Whether you’ve worked in construction for years or just want to learn some basic skills for a DIY project, construction books are a great resource to add to your collection.
Top-rated authors in the industry cover everything from construction basics to position-specific tools and resources. To help you find the right construction book for you, we’ve divided our favorites into six categories based on industry, experience level, and type of job.
You are reading: Construction books for beginners
table of contents
- construction fundamentals
- business strategy
- construction management
- general contracting
- skilled trades
- building books for kids
read our list of the top rated books in the construction industry or jump to the infographic below to discover the best construction books for kids.
construction fundamentals
Anyone who works in construction knows it’s important to brush up on the basics before diving into a project. The following books cover construction fundamentals that are great for construction workers at all levels, from beginners looking to learn the trade to seasoned professionals who want a simple guide for reference.
1. osha construction industry regulations of 1926 (2021 edition)
The most recent edition of “OSHA’s Construction Industry Regulations of 1926” is a must for construction professionals in the new year. This book serves as an accessible guide to help employees quickly identify and avoid potential safety hazards in the workplace. Contains a complete listing of all OSHA regulations from 1926, any changes made since the last annual edition was published, and a summary of the most frequently cited regulations for easy access.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.5 stars
ideal for: construction workers looking for a quick and easy guide to osha safety regulations
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2. Residential Construction Performance Guidelines: Consumer Reference (5th Edition)
“Residential Construction Performance Guidelines” are another useful reference tool created to help workers in the residential construction industry better manage customer complaints and expectations during a home construction or remodeling project. households. explaining why something is done a certain way can be difficult when a client is angry or confused, and the list of performance guidelines in this book helps professionals bridge the knowledge gap.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.3 stars
ideal for: professionals working in residential construction and remodeling who frequently interact with clients
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3. the construction technology handbook
construction technology is constantly evolving. Knowing that it can be difficult to keep teams up to date on how to operate new technology, Hugh Seaton wrote “The Construction Technology Handbook” to provide a simple guide to incorporating new software and tools. This book not only explains in layman’s terms how the new tools work, but also how they can make workers’ jobs easier and safer.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.9 stars
Best For: Construction crews and managers working with new construction technology
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4. chudley and greeno’s handbook of building construction (12th edition)
This easy-to-use manual is a reference guide for construction students and professionals looking to refresh their knowledge on all things construction. the 12th edition is updated to include new construction methods and regulations while still providing a foundation of basic construction principles, construction practices, and regulations.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.6 stars
ideal for: construction students and professionals looking for a comprehensive guide to construction standards and practices
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business strategy
Building a successful construction business takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication. If you’re looking to improve your business strategy and grow your business, the following books can help you get started.
5. Balanced Responsibility: Leadership Secrets to Win Hearts and Maximize Performance
One of the most important parts of running a successful business is creating healthy employer-employee relationships. “Balanced Accountability” provides a framework for employers to achieve this through clear and respectful communication, holding themselves accountable and motivating employees to perform at their best. The author Hernani Alves has over 20 years of business experience and is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and business owners become more effective leaders.
Amazon customer rating: 4.6 stars
Ideal for: managers and business owners who want to become more effective team leaders
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6. the pumpkin plan: a simple strategy to grow a remarkable business in any field
mike michalowicz wrote “the pumpkin plan” to help business owners improve their business without breaking the bank. Business owner Michalowicz shares the plan he learned from a pumpkin farmer to turn his atrophied company into a multi-million dollar business. While this book can be applied to any industry, it has been a hit with new construction business owners looking for sustainable growth opportunities.
Amazon customer rating: 4.8 stars
Ideal for: Business owners looking to expand their business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance
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7. fix this next: make the vital change that will improve your business
Another book by Mike Michalowicz, “Fix This Next” aims to help entrepreneurs identify their biggest problem and create a plan to address it. michalowicz uses her experience growing a successful company to show business owners how to create a hierarchy of needs, identify which ones need the most attention, and take practical steps to address them.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.7 stars
ideal for: business owners and entrepreneurs who want simple, practical steps to improve their business
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8. How to Elevate Construction Superintendents: A Principles-Based Leadership Guide for Assistant Superintendents and Construction Superintendents (The Art of the Builder, Book 1)
Construction superintendents play a crucial role in the construction process. When properly trained, they can serve as leaders alongside project managers to ensure that every project they work on is successful. “Elevating Construction Superintendents” provides readers with foundational principles and practical steps to help them achieve success as superintendents and assistant superintendents, a must-have for anyone looking to grow in the role.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.4 stars
Ideal For: Construction Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents striving to rise through the ranks
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9. monthly bill organizer – expense tracker, budget planner, bill organizer
Staying organized is crucial to the success of a business owner. “Monthly Bill Organizer” provides a simple and effective way to keep track of your spending and make sure you don’t miss bills. While it’s designed for people from all walks of life, construction professionals can use it to their advantage when tracking expenses for their project or business.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.1 stars
Ideal for: Construction professionals who need an easy way to track their project or business budget
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construction management
Because construction management requires a variety of construction and leadership skills, it can be helpful for construction managers (CMs) to have helpful books and resources on hand. The following books are popular with aspiring construction managers and seasoned professionals looking to brush up on their skills.
10. construction management (5th edition)
“construction management” has become a standard text in US universities. uu. offering construction management courses. This textbook covers a wide range of CM functions, from scheduling and planning to contract and tax management. Although this book was written with students and trainees in mind, it can also serve as a useful reference for practicing construction managers.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.8 stars
Ideal for: Students, trainees and working professionals looking to learn the fundamentals of construction management
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11. construction project manager’s pocket handbook (2nd edition)
This manual is a reference guide for construction managers, project managers and architects who wish to improve their project management skills. It covers a variety of communication, leadership, and technical skills and includes an up-to-date list of relevant regulations and new technologies that managers are likely to encounter on the job.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.4 stars
Ideal for: construction managers, project managers, and architects who want to improve their project management skills on the job
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12. Starting Construction Management: The Best First Step Towards a Career in Construction Management (3rd Edition)
“construction management startup” is one of the most trusted introductory texts for new construction managers in the industry. This book provides readers with a detailed breakdown of essential CM roles, an explanation of industry-specific regulations, and step-by-step instructions on performing CM roles in an ever-evolving profession.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.5 stars
ideal for: construction management students and trainees
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13. nail in your numbers: a path to specialized construction estimating and bidding
“Nick In Your Numbers” was written to help construction management professionals improve their quoting and estimating skills during the preconstruction process. A successful business requires accurate project selection, bids, and costing, and this book provides a framework for professionals looking to hone their skills.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.5 stars
Ideal for: construction managers and other professionals who want to improve their quoting and quoting skills
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general contracting
General contractors have a unique set of skills that set their profession apart from others working in the industry. The following books can help general contractors improve their business model and land more projects.
14. start your own construction and contracting business: your step-by-step guide to success
“start your own construction and contracting business” is a useful tool for contractors in the process of starting their own business. This guide covers helpful budgeting and estimating practices, provides solutions to common accounting problems, and includes easy-to-follow checklists for essential government accounts. it also walks readers through pricing your services and recovering costs, making it easy to keep a new business profitable as it takes off.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.5 stars
Best For: Entrepreneurs and new business owners in the recruiting business
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15. Contractor Quotation Logbook: Quotation Logbook
“Contractor Estimate Logbook” makes tracking estimates less of a hassle by providing simple estimate pages for contractors to complete on the go. each of the 100 quote sheets includes a section for dates, client information, estimated amounts, requested work and more. The logbook also includes an alphabetical index at the beginning, making it easy to access customer information later.
Amazon consumer rating: 4 stars
Best For: Contractors looking for a simple and efficient way to keep track of client estimates
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16. bni general construction cost book (2022 edition)
The latest edition of the “BNI General Construction Cost Book” provides contractors with complete and up-to-date pricing data for material, labor and equipment costs. As the COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to the construction supply chain, pricing information has changed dramatically. This book provides contractors with the most up-to-date information and organizes it in a way that makes completing quotes as quick and easy as possible.
amazon consumer rating: not available
Ideal for: Contractors looking for accurate, up-to-date costs for materials, labor, and equipment
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17. Escape from Owner’s Prison: The Contractor’s New Way to Climb, Take Back Control, and Accelerate Growth While Loving Life
“escape the owner prison” aims to teach contractors running their own business an important lesson: sometimes the best way to scale your business is to break free from its deadly grip. Author Richard Walsh draws on his own experience to teach contractors how to automate and grow their business while creating more free time and financial freedom for themselves.
Amazon consumer rating: 5 stars
Best For: Contractors who want to scale their business and achieve more financial and personal freedom
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specialized trades
traders often have a unique skill set that requires specialized training and reference materials. The following books provide industry-specific information for HVAC/R technicians, landscapers, welders, and carpenters.
18. at his best as an hvac/r technician
“doing your best as an hvac/r technician” is part of a step-by-step series to help tradesmen succeed in their chosen profession. This book helps readers decide if a career as an HVAC/R technician is right for them by explaining essential job functions and walking through the process of building a successful career.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.2 stars
Best For: Tradesmen seeking a successful career as an HVAC/R Technician
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19. best business practices for landscapers: wisdom from leaders in the green industry
One of the best resources for learning a trade is people who have been doing it for a long time. “Best Business Practices for Landscapers” is full of helpful advice from seasoned professionals who want to teach those just starting out to build a successful landscaping business. this guide provides proven strategies for overcoming a variety of challenges, from retaining qualified employees to creating valuable business connections.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.3 stars
ideal for: professionals who want to build a successful landscaping business
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20. at your best as a welder
Another book in the “Best of You” series, “Best of You as a Welder,” provides a comprehensive guide for welders just starting out in the industry. explains the details of the profession and guides you through each vital career stage, from apprentice to business owner. If you think a career as a welder might be right for you, this book might help.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.6 stars
Ideal for: aspiring welders looking for help growing and succeeding in the industry
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21. at your best as a carpenter
“At Your Best as a Carpenter” is another helpful guide for tradesmen that focuses on career options for carpenters. this book explains everything from how much carpenters can expect to earn at different stages of their career to the resources they need to progress from one stage to the next.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.6 stars
Ideal for: tradesmen considering a career in woodworking
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building books for children
It’s never too early to introduce your children to the world of construction. The following books introduce children to new construction tools and methods using exciting colors, illustrations, and sounds.
22. I spy with my little eye… construction sites
“I see with my little eye… construction site” uses bright and colorful construction illustrations to entertain children while helping them learn to recognize new colors, shapes and objects. This fun children’s book makes a great gift for kids who love the “I See” series or whose parents work in construction.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.4 stars
ideal for: children from 2 to 5 years old
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23. where do the diggers sleep at night?
“where do the diggers sleep at night?” is a fun bedtime story that explains where gigantic construction machines are set up for the night after a hard day’s work. This book’s gentle rhyme scheme can help little ones wind down at bedtime, making it a great addition to any parent’s story collection.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.8 stars
ideal for: babies and toddlers from 0 to 3 years old
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24. discovery: hammer on the construction site!
If your child likes books that make sounds, they’ll love “discovery: hammer at the construction site!” This colorful board book comes with sound buttons kids can press to hear what construction noises the machines in the illustrations make. Each illustration is also accompanied by a short, easy-to-read description, making it a useful learning tool for children just reaching the age of reading.
Amazon consumer rating: 4.6 stars
ideal for: children from 3 to 5 years old
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25. construction site on christmas night
“Christmas Night Construction Site” is a holiday picture book that tells the story of a crew of construction vehicles building a new home for fire trucks. Once their work is done, they are met with fun Christmas surprises that kids will love to discover. This book is especially popular around the holidays, but it’s great for keeping kids entertained all year long.
consumer rating: 4.9 stars
ideal for: children from 3 to 5 years old
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If you’re interested in learning more about the construction industry or want additional resources to help advance your career, check out our list of must-read construction articles. your employer or trainer can also help connect you with industry-specific materials to point you in the right direction.
If you’re looking for something a little more kid-friendly, check out the infographic below to see more of the best construction books for kids in 2022.
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