If you are a tradie with an entrepreneurial spirit, you can freelance your services on a subcontract basis and working for yourself offers many more benefits than being an employee. The most important thing is that you are certified in your trade; then you can go ahead and register as a business.
Tools, equipment and vehicle
If you haven’t already got a full toolkit, this is one investment you must make, while fitting light truck commercial tyres on your van will ensure safety. Your tools are your livelihood therefore they should be insured against theft or loss; there are special insurance policies for tradies that include general liability.
Healthy economy
The construction industry is currently booming, which is good news for all skilled workers and major contractors are always looking for the following:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters (1st and 2nd fixings)
- Roofers
- Plasterers
- Welders
- Steel erectors
Of course, there are many contractors that are looking for sub-contract tradies to work on specific projects; you should be able to contact contractors via the web and offer your services.
Building materials
Setting up a building supplies business is another way the entrepreneur can create a winning business. Building materials are always in high demand and if you strike deals with small builders, you can build a loyal customer base. You would need a fleet of trucks for delivery, plus a large yard and a good team of staff; take a look at builders’ merchants near you to see the set up.
Catering
This is another way you can build a business around construction; workers need to eat and by setting up a fleet of food trailers, you can offer their favourites at affordable prices. Some construction sites have a canteen but many do not and if you invested in a single food trailer, you could visit numerous sites and that would see the foundation of an expanding venture. Click here for great places to eat lunch.
Register with the government
If you are going to freelance your building services, you need to register with the Australian government, which is quite straightforward and can be completed online. Click here for more information on setting up a business in Australia.
Bookkeeping & accounting
Keep records of all financial transactions and store them in spreadsheets; a self-employed builder should engage the services of a local bookkeeper to set up an effective system that allows an accountant to file tax returns.
Start with a plan
If you wish to enter the construction sector, there are many opportunities; draw up a plan and do a feasibility study and if that comes up trumps, write a business plan, then you have the foundation of a successful venture.
The Internet hosts a wealth of resources for the budding entrepreneur and with the right concept, a lot of energy and determination, there’s every reason to expect a level of success.
