Builder's Office Manual, Revised
Back Cover

Most experienced builders are masters of their trade. But few are as good at handling routine office work as they are at construction. If poor office procedures and inadequate record-keeping plague your construction business, have a look at this practical manual. It's written to show every builder with from 2 to 25 employees the best ways to:

• Organize the office space, no matter how much or how little you have.
• Establish a good record-keeping system that takes a minimum of time but helps you find the document or information you need when you need it.
• Create procedures and forms that streamline work, control costs, and minimize time spent on unproductive tasks.
• Hire and retain a productive staff that's easy to supervise.
• Set standards and goals that make it easier for everyone to understand their tasks.
• Set priorities so key tasks are completed according to schedule.
• Develop either computer or manual record-keeping systems that are appropriate for your business.
• Convert from manual to computerized records if that's your choice.
• Set goals and establish controls for your company so growth happens by design rather than accident.

An appendix describes the 12 forms every construction contractor should be using. A sample of each form is bound into the book so you can make your own copies.

The first edition of this book appeared in 1981 and has helped thousands of builders professionalize their construction operation. This edition reflects changes in the tax code, law, and good construction office practice since 1981.

If your office skills aren't as good as your building skills, this book should be in your library. It explains how to create routine ways of doing all the things that must be done in every construction office - in the minimum time, at the lowest cost, and with the least supervision possible.

Michael C. Thomsett is an author with a strong background in business management. He has worked as a consultant to many small businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area, including construction, engineering, mining, insurance, financial and retail corporations. He now writes full time. In addition to regular contributions to numerous national and regional trade magazines, Mr. Thomsett has written sixteen books. His experience in both the business and construction fields has led to his success as a writer of practical business manuals for builders and contractors. Builder's Office Manual is one of four books Mr. Thomsett has written for Craftsman Book Company. Others are Builder's Guide to Accounting,  Contractor's Year- Round Tax Guide, and Computers: The Builder's New Tool.