, why early payment of supplier invoices is financially sound practice, dealing with taxes, controlling project costs, as well as sources for capital expansion funds. The financial concepts are easily and clearly explained with numerous examples and their solutions.

View on Amazon The Contractor’s Guide to Success and Survival Strategies This book is written by a team lead by Schleifer, who are known as “turnaround” experts, for helping a number of construction companies from financial distress. This is another book that does not focus on the “nuts and bolts” of construction, but instead the financial and management aspects.

From it you will learn about the importance of credit, layers of management, volume vs profit, employee benefits and compensation, debt, business planning, assets, and liabilities, estimating profit, over and under-billing, cost control, tracking costs and more. For the person who’s really interested in the money aspect of construction and contracting businesses, this book is well worth the cost.

View on Amazon There you go. That’s 15 books on construction that are chock full of information on various topics that should help move into the field of construction, or if you just want to do some on your own. So, what do you think? Was this information useful to you? I hope so, as it’s GCLG’s goal to provide the best information on the field of construction and general contracting and these books are great resources.

What is in the building construction cost book?

The Building Construction Cost Book comes with RSMeans, meaning that it contains costing data of over 23,000 lines that are up-to-date with the latest construction costs. Moreover, the data is meticulously assembled by project engineers and cost researchers.

What are the best resources to learn about building construction?

Here are the best construction books that are a must-read – Construction Business Management Written by a veteran of 25 years in the business, this is a no-nonsense book that provides excellent information. Ganaway’s book covers essentials such as the ins and outs of contracts, how to ensure that you are payed what you are owed, mechanics’ liens, administrative tasks that must be completed before breaking ground, effective marketing, licensing and registration, as well as much more. Markup & Profit: A Contractor’s Guide, Revisited To be successful one must make a profit and Stone’s book provides information to help you do just that. You’ll learn how to bid jobs so that you’ll cover your material, overhead and labor expenses, as well as making a profit. Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros, by Pros) David Gerstel’s experience proves that you don’t need an MBA to have a productive construction business and his book will help you do the same. Want to know how to round up business, pick the appropriate jobs to bid, estimate accurately and efficiently, as well as write contracts that are strong and fitting for your jobs? Gerstel’s book will teach you that. How to Build and Run a Construction Business Another veteran of the construction industry, Fatu provides real world information in his book. In reading you’ll learn how to develop your business structure, what you need in insurance for your company, how to brand your company, dealing with legal and accounting hurdles, as well as managing employees and working with clients. Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods Used as a textbook by many students of architecture, engineering, and construction technology this book is a go to. Allen’s book covers construction materials and methods, focusing on common methods of construction including wood frame systems, masonry techniques, steel frame systems, and reinforced concrete. Building Construction Chen’s book is an indispensable reference book for contractors, construction managers, designers, developers, and even those interested in DIY construction projects. Written by a veteran of over 20 years in construction, Chen provides insight into developing your business, working with governmental agencies, how to make your business safe and profitable, coordinating and working with subcontractors, managing your workload, developing work logs and checklists to facilitate your business, and much more. Construction Leadership Success For any business to succeed the person in charge needs to be an effective leader. McCarty’s book is important to include in this list, as it focuses on more than just the nuts and bolts of construction. You want to be an effective leader, right? This is the book for you. Construction Management JumpStart We weren’t content to provide just one book that focuses on the management side of construction, so here’s another great resource. Jackson also has 20+ years in construction, so the information he provides is proven in the field.

This great resource also includes coverage on what it takes to be successful in construction management, choosing competent workers, ensuring work site safety, managing projects to ensure timely completion, within the budget and resulting in profit, understanding Building Information Modeling (BIM), and much more.

This is also another great choice for reference. View on Amazon Contractor’s Survival Guide Reid is also a veteran of the construction industry and his book provides proven information as do the others in this list. If you want to avoid the “Contractor Death Spiral,” then this book has information that is important for all in the construction industry.

Although Reid’s company focuses on residential repainting, he has background to back up his writing. Reid covers Branding your business, not often discussed in books such as this. Reid also provides a worksheet to help you in your branding process. In addition Reid’s book covers time management, customer and employee relationships, as well as expense management and much more.

View on Amazon Project Management for Engineering and Construction As the title implies, this book is about project management, which is crucial to timely completion of profitable projects. Oberlander teaches from his experience in working with hundreds of project managers, in helping them be successful.

Oberlender’s book covers project quality, parametric estimating and the importance of accurate estimates, phases of construction from the start to completing the “punch list,” working with construction teams and subcontractors, risk management, construction management skills, and much more. This is another top pick for your library.

View on Amazon Construction Project Scheduling and Control Construction projects requires the scheduling of many different aspects of a project. There’s design work, permits to be pulled, materials to be delivered when needed, workers to be on the job, subcontractors to complete their tasks, and more, all necessary for the successful completion of a project.

Mubarak not only provides info on a vast array of topics but also shares information on software that can make your life as a contractor easier. Through Mubarak’s writings, you’ll learn about scheduling that is direct, but also flexible enough to allow for delays and changes, all common in the construction industry, as well as how to deal with those and be successful.

View on Amazon Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide This is another great read if your considering the field of construction, or doing your own subcontracting. Although it’s aimed at construction professionals and those studying construction project management, it is also useful for those looking at DIY construction projects.

Netscher, another veteran of the industry, provides insight into project planning, scheduling, worker and client relationships, material selection and acquisition, scheduling subcontractors, the financial aspects of the business, and more. His book is broken into multiple sections and highlights what not to do to avoid mistakes and delays.

View on Amazon Managing a Construction Firm on Just 24 Hours a Day Running any sort of business takes time and sometimes there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Stevens provides information that will help streamline your contracting business, by breaking things down into three key elements- acquiring work, doing the work, and keeping track.

Stevens doesn’t leave it that simple. On the contrary, he provides detailed information on bidding; tracking progress; working with clients, employees, and subcontractors; changes in contracting over the past 3 decades; fast track scheduling; negotiating; ethics in the industry; and more. This is another great resource for anyone in or considering entering the field of construction.

View on Amazon Financial Management and Accounting Fundamentals for Construction Halpin’s book is a bit different from the others in that he focuses on management and finances in the construction industry. After all, the purpose of running a construction or contracting business is to be successfully profitable.

Halpin clarifies financial reports, how much cash must be available for a subcontractor to complete his job, why early payment of supplier invoices is financially sound practice, dealing with taxes, controlling project costs, as well as sources for capital expansion funds. The financial concepts are easily and clearly explained with numerous examples and their solutions.

View on Amazon The Contractor’s Guide to Success and Survival Strategies This book is written by a team lead by Schleifer, who are known as “turnaround” experts, for helping a number of construction companies from financial distress. This is another book that does not focus on the “nuts and bolts” of construction, but instead the financial and management aspects.

From it you will learn about the importance of credit, layers of management, volume vs profit, employee benefits and compensation, debt, business planning, assets, and liabilities, estimating profit, over and under-billing, cost control, tracking costs and more. For the person who’s really interested in the money aspect of construction and contracting businesses, this book is well worth the cost.

View on Amazon There you go. That’s 15 books on construction that are chock full of information on various topics that should help move into the field of construction, or if you just want to do some on your own. So, what do you think? Was this information useful to you? I hope so, as it’s GCLG’s goal to provide the best information on the field of construction and general contracting and these books are great resources.

What are the best construction safety books for the New Year?

1.1926 OSHA Construction Industry Regulations (2021 Edition) – The newest edition of “1926 OSHA Construction Industry Regulations” is a must-have for construction professionals in the new year. This book serves as an accessible guide to help employees quickly identify and avoid potential safety hazards on the job site.

What is the best construction cost book to buy?

Building Construction Costs Book with RSMeans data This book continues to be the most quoted and used book as a price guide for construction cost estimators. The Building Construction Cost Book comes with RSMeans, meaning that it contains costing data of over 23,000 lines that are up-to-date with the latest construction costs.

What is the best construction handbook for beginners?

4. Chudley and Greeno’s Building Construction Handbook (12th edition) – This easy-to-use handbook is a go-to guide for construction students and professionals looking to brush up on their knowledge of all things construction. The 12th edition is updated to include new building methods and regulations while still providing a foundation of basic construction principles, building practices and regulations.

What are the best resources to learn about building construction?

Here are the best construction books that are a must-read – Construction Business Management Written by a veteran of 25 years in the business, this is a no-nonsense book that provides excellent information. Ganaway’s book covers essentials such as the ins and outs of contracts, how to ensure that you are payed what you are owed, mechanics’ liens, administrative tasks that must be completed before breaking ground, effective marketing, licensing and registration, as well as much more. Markup & Profit: A Contractor’s Guide, Revisited To be successful one must make a profit and Stone’s book provides information to help you do just that. You’ll learn how to bid jobs so that you’ll cover your material, overhead and labor expenses, as well as making a profit. Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros, by Pros) David Gerstel’s experience proves that you don’t need an MBA to have a productive construction business and his book will help you do the same. Want to know how to round up business, pick the appropriate jobs to bid, estimate accurately and efficiently, as well as write contracts that are strong and fitting for your jobs? Gerstel’s book will teach you that. How to Build and Run a Construction Business Another veteran of the construction industry, Fatu provides real world information in his book. In reading you’ll learn how to develop your business structure, what you need in insurance for your company, how to brand your company, dealing with legal and accounting hurdles, as well as managing employees and working with clients. Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods Used as a textbook by many students of architecture, engineering, and construction technology this book is a go to. Allen’s book covers construction materials and methods, focusing on common methods of construction including wood frame systems, masonry techniques, steel frame systems, and reinforced concrete. Building Construction Chen’s book is an indispensable reference book for contractors, construction managers, designers, developers, and even those interested in DIY construction projects. Written by a veteran of over 20 years in construction, Chen provides insight into developing your business, working with governmental agencies, how to make your business safe and profitable, coordinating and working with subcontractors, managing your workload, developing work logs and checklists to facilitate your business, and much more. Construction Leadership Success For any business to succeed the person in charge needs to be an effective leader. McCarty’s book is important to include in this list, as it focuses on more than just the nuts and bolts of construction. You want to be an effective leader, right? This is the book for you. Construction Management JumpStart We weren’t content to provide just one book that focuses on the management side of construction, so here’s another great resource. Jackson also has 20+ years in construction, so the information he provides is proven in the field.

This great resource also includes coverage on what it takes to be successful in construction management, choosing competent workers, ensuring work site safety, managing projects to ensure timely completion, within the budget and resulting in profit, understanding Building Information Modeling (BIM), and much more.

This is also another great choice for reference. View on Amazon Contractor’s Survival Guide Reid is also a veteran of the construction industry and his book provides proven information as do the others in this list. If you want to avoid the “Contractor Death Spiral,” then this book has information that is important for all in the construction industry.

1. Although Reid’s company focuses on residential repainting, he has background to back up his writing.
2. Reid covers Branding your business, not often discussed in books such as this.
3. Reid also provides a worksheet to help you in your branding process.
4. In addition Reid’s book covers time management, customer and employee relationships, as well as expense management and much more.

View on Amazon Project Management for Engineering and Construction As the title implies, this book is about project management, which is crucial to timely completion of profitable projects. Oberlander teaches from his experience in working with hundreds of project managers, in helping them be successful.

• Oberlender’s book covers project quality, parametric estimating and the importance of accurate estimates, phases of construction from the start to completing the “punch list,” working with construction teams and subcontractors, risk management, construction management skills, and much more.
• This is another top pick for your library.

View on Amazon Construction Project Scheduling and Control Construction projects requires the scheduling of many different aspects of a project. There’s design work, permits to be pulled, materials to be delivered when needed, workers to be on the job, subcontractors to complete their tasks, and more, all necessary for the successful completion of a project.

Mubarak not only provides info on a vast array of topics but also shares information on software that can make your life as a contractor easier. Through Mubarak’s writings, you’ll learn about scheduling that is direct, but also flexible enough to allow for delays and changes, all common in the construction industry, as well as how to deal with those and be successful.

View on Amazon Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide This is another great read if your considering the field of construction, or doing your own subcontracting. Although it’s aimed at construction professionals and those studying construction project management, it is also useful for those looking at DIY construction projects.

Netscher, another veteran of the industry, provides insight into project planning, scheduling, worker and client relationships, material selection and acquisition, scheduling subcontractors, the financial aspects of the business, and more. His book is broken into multiple sections and highlights what not to do to avoid mistakes and delays.

View on Amazon Managing a Construction Firm on Just 24 Hours a Day Running any sort of business takes time and sometimes there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Stevens provides information that will help streamline your contracting business, by breaking things down into three key elements- acquiring work, doing the work, and keeping track.

Stevens doesn’t leave it that simple. On the contrary, he provides detailed information on bidding; tracking progress; working with clients, employees, and subcontractors; changes in contracting over the past 3 decades; fast track scheduling; negotiating; ethics in the industry; and more. This is another great resource for anyone in or considering entering the field of construction.

View on Amazon Financial Management and Accounting Fundamentals for Construction Halpin’s book is a bit different from the others in that he focuses on management and finances in the construction industry. After all, the purpose of running a construction or contracting business is to be successfully profitable.

Halpin clarifies financial reports, how much cash must be available for a subcontractor to complete his job, why early payment of supplier invoices is financially sound practice, dealing with taxes, controlling project costs, as well as sources for capital expansion funds. The financial concepts are easily and clearly explained with numerous examples and their solutions.

View on Amazon The Contractor’s Guide to Success and Survival Strategies This book is written by a team lead by Schleifer, who are known as “turnaround” experts, for helping a number of construction companies from financial distress. This is another book that does not focus on the “nuts and bolts” of construction, but instead the financial and management aspects.

From it you will learn about the importance of credit, layers of management, volume vs profit, employee benefits and compensation, debt, business planning, assets, and liabilities, estimating profit, over and under-billing, cost control, tracking costs and more. For the person who’s really interested in the money aspect of construction and contracting businesses, this book is well worth the cost.

View on Amazon There you go. That’s 15 books on construction that are chock full of information on various topics that should help move into the field of construction, or if you just want to do some on your own. So, what do you think? Was this information useful to you? I hope so, as it’s GCLG’s goal to provide the best information on the field of construction and general contracting and these books are great resources.

Why should you read construction books?

Whether you’ve been working in construction for years or just want to learn some basic skills for a DIY project, construction books are a great resource to add to your collection. Top-rated authors in the industry cover everything from basic construction fundamentals to position-specific tools and resources.

Construction Fundamentals Business Strategy Construction Management General Contracting Skilled Trades Construction Books For Kids

Read through our list of the top-rated books in the construction industry or skip to the infographic below to discover the best construction books for kids.