3 Tips For Starting Your General Contractor Company

Becoming self-employed can be a great career step as a general contractor. After all, owning your own business means the big decisions are yours to make. What's better than knowing your success is entirely in your hands? Taking the proper steps as a business owner can create amazing opportunities for growth and advancement in your career. However, it's not as simple as hiring some employees and waiting for clients to call. Running a company requires strong leadership and coordination. If you expect to build a thriving organization, you have to have a strategy. Thankfully, we're here to help. Here are three tips to help you get started. 

#1 Legitimize your business 

Failing to get your legal paperwork in check will limit you and potentially even hurt your business as time passes. Running your business as a legitimate business should be a top priority. 

• Get your license 

The first step to starting your general contractor company should be to get your general contractor license. Regardless of your skillset, obtaining an official license before performing jobs or advertising yourself as a general contractor is a requirement in the US. Failing to do so can result in serious legal consequences. Licensing requirements vary by state. Check your local government website for more information. 

• LLC

An LLC or Limited Liability Company is a business structure that offers its owner's liability protection and certain tax benefits. This means that the members of the LLC's assets are protected in the case of financial failure. An LLC can be an excellent option for a company with high risks, such as a construction or contractor company. When legally registering your organization, consider doing so as an LLC.

• Insurance 

You always want to protect yourself, your business, and your employees in the case of an accident. It is not uncommon for mistakes to happen. In the case that someone gets hurt or something gets damaged, you don't want to be in a position where you are fully liable. Before completing any jobs, make sure to always have the insurance protection necessary to get started. 

• Business bank account 

It may seem convenient to simply ask to be paid in cash or directly to your personal bank account. However, setting up a business bank account is extremely important when it comes to paying yourself and your team. The last thing you want is chaotic finances, especially during tax season. Think about the number of transactions required once the business gets going. You will need to accept payments from clients, buy materials and equipment and pay your team for their work and time on the job. A business bank account keeps your business transactions in one place, allowing you to track and organize your money effectively. 

#2 Take care of your people 

Owning your own business gives you the freedom to do things as you'd like. However, you will often rely on your team to complete jobs and advance the company. Assuring that your employees are taken care of and happy in their work environment can make a huge difference in productivity and the quality of their results. So, keep an open path of communication, ensure everyone gets paid on time, and reward them for great work. 

Similarly, your business won't thrive without a steady client base. Your customers are an integral part of your business. So, make the buying experience something enjoyable for them. Excellent customer service and an easy-to-navigate website alone can increase your level of customer satisfaction tremendously. 

#3 Understand your business

If you don't completely understand your business's ins and outs, it will be challenging to grow and improve. As a business owner, you must be fully aware of everything mentioned above to be a great leader. When it comes to general contractors, this entails knowing everything from the limitations of your license, laws, and regulations to the market you cater to and the building and remodeling trends that may be popular at the time. Keep your business up to date and actively learn more about your business each day. For your business to survive, it must grow and evolve with the industry. 

For more information on starting a trade business, getting a trade license, or exam prep information and materials, visit Upstryve.com.