Introduction to Best Books For Residential Contractors

In this short, but sweet post, we want to provide a few of the best books for residential contractors that we’ve utilized in our service company. 

Residential contracting may not seem like a technical business. We often think plumbers, electricians, and landscapers simply do the job and don’t have an actual business to run. This could not be further from the truth. Residential contractors are not only skilled laborers, they are business owners and operations. For this reason, residential contractors must have the necessary knowledge and skills to actually run a business. No longer can they simply complete the tasks assigned to their schedules.

Whether you have a construction MBA or not, continuing education and advanced knowledge are essential for growing your residential contracting business. From financial management to specific trade knowledge to quality control, residential contractors must be adept at every phase of the business. Further, they must possess the leadership skills to lead their own company in the in the most effective way. 

We’re voracious readers. We love books. Moreover, we love books that tell the truth without any of the fluff. The following books offer just that. Whether you’re in the real estate industry or work for a construction firm, these 11 books can get you started on your contracting journey. Some of them may not apply. However, many business principles can transfer from industry to the next, so take each one with a grain of salt and enjoy!

11 Best Books for Residential Contractors

1. “Markup & Profit: A Contractor’s Guide” by Michael Stone

This book covers essential topics such as estimating, pricing, job costing, and managing a profitable contracting business.

2. “Construction Management JumpStart” by Barbara J. Jackson

An excellent resource for contractors in the construction industry who want to understand the fundamentals of construction managers, including project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

3. “The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home” by Kent Lester and Dave McGuerty

A comprehensive guide that walks contractors through the process of building a home from start to finish, covering everything from planning and permits to subcontractor management and inspections. A great book is you want a holistic view of the home-building process.

4. “Residential Construction Academy: House Wiring” by Gregory W. Fletcher

This book focuses on electrical wiring specifically for residential construction, providing contractors with detailed information on electrical codes, wiring methods, and safety practices. A step-by-step guide to electrical wiring.

5. “Code Check: An Illustrated Guide to Building a Safe House” by Redwood Kardon, Douglas Hansen, and Michael Casey

A handy reference guide that outlines building codes and standards for residential construction, including plumbing, electrical, and structural requirements. Truly a one-stop shop builder’s guide.

6. “Carpentry Complete: Expert Advice from Start to Finish” by Andy Engel

A comprehensive guide to carpentry techniques and practices, covering everything from framing and roofing to finishing and trim work.

How To Run A Company

7. “Running a Successful Construction Company” by David Gerstel

This book offers practical advice on managing all aspects of a construction business, from marketing and sales to project management and financial planning.

8; “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz

Various accounting methods and best practices for developed a profitable business. This book provides real-world examples and case studies from the author’s own business to highlight the best practices financially of a successful business. 

9. “Modern Residential Construction Practices” by David A. Madsen and David P. Madsen

This book provides an overview of modern construction methods and materials used in residential construction, including green building practices and sustainable design principles.

10. “The Business of Design-Build: Contracting and Project Management” by Frank R. Dagostino and Joseph A. Griffin

A comprehensive, practical guide to the design-build process, covering contract negotiation, project delivery methods, and risk management strategies for contractors

11: “Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business” by Gino Wickman 

This book offers a basic business management system known as EOS (Entrepreneurial Operatiny System) that helps track people, processes and data to ensure your business is achieving its quarterly rocks and annual plan. 

3 Best Online Courses For Residential Contractors

In addition to the books listed above, we’d recommend the following online courses as well to enhance your knowledge of the residential trades. 

1. Contractor Training School 

Contractor Training Center offers expert exam preparation, application assistance, and coaching services to help you get licensed as a contractor and succeed in the construction industry.

2. Construction Management Specialization

Construction Project Management and Planning. Develop and understand the foundations of project planning and scheduling techniques.

3. License To Build 

They help thousands of builders and contractors get licensed and complete continuing education.

Conclusion to Best Books for Residential Contractors

While this post has certainly not been the “ultimate guide” to residential contracting, we hope we were able to provide a handful of resources to get you started on your journey. Whether you have 20 years of work experience or you are just starting out, professional development and education is a must. From general contractors to subcontractors, field experience is the only way you can truly learn the tricks of the trades. Attaining valuable knowledge through on-the-job training will certainly enhance your success rate. 

However, a good practice in the meantime is to find the best business books and online articles that discuss industry trends, code changes, practical approaches to leadership and even step-by-step instructions for construction contracting. There is an unlimited amount of knowledge to attain. So whether you are choosing to focus on an HVAC career or hoping to start as a commercial general contractor, the books listed above is a great way to begin your journey to becoming a better contractor and running a profitable construction business.