I’m going to work for a GC in late February. I’ll be leaving my small remodeling business of seven years and coming along side a seasoned Contractor to be his assistant. My first job will be overseeing the building of a small housing development (8 houses). Any recommendations on books to read that would prepare me for this Job?
-Terry
Replies
Sounds like new construction to me, not remodeling. One good one to have is Rob Thallon's Graphic Guide to Frame Construction. Taunton sells it, also Amazon.
The JLC Field Guide is another good resource. JLC is now releasing volume two.
If you are going to be framing with engineered products, I-joists and the like, download all the installation guides from the TrusJoist site.
Go to your local library and see how many of the excellent Taunton books they have there that cover such things as tilesetting, masonry, etc.
What you want to do is educate yourself as to best practice for virtually everything in new construction, so you have points of reference when dealing with workers and subs, and your boss.
Get copies of all possible drawings from your new boss, showing the upcoming work, and like work already completed.
"One good one to have is Rob Thallon's Graphic Guide to Frame Construction"Great reference book. Have the interns use it when they need to figure out framing details. Got it from an overstock mail order place for $3.95 (wished i'd bought about 50 of them so i could just give them out . . . my copy's getting a little dog-eared).
Thanks for everyone's replies. I'm still interested in any additional recommendations so please keep them coming.
Yesterday I purchased two books:
1. "Superintending for Contractors: How to bring Jobs in On-Time, On-Budget" by Paul J. Cook<!----><!----><!---->
2. "Construction Nightmares from Hell" Arthur F, O'Leary & James Acret
I figure this would be a good start. In January I'll purchase the JLC Field Guides and/or other illustrated books on code.
Chief of all sinners.
Bump.
I like Gary Katz's books on finish work and door hanging. A bit dry at times, but lots of good info. I also have Builder's Portable Reference (lives in my truck) and a few others I can't think of right now (all my books are packed up). I'll have to get back to you when I finish moving.Jim W.Coventry Woodworking
Apart from books to read. I'm also looking for wisdom and insights from those who have "been-there-done-that." I've never supervised a building of a home, let alone eight homes. Though I've been in the remodeling business, all the building (except for trades outside of my license) had been done with my own two hands and strong back. Now I will be orchestrating a project. Which is a good analogy. I feel as though I've played just about every instrument in the orchestra but now I'll be in charge of conducting.
Hold the utmost respect for the subs and deal with them accordingly. They can make you, and they can break you.
With all due respect, can you be more specific?Chief of all sinners.
I think what he's saying is you're going to be in a supervisory mode and respect is a two way street. Anyone who's been a sub has been in a boat when they didn't feel like they were being listened to, their opinion mattered, it was "my way or the highway" . . . and they'll do exactly as much as they have to and get gone in a hurry. What's worse, you tell them you want something a certain way, and unbeknownst to you it violates code or maybe you just mis-spoke, they'll say nothing, do it just like you said, and torpedo you.
Ok, that's grim. But the reality is when we get people to work for who respect us and have faith in us, we live up to that. Many little details get attended to out of kindness and respect for the other guy. I work both sides of that equation. As a sub, nothing's better than a GC who cares what I think and at least considers those inputs. Nothings worse than the guy who wants to stand there micromanaging or who has his/her own idea of how it shoud get done and is open to no other ideas. As a GC, I try real hard to be real clear on what the desired end result is, involve everyone in the whole process, and stay out from underfoot when I'm not needed there."If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Well, in the first post you asked for literature. Then later, you asked for any advice, saying -
"I've never supervised a building of a home, let alone eight homes. Though I've been in the remodeling business, all the building (except for trades outside of my license) had been done with my own two hands and strong back. Now I will be orchestrating a project."
Seems to me you're going to be in a tough spot. The GC you are working for/with will ultimately hold you responsible for getting these houses built on time, within budget, to acceptable (by him) standards.
I don't know who will be selecting subs, but you will be the one scheduling, supervising, setting standards of conduct and workmanship allowable on those 8 houses, right?
So all I'm saying is, if you respect your subs, it will show. They will know. Same thing if you don't respect them. They will know that, too. They will either become partners with you, or adversaries, and for the most part it will be based on your perceptions of them.
and to add to Jims great advice ...
take all that ... and combine it with the phrase ...
"I'm here to make money, not to make friends" ...
as in ... treat every sub with respect ... then ... demand it in return.
somehow. Ya can't exactly "demand" it ... but earn it thru carrot or stick.
or fear ... respect or fear will pretty much get the same results on a job site ...
but seeing as yer new ... I'd shoot for the respect thing first ... work up to fear.
my Dad was a great foreman ... his guys loved and hated him at the same time. Each and every guy wanted to kill him pretty much on a daily basis ... but each guy would kill someone for him at the same time. He had that whole respect/fear thing down to a science.
I think "firm but benevolent dictator" fits the bill.
Just don't let them walk over you.
and remember ... be everyone's buddy at the same time!
this is one time when knowledge is power.
Have the right answers at the right time ... help everyone get home a coupla minutes early ... help everyone get thru their job just a bit easier ... and it all falls into place.
I'd suggest looking for some good management/sales books while you're doing some reading ... sales is all about "managing" people.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
"respect or fear will pretty much get the same results on a job site ..."
You really believe that??? I could see that in the short run but not for the long run.Live by the sword, die by the sword....but choose your sword wisely.
what "long run" ... we're talking about job sites and subs.
btw .. Yes .. I do believe that. Works in lotsa areas thru out life too.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I'm feel soooo green! Yet, up to the challenge. I mean, I'm confident that I have what it takes to begin a new career in construction management, But, a little scared of the unknown. I have butterflies in my stomach, yet I'm as giddy as a school boy!
Thank you everyone in this thread for all your wisdom, insights, encouragement, and advice. I think I see the idea of the carrot-on-a-stick approach. It's all about knowing when to use the carrot and when to swing the stick. ;-)Chief of all sinners.
Relax, Chief- you could run 8 houses from your bed, man! We used to run anywhere from 20-80 houses at a time, with just one super and an assistant/johnny-jump-and-fetch-it.
The key is knowing how things have to get built, admitting when you don't know what has to be done (in other words, ASK QUESTIONS), and having good relationships with your subs so they do what you need them to do. This doesn't mean you have to be drinkin/huntin/fishin buddies with them, but you do need to work with them if you expect them to work for you.
Bob
....keep the Porta-Potties clean.........
dumpsters available ...
straw on the mud.
garbage cans ... everywhere. Plus extra brooms laying around ... a shop vac handy.
and make everyone clean their own mess up. No Exceptions.
first guy on site usually gets to make the radio decision for the day ...
unless it's rap ... then he never gets to make another decision ... about anything ... ever!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Hey, I just finished that book you recommended a while back about the card counting MIT students. A good read.
Caught hell from my card playing buddies when I mentioned it as the were saying 'no you can't count cards yadayada'.
Told 'em to go read the book.
'Nemo me impune lacesset'No one will provoke me with impunity
one day when I get bored ... I'm gonna read the book they read!
I'd like to give a shot at learning the system ... or at least the very, very basics.
maybe I should at least learn some basic card games first though ...
all I know is video poker!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I understand it's a lot harder now than when they did it back in the mid 90s since after the casinos caught on they added all sorts of safeguards.
Plus the threat of a backroom conversation if you get caught.
'Nemo me impune lacesset'No one will provoke me with impunity
first guy on site usually gets to make the radio decision for the day...
unless its rap...then he nevers gets to make another decision ...about anything...ever!
AMEN!!!
<<first guy on site usually gets to make the radio decision for the day...unless its rap...then he nevers gets to make another decision ...about anything...ever!AMEN!!!>Roger that. I used to work with a carpenter who was a little crazy to begin with and had a promising heavyweight career ended by a traffic accident. He usually tried to be a good person, but generally struggled with the concept.But he did make for some funnny stories. One of the things he really hated was rap. It got on his nerves, which were already shot.One of the crew had a radio tuned to a particularly objectionable station. Our rather large and volatile friend politely asked the owner of the radio several times to change the station because it was bothering him.Every time the jobsite DJ said no, that's my music and I like it.Finally, the carpenter says "How much did you pay for that radio?"The guy tells him $35. So my friend pulls out his wallet, hands the guy $35, and beats the radio to bits with his framing hammer.
We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security.
-Dwight David Eisenhower, U.S. general and 34th president (1890-1969)
Chief
Regarding subs:
Do you have a schedule? It is surprising the number of builders that do not. And then call the day before and want the next trade in. Let as many trades know the schedule. And then hold them to it. You will find out soon enough who needs a call 1 week before, and 1 day before and a call in the morning! LOL
Don't be afraid to let the trades know that although you have done remodeling that you don't know the ins and outs of new construction. Your management skills will be much more important than silly little things like code compliance. LOL
Are you doing 8 at once? Sequentially? 2 a week until full?
The best supers are the ones that are hardly working. They have time to chat in the job trailer, etc. They make it look easy. You'll get there soon enough with your people skills
Good luck
Construction Planning, Equipment & Methods, Peurifoy
Walkers Building Estimator's Reference Book, Walker Co.
Estimating Construction Cost, Peurifoy/Oberlender
Partner Your Project, Dyer
Site Planning, Lynch/Hack
Check out the JLC Bookstore. http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront/EN/UserTemplate/51
Also, sometimes you might be able to find some of these books at your local library (I've checked out Graphic Framing a few times) for a trial run before you buy the book.
Tough job for you.
You need every code book for every trade . That will put you above plane.
Call it what ever ya want but you are going to have to be really UP on all trades with enough knowledge. Otherwise die in the mud.
Tim
You should probably study the plans too, like you were going to build it yourself. Look for errors and potential problems in advance. Try to get these things worked out before they become problems. Consider having a meeting early on where all the trades can talk about specific problems they foresee with the design and their interaction with each other. Hopefully these houses are all the same and the problems will be all worked out on #1 so the other 7 are cake.
You mentioned James Acret as an author of one of your books. I had a book by him a while ago on Construction Industry Abitration or something like that. I wasn't impressed with his writing skills. Part of it was the subject matter. It was dry, but his writing didn't liven it up even a little. I also found his research to be less complete than I desired. Hopefully this one works better for you.
Keep in touch.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
Chief, if you intend to talk to, work with or send letter to people, you probably should start with these three: 1) How to Win Friends and Influence People 2) First Break All the Rules. 3) read them both again.
blue
Well, It's official. The doc said no more manual labor. I have surgery tomorrow on my lower back. The MRI showed one herniated disk between L5 & S1, one slightly protruding disk between L4 & L5, and narrowing disk space between the other vertebras (Disk degradation). Started noticing problems when I was working on a retaining wall around my own house. It looks like there is no turning back. It's management or bust!
-Terry
I had that same surgury when I was 35, in 1990, Chief. Family doctor told me to put my tools away and plan on never lifting anything over 35lbs again. I'm small in frame and not muscular or athletic. Arthritis runs rampant in my gene pool.
Anyways, my point is, I was diligent in my rehab and am careful what type work I schedule for myself. But I can frame a house now and then, tear off and reroof ocassionally, lay a little hardwood flooring now and again, hump concrete forms with the young folks on ocassion, and every once in a while I even find myself digging for a few hours at a time.
You CAN do it if you have a mind to. But you have to want it.
Good luck with your surgury and rehab.
Thanks for your encouragement. I'm back from surgery (Pun intended). More painful than when I went in but the doc said it will get better with time (4 weeks). I have numbness, due to the surgery, in my left foot pinky toe which may or may not go away. But I guess that's better than being paralyzed. Chief of all sinners.
Hang in there, it gets looser slowly. I haven't regained complete flexibility yet, but I function okay. I had a dam good woman and three great kids to help see me through, that helped a lot.