This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated and expanded for 2022.
Operating any business takes a lot of skill, organization, sound advice, and maybe even a pinch of good luck. This is particularly true when you’re building and expanding a construction business.
We rounded up some of the best construction resources available to help you – publications, blogs, podcasts, and websites that can give you the most assistance as you grow.
1. SBA Website
The SBA website is the cornerstone of business advice, no matter what your speciality is: electrical, roofing, deck building, painting, landscaping, or any skilled trade. The U.S. Small Business Association website is easy to use and navigate, and it’s full of useful advice for construction businesses in every phase.
The SBA can give you expert advice that helps you:
- Plan, launch, manage, and grow your business.
- Take free online business courses.
- Find free business counseling.
- Get guaranteed business loans.
- Apply to participate in SBA contracting programs.
2. Contractor Talk Forum
Sometimes all you need to build your business is a community of like-minded people. At Contractor Talk, a site specifically tailored for the contractor community, you can get valuable business and trade knowledge straight from fellow construction pros. This contractor forum features member-written blogs and articles, product reviews, and photos of your peers’ latest projects. Ask and answer questions to find – or be – a mentor in the construction biz.
3. Contractor Hub Blog
Build your business at Contractor Hub, where artisan contractors can list their business for free in an online directory, as well as find online tools and read excellent articles with tips on marketing, insuring, and growing your business.
Contractor Hub excels as a resource for marketing your construction business in a digital world, with advice on how to use your website, social media, and blogging to reach potential new clients online.
4. ConAppGuru Blog
Technology is quickly changing the construction industry landscape. ConAppGuru is the perfect resource for the tech-novice and savvy adapters of new gadgets and gizmos alike.
Follow along with “Construction Technologist” Rob McKinney as he takes you on a guided tour of the best apps, software and smart gear that you’re going to want to adapt to take your business to the next level.
5. ConTechCrew Podcast
If you’d rather get your construction technology news as a podcast, the ConTechCrew has you covered. Follow along with an all-star team of construction technology consultants as they discuss news and current trends within the construction and technology industries with a special guest each week.
6. The Construction Leading Edge Podcast
If you’re focused on the business side of construction, then The Construction Leading Edge podcast is for you. With over 20 years experience in the construction industry, Todd Dewalt coaches owners, managers, and entrepreneurs through the ups and downs of running a construction company and navigating the industry. There are plenty of episodes on getting started to help newcomers get their businesses up and running.
7. The Tim Ferris Show Podcast
One of the most popular business and productivity podcasts available is the Tim Ferris Show. Even though Ferris’ top-rated podcast isn’t construction-specific, his advice, lessons, and guests transcend industries. Every episode, Ferris deconstructs world-class performers across a range of specialties, such as business, sports, investing, and more, to extract the tactics, tools, and routines these top-performers use to succeed.
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8. Construction Dive Magazine
Looking for construction trends and news? Construction Dive provides thoughtful editorial analysis on the latest happenings in the construction industry with in-depth feature articles for residential and commercial contractors. Dive right in, or sign up for a daily newsletter to deliver the top stories right to you.
9. Construction Business Owner Magazine
Since its launch in 2004, Construction Business Owner magazine has been designed to fill a need in the industry for business management knowledge. CBO provides real-world business management education with articles tailored for business owners.
CBO article authors are well-known experts in their fields, offering articles full of practical knowledge on accounting, equipment management, finance, industry statistics, regulatory issues, human resources, bidding strategies, technology, and safety.
10. Professional Remodeler Magazine
Residential remodeling contractors rely on Professional Remodeler magazine for industry news, blogs, articles, and trends impacting the remodeling world. If you’re a residential remodeler with a few years experience in the business and a small- to -mid-size business, ProRemodeler is a one-stop shop for articles and news that can really impact the way you operate, market, and build your business.
11. BONUS: Hammr Construction Blog and Podcast
Hammr is a payroll app for construction businesses that helps make time tracking and payroll easy and seamless. Hammr has also rolled out an impressive blog covering topics such as construction technology, skilled trades, and—our favorite—workforce stories featuring contractors and builders as they discuss their biggest challenges in building a construction business. Check out their guide to preparing for a construction recession. Hammr also brings these stories to life via their Bred to Build podcast, which you can listen to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Hammr may be marketing a technology app, but it’s the way they highlight the real people in the construction industry that has earned them the bonus spot in our list of top construction resources.
What’s Your Favorite Construction Resource?
Do you prefer to read blogs on your tablet, flip through a paper magazine, or listen to podcasts on your way to the jobsite? No matter what your favorite method is for getting more knowledge and staying in front of industry trends, construction industry resources like these are the perfect way to start, build, and grow a business in the skilled trades.