If you are looking to start your own roofing business, you will likely have some experience or at least the appropriate qualifications. After all, starting any sort of business without knowing even the basics of what you are getting yourself into can be a huge mistake.
Even if you have the qualifications required, it is a particularly good idea to have a few years of experience working for a roofing business before stepping out to do your own thing. This is because it will give you valuable insight into what is expected of you not only as a service provider and an employee but also works well as preparation for when you have to deal with your own customers and employees in the future.
Before you start
Trying to set up a business without any experience or knowledge in the field, even if you are hoping to rely on professionals to carry out the work for you, can be an uphill struggle. You should keep in mind that with a lack of experience or knowledge, you are opening your business up to disgruntled employees – who may show you little respect until they leave for a less stressful job with a boss that knows what they are doing.
So, after having gained the relevant skills and experience from carrying out and being involved in countless roofing jobs, you decide you want to take on the role of boss. In that case, there are some fundamentals that you will have to work out to make your new business a success.
You’ll need a business plan
As with any business, you will need a business plan. Although many would think this is purely for applying for a business start-up loan or attracting investors, it can be of particular help to you too.
A business plan should include your research into the services, quality, and price your potential customers are interested in. It should also include your investigation into materials prices, marketing, and the general running of your business.
A good business plan will also include your projections into where you want to take your business within the first six months, 12 months, and then over the next handful of years, with appropriate benchmarks in place so you can gauge your progress. All of this is likely to help keep you focused on your business’s future and provide a visible route to your success.
Create an accessible, user-friendly website
Nowadays, every business requires a website; indeed, you could have your company seen as less than authentic without one. It is, however, not enough to have a website thrown together and then uploaded to the internet. You should ensure that your website reflects your business, what it does, and the level of professional services on offer.Â
Hiring the services of a qualified and experienced web designer should ensure that your website not only looks and feels great but is also well-designed so that it is easy to navigate, accessible to all audiences, and entirely user-friendly.
Set up your ‘head office’ (even if it’s only your spare room)
Even if you are just working from your home, you will need contact details and an office to do your paperwork and house your office hardware. This needn’t be a top-notch zip code; your spare room could very well do. In this modern day, you will need a laptop or desktop computer to draw up your invoices and keep tabs on customers’ details as well as your workloads, taxes, and payroll.
If all of this sounds a bit difficult, there are software programs that will prove to be extremely helpful. Selecting the best roofing programs can be a little daunting if you are not sure what you will require, so getting some help on this would be beneficial.Â
For instance, you will probably need some software that has a customer relationship management (CRM) element, as well as one that can help you keep on top of jobs, scheduling, and workloads.
Don’t forget about your business vehicle, trade tools, and a phone
Having a separate business vehicle rather than your family car is a good idea as you can keep track of the wear and tear as well as the mileage and gas consumed. You are also likely to find that you can claim some business expenses for running and maintenance costs.
This is also true of having a separate business phone from that of your personal. Keeping your own business hours is important, too, as you will find that you have customers calling and messaging you at all times of the day and sometimes the night. You should never underestimate the relief that can be felt when being able to switch off your business phone so you can enjoy a quiet evening with your friends or your family.
Having tools for your trade goes without saying, and if you are an experienced roofer, you will know exactly what tools you should need in order to get your work done to a satisfactory level.
Remember, insurance is mandatory
Last but not least, regardless of whereabouts in the world you work, you should have the necessary insurance in place for your business and the work you carry out – even more so when it comes to roofing. Your insurance should cover you in the event of an accident to protect your income and your employees (and families should the accident involve loss of life) and protect your customer and their property against damage and injury.
Of course, it is advisable to speak to a professional insurance company when taking out a policy to ensure that your business is completely covered from every angle.
Once this is in place, you are likely to find that employees and contractors will be easier to hire as they will know that you are protecting them and their families; not only that but being able to advertise your business as fully insured will help your potential customers feel more inclined to use your services.
