Starting-A-Contractor-Career

10 Things You Should Know Before Starting AContractor Career |Contractors School, Inc.

ByBiswajit

So, you want to be a contractor? Excellent choice! Contractors are in high demand these days, and there’s a good reason why. As a contractor, you’ll enjoy greater flexibility and autonomy than most traditional 9-to-5ers. But before you can hang your shingle and start contracting, there are a few things you should know.

The 10 Contractor Classes You Should Take

There are a variety of online contractor classes in Utah, but the 10 classes below are a good starting point. They’ll give you a solid foundation in the basics of contracting, from bidding to project management.

  • Introduction to Contracting
  • Bidding and Estimating
  • Project Management
  • Contract Law
  • Business Planning
  • Financing Your Business
  • Marketing Your Business
  • Sales Skills for Contractors
  • Safety and OSHA Regulations
  • Working with Subcontractors

Get Licensed and Certified

In many states, you’ll need to be licensed and certified in order to contract legally. The requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your local licensing authority to find out what’s required in your area. In some cases, you may also need to obtain bonding or insurance.

Join a Professional Association

Joining a professional association is a great way to network with other contractors and stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) are two of the most popular professional associations for contractors.

Get Some Experience

While you don’t necessarily need years of experience to become a successful contractor, it can certainly help. If you can, try to get some experience working in the construction or remodeling industry before starting your contracting business. This will help you learn the ropes and give you a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful contractor.

Make a Business Plan

Before you start contracting, it’s important to have a business plan in place. This will help you map out your goals and objectives, as well as establish a budget and marketing strategy. Your business plan doesn’t have to be extensive, but it should cover the basics of what you hope to achieve with your contracting business.

Find the Right Insurance

As a contractor, you’ll need to have the right insurance in place to protect yourself and your business. The type of insurance you need will vary depending on the scope of your business, but there are a few basic policies that all contractors should have, including general liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage insurance.

Get Your Finances in Order

Before starting your contracting business, it’s important to get your finances in order. This means obtaining the necessary financing to get your business off the ground and establishing good accounting and bookkeeping practices. It’s also a good idea to set aside some money for marketing and advertising, as well as for unexpected expenses that may come up along the way.

Build a Great Website

In order to attract potential clients, you’ll need a great website that showcases your contracting business. This means including photos of your past projects, as well as a list of the services you offer. You should also include a contact form or email address so potential clients can easily get in touch with you.

Get Out There and Market Your Business

Once you have your website up and running, it’s time to start marketing your contracting business. This can be done through online advertising, social media, direct mail, or even bypassing out business cards. The key is to get your name and the services you offer out there so potential clients can find you when they need a contractor.

Offer Superior Customer Service

Finally, one of the most important things you can do to be successful as a contractor is to offer superior customer service. This means being responsive to your clients’ needs, meeting deadlines, and doing quality work. If you can provide your clients with an exceptional experience, they’ll be more likely to use your services again in the future.

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