Tools for starting your own business
max_e_builder
| Posted in General Discussion on
Hi all,
I’m interested in starting my own contracting business in the near future. I currently go to college for residential construction and work with a carpenter on the side. What tools would you suggest for me to get to start out own my own doing general construction? I already own basic hand tools, drills, circular saw. Thanks!
Replies
My experience had me using the basic tools and renting tools at the beginning. If I needed a tool that I had already rented I purchased it and billed the customer at the rental rate. That at least paid for a portion of the cost. The most important advice I received was buy the best quality tool available. Only now after 30 years, some of those tools are finally wearing out.
A very important tool is to realize that all your tools and the van or truck you need to transport them should be figured in as a cost for doing business. Even if you can find quality that will last forever there will be repairs to factor in.
Too many just starting out think that since I already have the equipment, I’ll just figure my labor in an estimate, you cannot forget the costs of doing that business.
Best of luck.
Yeah, the first thing you need to think about is transportation and the costs it has.
Congratulations first off, going to school and working with a contractor, sounds like your off to a good start, it can be a very rewarding career for a driven person. Tools are very job dependent, you'll figure out most of it as you take on new jobs and your general scope of work. Transportation is very important as others have stated. I will say a tool I use every day as a general remodeler/handyman/contractor is my oscillator, amazing how handy they can be.
If your doing interior work at people house having tarps and a vacuum are a must, first thing I do in the morning is set tarps and plastic and the last thing I do before I leave a customers house every day is vacuum my way out. People respect that kind of care, we've gone 30 years on just word of mouth, no advertising just go from referral to referral.
Brooks,
At 30 years have you started working for your original customers children yet?
I finally retired after almost 50 years doing a kitchen for a grandchild of one of my regulars.
Starting a construction business isn't like buying a franchise or opening an appliance store. There is no stock answer to what you need other than you need whatever you need to do the next job. I just retired but I accumulated tools over a 50 year period added as I needed them. I went 10 years without a table saw and only bought one when a circular saw and straightedge were no longer enough. You'll do the same.
I am a cabinet maker in Australia for over 50 years, I agree I have bought tools as i needed the for a particular job also i have always bought the best quality tools I could afford or on some occasions couldn't afford . John Bolton
Keep it simple to start a good impact and oscillating saw with a couple of batteries , skilsaw w/straight edge, set of good levels , step ladder6' a couple of good cords 1/25' 1/50' shop vac and barrels drop cloth and small compressor combo with finish/ bradnailer and hose and a box of hand tools dont worry after a few years you will be shocked how much stuff you will have good luck
Starting your own contracting business is an exciting endeavor! Given your background in residential construction and carpentry experience, you're well on your way. In addition to the basic hand tools, drills, and circular saw you already own, consider the following:
Safety Gear: Prioritize safety with essential items like helmets, safety glasses, and ear protection. Safety should always be a top concern.
Contractor's CRM: Explore Planfix's https://planfix.com/integrations/instagram/ integration to streamline client communications and project management, a valuable asset as your business grows.
Remember that continuous learning and skill development will play a crucial role in your business's success. Best of luck with your contracting business, and I hope these suggestions help you establish a strong foundation!
Did you read the original post?
Hi,
Starting your own business is a piece of good news. As regards the tools, your safety should be at the upper level. So, you should take safety tools first.
This may sound silly but a folding table and good totes for your tools. As a residential remodel contractor the first thing I bring into every job is a folding table to put tools on and under. This helps me stay organized and bend over less. Combine this with totes you keep saws, batteries etc in. Staying organized is key.
I’d also vote for an air scrubber and hepa vac and zip wall components. Keep dust down for you and your clients benefit.
Time is money.
If you charge for looking for tools you didn’t put back in the same place you might suffer the wrath of the client…..or at least a poor rep.
If you keep organized (putting it back in the same place ALL the time) it will benefit your rep as well as make you money!
A couple years late for the OP.
Starting your own business can be an exciting and challenging endeavor. Here are some essential tools and resources to help you get started:
1. **Business Plan Software**: Tools like LivePlan, Bizplan, or Enloop can help you create a comprehensive business plan, which is essential for outlining your business goals, strategies, and financial projections.
2. **Accounting Software**: Consider using accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks to manage your finances, track expenses, create invoices, and generate financial reports.
3. **Website Builder**: Establishing an online presence is crucial for most businesses. Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress offer user-friendly website builders to create professional-looking websites without needing coding skills.
4. **Social Media Management Tools**: Tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social can help you manage and schedule posts across various social media platforms, engage with your audience, and analyze performance metrics.
5. **Email Marketing Software**: Building and nurturing your email list is essential for marketing your business. Consider using platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or ConvertKit to create and send email campaigns, automate sequences, and track results.
6. **Project Management Tools**: As your business grows, you'll need tools to help you manage tasks, projects, and collaboration. Trello, Asana, or Monday.com are popular project management platforms that can help you stay organized and productive.
7. **Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software**: Managing customer relationships is vital for business success. Tools like HubSpot CRM, Salesforce, or Zoho CRM can help you track leads, manage contacts, and streamline communication with customers.
8. **Communication Tools**: Effective communication is essential, especially if your team works remotely. Consider using tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom for team messaging, video conferencing, and collaboration.
9. **Legal and Contract Management**: Tools like DocuSign, HelloSign, or Adobe Sign can streamline the process of creating, signing, and managing contracts and legal documents.
10. **Analytics and Insights**: Tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, or Hotjar can provide valuable insights into your website traffic, user behavior, and marketing efforts, helping you make data-driven decisions to grow your business.
11. **Business Networking Platforms**: Joining business networking platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, or local business organizations can help you connect with other entrepreneurs, potential partners, and customers.
12. **Learning Resources**: Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and resources to continue learning and developing your entrepreneurial skills. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses on business, entrepreneurship, and specific skills.
Remember that the tools you choose will depend on your specific business needs, industry, and budget. It's essential to research and evaluate different options to find the ones that best suit your business goals and requirements.