Top books to read for construction pros: 4 experts share the books that transformed their business

Whether you’re in leadership, working in the field or an intern at the office, you should be constantly learning more about your trade.

Continuous learning is the only way to grow and succeed. It’s how entrepreneurs start new businesses and how companies go from six figures to eight figures. No one knows everything there is to know about their industry – so in order to get better and better, you have to keep learning.

Conferences, videos, lectures, classes and mentorship are all great ways to hone your craft. But an often overlooked medium for busy professionals in construction is books.

For those who enjoy reading before bed or listening to audiobooks on their commute to the job site, this list is for you. Unlike podcasts or online courses, you’ll get more extensive information and can really dig deep into the topic with a book.

Here are our top books to read for construction pros – and we’ve even included a few expert recommendations from some of our top Buildertrend customers.

Best books for starting a construction business

Kick off your company the right way by learning all there is to know about starting a construction business from the ground up. These books are full of in-depth strategies that will help anyone learn what it takes to start and run their own company in the construction industry.

1. “Running a Successful Construction Company (For Pros, by Pros)” by David Gerstel

2. “Start Your Own Construction and Contracting Business: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success” by The Staff of Entrepreneur Media

3. EXPERT RECOMMENDATION: “The E-Myth: Why Most Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It” by Michael E. Gerber

“In the business world, you are either a technician or an entrepreneur. While technicians know a great deal about the technical work they do, they typically know very little about building a successful business – a reality that quickly becomes overwhelming. This book is an eye opener to those who believe they can go from a technician to an entrepreneur.

In starting a business, you quickly find yourself gravitating to the things you know how to do, while having no idea how to do so much of what the business needs: leadership, management, marketing, sales, finance and customer fulfillment. These skills are needed to build a business that not only survives, but thrives.” – Eddie Servigon, owner of Servigon Construction Group

Best books for preventing your construction business from failing

If you’re feeling the struggles of low profits, unhappy clients or no work-life balance, it might be time to reevaluate how you’re running your business. These books share tips on how to survive the pitfalls of owning a construction company when times are hard.

4. “Building a Successful Construction Company: The Practical Guide” by Paul Netscher

5. “Contractor’s Survival Guide: Building Your Business in Good Times and Bad” by Jason Reid

6. EXPERT RECOMMENDATION: “The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success” by Ed Mylett

“Anyone can start a business and achieve success – but not everyone can keep that success. Through my 20+ year journey in construction, I achieved peak highs and suffered low lows, but what made me successful was the ability to keep trying one more time. This book is for those who can let go of their pride and admit they need help. I would recommend it to anyone who’s stuck and looking for the next level of growth.” – Val Kovalenko, president and CEO of Koval Builders LLC

Best books for increasing profits in your construction business

Don’t let your lack of financial knowledge hurt your bottom line. Learn the best tips and tricks for increasing your profits and truly scaling your business with these books.

7. “Markup & Profit: A Contractor’s Guide, Revisited” by Michael C. Stone

8. “Financial Planning Guide for a Happy New Year” by Buildertrend staff

9. “Get Your Construction Business to Always Make a Profit!” by George Hedley

Best books for improving construction processes

The only way a business can really succeed is by having solid processes in place.

Processes make sure your company runs smoothly – without all the chaos that comes with construction. Use these books to learn how to create standard operating procedures so you can take a break every once in a while, knowing your team members have everything handled.

10. EXPERT RECOMMENDATION: “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

“This book was especially pivotal at a time when we were trying to scale and grow business outside of ourselves. It fostered a growth mindset and teamwork, building trust within the team, setting up standard operating procedures, explaining the big picture, clearing up communication lines and delegating. It helped to give team members autonomy while providing the support and resources they need to execute in the field.” – Erin Lindsey, general manager at Lindross Remodeling

11. “Escape the Owner Prison: The Contractors New Way to Scale, Regain Control and Fast Track Growth While Loving Life” by Richard Walsh

12. EXPERT RECOMMENDATION: “The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It” by Michael E. Gerber

This book is so good, the second edition also made it to our list!

“This was the first book I read when we were starting our business, and it was the first time I had given thought to the fact that what we were selling was not really what we were selling. Custom homes and remodels are our products, but what we’re selling is transformation, hope and happiness.

As we’ve continued to grow, being process-focused and making sure we’re working on the business and not just in the business has been a guiding principle. This book helped us create the best processes we could – and then plugging in the best people we could find to follow those processes has led to a sustainable system for our growth.” – Jenny Sneller, owner of Sneller Custom Homes

Best books for foremen, superintendents and project managers

Even if you don’t have your own business, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep improving your knowledge and skills. Learn to become the best foreman, superintendent or project manager with the tips in these books.

13. “Construction Leadership Success: The Construction Foreman’s Definitive Guide for Running Safe, Efficient, and Profitable Projects” by Jason C. McCarty

14. “Elevating Construction Superintendents: A Principle Based Leadership Guide for Assistant Supers and Superintendents in Construction (The Art of the Builder, Book 1)” by Jason Schroeder

15. “Construction Project Manager’s Pocket Book” by Duncan Cartlidge

Best books for adopting technology in your construction business

The best business owners know that papers and spreadsheets just hold you back. Dive into the 21^st century by bringing technology into your business – and watch your company succeed at an accelerated rate.

16. “The Construction Technology Handbook: Making Sense of Artificial Intelligence and Beyond” by Hugh Seaton

17. “Construction Software: The Value of Tech in Trying Times” by Buildertrend staff

18. “How Tech is Shaping the Future of Construction” by Buildertrend staff

Best books for construction pros with kids

Get your children excited about what you do and help encourage the builders and remodelers of the future with these construction-themed books for kids.

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