How to start a construction business

Videos in this playlist

1. 1What A General Contractor DoesEssential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
2. 2How to Start a Construction Company in 7 Simple StepsNerdWallet Small BusinessPlay from here Loop
3. 3What Is Construction Management?Jason SchroederPlay from here Loop
4. 4Being a General Contractor - What it's ACTUALLY Like.Essential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
5. 5What Is Design Build vs. Design Bid Build?Jason SchroederPlay from here Loop
6. 6How to Read House Plans for ConstructionEssential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
7. 7How To Read Construction DrawingsJason SchroederPlay from here Loop
8. 8How To Bid Commercial Construction JobsJason SchroederPlay from here Loop
9. 9Quantities For EstimatingJason SchroederPlay from here Loop
10. 10How To Calculate Overhead Costs In Construction ProjectsJason SchroederPlay from here Loop
11. 11What Should A Construction Proposal Include?Jason SchroederPlay from here Loop
12. 127 Construction Math Hacks: Estimating & MoreEssential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
13. 13The Bottom Line: Fundamentals of cost codes in construction job costingBuildertrendPlay from here Loop
14. 14How to Avoid Common Financial Mistakes in Construction | BuildertrendBuildertrendPlay from here Loop
15. 15Risk Report Card: How to ace construction contractsBuildertrendPlay from here Loop
16. 16Webisode: How to reduce risk on construction projectsBuildertrendPlay from here Loop
17. 17SBA Surety Bonds for Small BusinessesU.S. Small Business AdministrationPlay from here Loop
18. 18Equipment Financing Made Simple | How to Get an Equipment LoanNerdWallet Small BusinessPlay from here Loop
19. 19How To Manage A Construction Project Step By StepJason SchroederPlay from here Loop
20. 20How To Make A Construction Project ScheduleJason SchroederPlay from here Loop
21. 21How To Deal With Construction DelaysJason SchroederPlay from here Loop
22. 22What Is The Role Of A Superintendent In Construction?Jason SchroederPlay from here Loop
23. 23How to Vet SubcontractorsEssential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
24. 24Subcontractor LoyaltyEssential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
25. 25How to Get Better Quality Clients as a ContractorEssential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
26. 26How to Charge More as a Contractor: 7 IdeasEssential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
27. 275 Mistakes Most Contractors MakeEssential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
28. 28Why Most Contractors Fail in the First 5 Years (7 Mistakes)Essential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop
29. 29Webisode: Get more construction leads by getting onlineBuildertrendPlay from here Loop
30. 30This MISTAKE Nearly Put me OUT of BusinessMatt RisingerPlay from here Loop
31. 31Two Reasons I’ll NEVER Build Spec Homes AgainMatt RisingerPlay from here Loop
32. 32Real Talk with Real Pros: Matt Risinger | Risinger BuildBuildertrendPlay from here Loop
33. 33Real Talk with Real Pros: Stacy Eakman | Eakman ConstructionBuildertrendPlay from here Loop
34. 34SBA Success Story: DAP Construction ManagementU.S. Small Business AdministrationPlay from here Loop
35. 35Why The U.S. Can’t Build Homes Fast EnoughCNBCPlay from here Loop
36. 36How Autonomous Robots Are Changing ConstructionCNBCPlay from here Loop
37. 37From Small Town Framer to Supervising 16,000 Home BuildsEssential CraftsmanPlay from here Loop

How does a construction business make money?

A contractor prices each job to cover materials, labour, equipment, subcontractors and overhead, then adds a margin. Profit depends on estimating accurately, controlling costs while the job runs and getting paid on time. Many owners start with small residential work and build a reputation before bidding larger projects.

What should I learn first before starting?

Learn to read plans, take off quantities and build an estimate that includes overhead. Then learn contracts, scheduling and job costing. Licences, insurance, bonding and building codes differ by country and region, so check your local regulations before you take on paid work.