Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Beginning the Profitable Job -- 2. Preparing for Production -- 3. Continuing the Job -- 4. Job and Office -- 5. Motives of the Business -- 6. Planning for Sales -- 7. Application of Sales Planning -- 8. Subcontracting Policy Determination -- 9. Takeoff, Preliminary -- 10. Takeoff, Factual and Summary -- 11. Pricing -- 12. The Quotation and Other Legalities -- 13. Negotiation -- 14. Office Procedure -- 15. Grading Up.

The quoted price of construction includes the total estimated cost of labor, material, equipment, and overhead-and a profit. Profits establish a means of accumulating resources, progressing to more and better jobs, acquiring necessities and luxuries, and becoming more secure in one's present position and in the society in which one lives. And because the construction field is an uncertain one, it is necessary to make the maximum possible profit on every job. This is difficult when all competitors figure the same plans and specifications and cut profits to obtain a work advantage. On some work, the gain will be small or nonexistent and must be compensated for by a larger return elsewhere.