Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1. Context. The Industry, The Projects, The Players -- Part 2. A Project Begins -- Part 3. Bidding And The Contractor -- Part 4. The Contract Documents -- Part 5. Construction.

What it takes to develop, plan and manage a construction project. This straightforward and readable, yet thorough, textbook focuses on the role of the contractor, taking the reader from start to finish -- from the early development stage through bidding, selection of the contractor, the construction itself, and close-out. A wide range of practical issues are explored, and frequently-asked questions answered: -- Exactly who the players are in construction and what each one does -- Why contractors should avoid some jobs, and how they get the right jobs -- What bidding is, and why the low bid isn't always the best bid -- Why different types of construction contracts carry different levels of risk -- The link between the type of contract and how the contractor gets paid -- Why cost estimates and schedules are keys to project success -- How a general contractor brings in a job on time and on budget And much more: -- Bonds, insurance, and liens.