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If you're working as a builder but dream of running your own construction company, this is the book for you. The authors, a husband-and-wife construction team, specialize in remodeling, but the information they share is just as valuable to spec builders and subcontractors.

The authors begin by taking you step-by-step through the process of setting up a new company. You'll learn about several ways to structure your company, and the benefits and disadvantages of each of them. You'll also learn how to make a good impression on clients, how to work with architects, inspectors, and bankers, and where to look for more help when you need it.

Clear, easy-to-follow chapters cover:

• advertising
• sales techniques
• contracts
• financing
• estimating
• scheduling

There are tips on:

• hiring and training employees
• organizing your office
• managing your time
• keeping your books
• buying insurance protection
• staying out of trouble with tax collectors

Whether you've already started your own business, or are considering doing so, this book will give you the basic information you'll need to make the right decisions and get off on the right foot to a successful and rewarding career in the construction industry.

THE AUTHORS: Stephen Diller is a fourth generation builder. His great-grandfather was the barn raiser in his community, and his grandfather and father carried on the building tradition, specializing in custom homes. After several years working on another builder's payroll, Steve, assisted by his wife Janelle, started his own construction company. Specializing in the rapidly-expanding home-improvement market, they built a successful business based primarily on referrals and repeat work.

Janelle Diller also came from a family involved in the construction industry. She maintains an active role in the office end of the business, and also teaches at the community college.

Although the two grew up with construction, when it came to starting their own business, they quickly discovered that knowing how to swing a hammer and how to run a business profitably were two very different skills. What they needed was a book like this one: one that would explain estimating, scheduling, setting up books, dealing with the IRS, marketing, and salesmanship. After learning these skills the hard way-through trial and error, the authors decided to share their knowledge with other contractors starting their own business. The information they have provided fills the gap between construction skills and business skills. The authors' purpose is to relieve other would-be construction company owners of the pain of learning the hard way.