Construction business start ups

[GTB]

Hello everyone, I am setting up new construction business, I have 15 years of experience working on residential projects . I just wanted to know to get new leads , have some customers small projects have done for them during weekends but since I quite my day job and going solo need more customers to fill up my dairy, about to set up limited company , do website , get business insurance sorted , how to I get more customers,
Have anyone used Checktrader , my builder.
Should I register any of them to increase my business awareness.
Based in London

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Welcome to the family.

First, a little off topic, but

I have 15 years of experience working on residential projects

Is this running a business, running projects or as a trade? Running a business has a lot more scope and requirements than most people realise, so please ensure you get advice on as many subjects/issues as possible.

Anyway, onto your question:

• Repeat custom is important - do not lose contact with old clients
• Recommendations/testimonials are important
• Although possible flooded with competition, local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, In My Area can all give exposure
• When working at a property, drop a leaflet through the neighbours doors saying 'we are in the area....'

 

[GTB]

Welcome to the family.

First, a little off topic, but

Is this running a business, running projects or as a trade? Running a business has a lot more scope and requirements than most people realise, so please ensure you get advice on as many subjects/issues as possible.

Anyway, onto your question:

• Repeat custom is important - do not lose contact with old clients
• Recommendations/testimonials are important
• Although possible flooded with competition, local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, In My Area can all give exposure
• When working at a property, drop a leaflet through the neighbours doors saying 'we are in the area....'

Working on projects as solo trader , my wife has more experience running businesses so she is going to help .
Thanks

 

[MarketingQuote]

Welcome to the forum.

We see this all the time, startup companies looking how to get momentum and leads.

Have you got a website set up yet? There are a few free website build websites if you have a bit of time to write a few pages.

Have you done any cold calling to prospective customers to ask them if they have any requirements?

 

[BubbaWY]

Hello everyone, I am setting up new construction business, I have 15 years of experience working on residential projects . I just wanted to know to get new leads , have some customers small projects have done for them during weekends but since I quite my day job and going solo need more customers to fill up my dairy, about to set up limited company , do website , get business insurance sorted , how to I get more customers,
Have anyone used Checktrader , my builder.
Should I register any of them to increase my business awareness.
Based in London

One option, to get started, could be to speak to larger building companies with a view to subbying to them.

Youll find a lot of larger building companies are pretty much management companies, and dont carry an 'on the tools' labour force.

 

[Joyous]

about to set up limited company , do website , get business insurance sorted

Not trying to discourage you in any way but just thought I'd point out that you don't have to form a limited company to start a new business. I've had many a new client come to me in a tangle with their limited company when they'd have been better off as a sole trader. From your original post it appears you've worked as a sole trader in the past, so while your business is establishing itself it might be better to follow this route. Of course if you have your reasons for wanting to be a limited company then go to it.

One option, to get started, could be to speak to larger building companies with a view to subbying to them.

Was about to suggest subcontracting myself but @BubbaWY beat me to it. You can subcontract as a sole trader or as a limited company and it's a good way to keep busy while building your business.

Have anyone used Checktrader , my builder.

Have used Checkatrade.com in the past when looking for electricians, carpenters, and a roofer.

 

[WaveJumper]

Welcome the the forum, I would echo the advice above ie do you really need to go straight to the ltd, certainly worth thinking about before jumping in.

Defiantly speak to other companies in the game as many I am sure will be struggling for trades and this could help to keep you going whilst building up your own client list. I have two people in the family in the building game, they only work off recommendations and never have anything less than a years worth of work booked in at any one time. Wishing you the very best in your new venture

 

[Mark T Jones]

In marketing terms here your very best friends are your portfolio, referrals and testimonials.

Get busy on local social media pages (Facebook, Next-door etc). Don't just flog your wares, add value.

Similarly amongst your local physical community. Be out and about, be known.

Let your past clients know what you're up to. Ask for referrals.

Possibly join one of those breakfast networking groups.

Website for testimonials and pretty pictures of work done.

Checkatrade / subbing - possibly, just to pay the bills and get things rolling, but you should really be awash with work in 18 months.

In other matters, as above, there's no real need to become Ltd from day 1 - but yes, get your insurances in order!

 

[WaveJumper]

Well there you go literally just talking to my neighbour who had some work done to the decretive woodwork on the front of his house, difficult to miss as scaffolding was up. The guy who did the work had a board up with his details propped up in the front garden. My neighbour tells me the guy has picked up three more jobs two in our road and one around the corner.

Get a signage board made ready for your next job

 

[fantheflames]

Welcome @GTB!

I think having a Facebook presence will be helpful. Lots of people in local groups ask for construction company recommendations, typically when they have been let down by other construction companies.

They might lean towards the cheaper side, but it’s a great way to get started. And of course, Checkatrade to pay the bills!

A solid website showcasing past projects and experience is a must. Starting a business sure is a lot to wrap your head around! I'd focus on local marketing and getting your business name on as many directories as possible. Google is an important one!

 

[GTB]

One option, to get started, could be to speak to larger building companies with a view to subbying to them.

Youll find a lot of larger building companies are pretty much management companies, and dont carry an 'on the tools' labour force.

Okay thank you , I will try to contact them . I thought limited company was much beneficial, thinking also printing flyers and sending them out in local area . What’s the best way to approach architects ?

 

[fisicx]

• Get a Google business Profile.
• Get the van wrapped
• Put up a sign every time you do a project
• Give out postcards to client with a 10% discount for a referral
• Hang out on nextdoor/FB
• Frequent the pubs where local builders hang out.

There are no doubt loads more ways to promote yourself - but you need to go looking, don't wait for the jobs to come to you.