how to start a small construction company course

by Mafalda Torp 3 min read

Is starting a construction company a serious business?

Starting a construction company is indeed a serious business so the legal entity you choose will go a long way to determine how big you want the business to grow. No doubt choosing a legal entity for a business such as a construction company is some worth straightforward especially if you decided to grow the business big.

How to start a small business?

Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic steps involved in planning and forming any kind of business, including planning your business strategy, incorporating and registering with the right government agencies. These 10 Steps to Starting a Businessshould cover all you need to know.

What licenses do you need to start a construction business?

Business Licenses and Permits – In addition to a general business license, most construction or contracting businesses need specific licenses to operate. For example, a tradesman license is required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas fitting and other construction trades.

Is starting a construction business capital intensive?

Starting a construction business is capital intensive, simply because of the type of heavy duty equipment that are required to carry out a construction project and also the cost of managing a large workforce.

How do I start a successful small construction business?

7 Ways To Build a Successful Construction BusinessPrioritize customer service. When hiring employees, it's obviously important to determine whether or not they have the necessary contracting skills. ... Find your niche. ... Market, market, market. ... Cover your bases. ... Stay involved. ... Don't cut corners. ... Be organized.

How can I start construction industry?

How to Start a Construction Company in 5 StepsGather Research About the Construction Industry. ... Write a Business Plan. ... Register Your Business. ... Acquire Licenses, Certifications, Permits & Insurance. ... Find Funding for Your Construction Startup.

What's the easiest construction business to start?

Let's take a look at eight construction business ideas to inspire your small business:Trade-based business. ... Construction site management. ... Construction cleaning business. ... Construction supply company. ... Interior design. ... Landscaping. ... Home painting business. ... Administrative services for construction companies.

What is the most profitable construction business?

10 Most Profitable Construction JobsConstruction Project Manager. Construction project managers are highly demanded, but the problem lies in the number of qualified individuals available. ... Cost Estimator. ... Glaziers. ... Top 5 Hiring Strategies to Attract Millennials.Painter. ... Plumber. ... Vehicle Repair. ... Machine Operator.More items...

Is it hard to learn construction?

While construction work may seem straightforward, it is a physically and mentally challenging career. There are plenty of skills and traits construction workers need to possess in order to be successful in their work.

Is construction a good career?

With time and experience, you can build a serious ladder to success, advancing into higher management positions – like foreman, superintendent, supervisor, project manager and construction manager – in established companies, moving into different areas such as health and safety, training and engineering, or even start ...

Which business is best in construction?

The government's 'Housing for All' initiative aims to build 20 million affordable homes for the urban poor by 2022....Starting a Construction Company – An Industry OverviewMagazine Rack Manufacturing. ... Mirror Installations. ... Online Building Plan Service. ... Paint Store. ... Paving Consulting. ... Reach Truck Service.More items...•

Is a construction company a good business to start?

Construction is one of the top industries for startups; however, it also has one of the highest rates of failure. 63.6% of construction companies close within the first five years, whether due to a lack of business knowledge and experience, lack of finances or lack of planning. You don't have to be one of them.

How do I invest in a construction company?

Experts offer the following unique considerations when investing in the construction industry:Buy stocks in large home builders.Diversify with ETFs and mutual funds.Remember public infrastructure.Look to technology.

Can a contractor be rich?

To become a Wealthy Contractor requires focus, vision, initiative, investment, and a willingness to do business differently to get different results. A 'Wealthy Contractor” continually moves his or her business to a higher level and achieves the company's business plan initiatives, vision, targets and goals.

How much do I need to start a building materials business?

If you round off on starting a large-scale building material business, then you'll need at least INR 40 lakhs when starting up.

How profitable is a construction company?

With an average net profit margin of nearly 6 percent, residential construction companies are the most profitable they've been since the recession.

How much does it cost to start a construction company?

The major costs to start a construction company are tools and equipment. You need excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, and other equipment. If you buy...

Is a construction company profitable?

A construction company can be very profitable. The average profit margin for a new home builder is about 25%, so if you build one $200,000 house, y...

What licenses do I need to start a construction company?

Most states require that you have a general contractor’s license and specialty contractor’s licenses for things like plumbing and electric. You may...

How do I decide what kinds of homes my construction company should build?

The best thing to do is research your local construction market and look for something that’s missing. For example, maybe your area lacks affordabl...

1. Research the construction industry

Collect information about the construction industry to build a foundation of knowledge before you start your construction company. Conducting research gives you the chance to see what kinds of construction projects are most often completed in your area, which can help you choose the equipment you purchase and the employees you hire.

2. Craft a business plan

Having a business plan in place before you start the company can help you stay organized and on task. You likely also need a business plan to send to financial institutions when you're looking to secure funding for your company. Here's what to include in your business plan:

3. Register your company

Make your business a legal entity by registering it with your state and local governments. You can register your construction company as an LLC or a corporation. This process can give you personal protection and legal and tax benefits.

4. Acquire any necessary licenses, permits and certifications

Secure the licenses, permits and certifications required by your state. Each state can vary in its requirements, so it might benefit you to research your state's requirements before applying. You might also need to register as a government contractor if you're interested in pursuing government contracts.

5. Insure your company and employees

Because the construction field can involve complex or dangerous tasks, having a good insurance plan can help ensure the safety of your company and the workers you hire. There are many types of insurance, so you might consider a plan that includes a combination of coverage.

6. Secure funding

You may need to obtain funding to start your construction company. You can use the funds to rent or purchase materials and equipment and pay employees. Small business owners can apply for a variety of funding opportunities, including:

7. Organize a marketing strategy

Marketing strategies might include social media campaigns, television or radio advertisements, logos, online advertisements or print advertisements.

How to start a construction business?

1. Conduct a thorough Market Research. For a construction business, the analysis of the current market and industry trends is instrumental. A construction startup is heavily dependent on the current status of the market. Thus, hiring a professional to iron out this aspect can be great.

What to do before getting someone on board?

Before you get someone on board, conduct your own independent market research to get an idea of the basics. A survey of ongoings with the SBA, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, can give you a fair view of the tools and dynamics used in the construction business industry.

Do you need multiple locations for warehousing?

For an intermediate-scale construction business, you might even require multiple locations for warehousing and office operations separately. A different set of employees and managers will also be required for different on-site and off-site departments.

Can I start a construction business overnight?

It is virtually impossible to launch a successful construction business overnight. Fortunately, there are several steps you can use to put yourself in a great position to run a profitable construction company long into the future.

Do I need a contractor license to do construction work?

To perform all types of construction work, you’ll need general and specialty contractors’ licenses. In addition, you’ll need insurance to protect your business and its employees. Don’t forget to sign up your workers for certification training if they will use aerial lifts as part of their daily work, too.

Should I wait to start a construction company?

Those who are planning to launch a construction company should not wait to get started. The sooner you begin your launch efforts, the sooner you can start running your own business.

1. Research Your Local Market

Your first question should be whether a construction company is even a viable option in your area. After all, if the construction market is already oversaturated and customers are happy with the current local companies, it might be hard to get a foothold in the industry, let alone create a successful business.

2. Write Your Business Plan

After you feel you have a good understanding of your local market, you can begin drafting a business plan. This is one of the most important documents you’ll create when first starting out as it can help you keep your business on track and increase your likelihood of success.

3. Register Your Business

Once you have your business plan together, it’s important to register your business to make it a legal entity, which can provide personal liability protection, legal benefits, and tax benefits. Registering your business is usually as simple as registering the name of your company with state and local governments.

4. Find the Right Licenses & Permits

After you’ve registered your business, it’s time to get your licenses and permits in order. Depending on your state, the location of your business, the size of your company, and even the type of construction you plan to do, you’re likely going to need some type of license or permit to operate legally — on both the federal and state level.

5. Secure Insurance & Liabilities

While you’re considering licenses and permits, you should also start thinking about insurance for you and your employees. Given the dangerous nature of many construction jobs, making sure you’re covered in case of an injury is vital.

6. Get the Funding You Need

Finally, you want to make sure you have the money to finance your new business. If you aren’t able to use your own savings, you can secure funding elsewhere in a variety of ways. These include private lenders, bank loans, government loans, credit unions, or government funding programs.

7. Grow Your Business

One of the greatest contributing factors to longevity in the industry is customer loyalty and reputation. Your aim is to walk away from every project and client on good terms. The best way to do this is to be honest and communicative. As much as possible, be upfront with your clients from the beginning about how long a project is going to take.

What is the least you can do as a construction company?

So as a construction company, you should do all that lies within your power to retain your clients especially when you are able to secure big – time clients like the government.

Why do people want to start their own construction company?

People also get encouraged to go into start their own construction company because on the average it is cost effective to manage the business / workforce. It is the practice for construction companies to hire experts and casual workers only when they have construction projects to execute.

Why do construction companies head towards developing countries?

Construction giants all over the world head towards developing countries, because they know that they are going to get juicy construction contracts there. Unlike in advanced economy, in developing countries and undeveloped world, there are loads of construction works to be done.

What is the process involved in construction?

Once the contract documents has been signed and contract / project mobilization fee has being paid, then all the experts / engineers will move into full swing action to get the construction job / project delivered as agreed.

What is a business plan?

The whole idea of writing a business plan is not just for the sake of having a business document in place; but a detail guide on how to effectively run your business from the scratch. Your business plan should outline and cover strategies on how you intend to manage and grow your construction company.

What are the threats to construction companies?

Generally in the construction industry, both the already established construction companies and start – up construction companies are subject to threat from government policies, global economic downturn and unforeseen natural disasters (disasters that may cause setback).

What are the factors and incentives that encourage entrepreneurs to venture into the construction industry?

The factors and incentives that encourage entrepreneurs to venture into the construction industry are the ability to get good returns on your investment with minimal risks. For example, when you secure a contract to carry out a construction project, the norm is that you will be financially mobilized to start the project.

What should be included in a business plan for a construction company?

The business plan for your construction business should include information such as: Your Business Concept: Information about the construction industry in general, your specific trade, and an overview on how you plan to succeed. Your Marketplace: An analysis of your competition and information about your potential local customers.

What is a business plan for a construction business?

As a contractor looking to start a construction business of your own, a business plan can be an invaluable road map towards success. When you create a business plan, you’re essentially mapping out what you plan to do and how you plan to do it. The business plan for your construction business should include information such as:

Can you be held personally responsible for a construction company?

LLCs offer some liability protection; as a member of the company, you typically can’t be held personally responsible for the company debts and liabilities. Taxation with an LLC is relatively simple and straightforward, as well.

Do you need workers compensation insurance before hiring?

Do your research before you bring on your first hire. Before you hire your first employee, be sure you understand regulatory requirements such as employment and labor laws. In most states, you’ll also be required to carry workers compensation insurance if you hire employees.

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