How to Start a Plumbing Business
Are you looking to start a plumbing business? Becoming a part of this growing market is a great idea. Plumbing services are always in demand. The plumbing service industry is valued at $129 billion in the US, with steady growth expected due to new constructions and renovations across the country. But starting a plumbing business requires more than general know-how and plumbing experience. You must already know that since you searched for ‘How to start a plumbing business?’ So without further ado, let’s see the steps required for starting a plumbing business:
Research Your Target Market
Plumbing services is a vast field. There are at least ten main types of plumbing services, including repair and replacement, maintenance, drainage and sewage works, installation, remodeling, water heater services, gas services, emergency plumbing, etc. The plumbing system of a build can also depend on the area's weather and type of build. Moreover, plumbing services for renovation projects can vary significantly from new construction.
Therefore, before offering your services, you must conduct market research to analyze the demand for your expertise. You can also utilize market research to find the plumbing services niche with higher demand or that is more profitable.
Assemble a Business Plan
A business plan is an essential component for starting any business. It includes the details of how a business will operate and offers realistic timelines for its short-term and long-term growth. Making a business plan is vital if you plan to take a loan from a bank or an investor. But even if you have the funds to start a plumbing business, you will still utilize the business plan as a guidebook for your business.
Your business plan should cover the following contents:
Executive Summary – an explanation of the contents
Business Overview – business description
Services List – list of the services offered by your plumbing business
Pricing Strategy – list of prices for the services offered
Market Analysis – demand for services offered in the market
Competitive Analysis – businesses offering the same services as your business in the area
Marketing Plan – plans for attracting customers
Business Positions – roles and responsibilities
Employee Planning – a timeline for filling vacant roles
Cash Flow Strategy – details of expenses, salaries, and income for the first year of business
Adding a table of contents and cover can make your business plan appear more professional and easier to refer to when needed.
Get Trained
If you have been thinking about starting a plumbing business after a successful DIY in your home, it might take you some time before you can offer your services to others. Becoming a plumber requires enrolling in a technical school in plumbing classes to learn about plumbing design, plumbing math, installation methods, building codes, etc.
Once you pass all the plumbing classes, you will sign up for an apprenticeship with a licensed plumber. Plumbing apprenticeships last two to five years. However, besides gaining experience, it will also help you build a network, teach you how to deal with customers, and even prepare you for owning a successful business.
Get Your Plumbing Licence
After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass an exam for your plumbing license. The requirements for the license can vary from state to state. Click here to find the requirements for your state.
Once you receive the license, you can get a job as a journeyperson plumber or start your plumbing business. Depending on your state, you might need to renew your license annually or every two years. You may also need to keep up with the latest information on the field and new techniques and equipment to maintain your license.
Get a Name and Logo
To start a plumbing business, you must first consider your business name. Choose a name that reflects your services or expertise to gain customers’ attention quicker. Make sure the name is easy to pronounce and remember so your customers don’t have difficulty recalling it. Click here to ensure the name you have decided is available.
Once you have found a name you like and that is available, you must register it with the trademark issuing authority to get the right to operate under it. Next, get a logo designed by a professional as your business identity.
Register Your Company
A plumbing license allows you to work as a plumber, but starting a plumbing business requires a business license. You can get a partnership, sole proprietorship, or limited liability company (LLC) license. Small businesses usually register as LLCs, providing greater protection if the business gets sued.
The first step of getting a business license is registering the business name. Since you have already completed that step, let’s see the remaining steps of the process:
Select an Agent
LLCs require getting an agent. An agent is someone who handles the business’s documentation on its behalf. After selecting a registered agent for your business, you will become eligible for an LLC license.
Get the LLC Operating Agreement
The LLC operating agreement will define the operational framework for your business. Operations such as governance, ownership, profit sharing, etc., can become stressful in scenarios of unwarranted claims or demands. However, this document will protect you and your business from such issues. Depending on your state, you may not need to submit it to get a license. But creating it, in any case, is highly advantageous for you and your business.
Submit Required Articles
Depending on the state, you may need to provide certain documents as verification of identity or as a requirement for the license. You can click here to find the documents required by your state. Submitting the documents will allow you to establish your LLC.
Once you have submitted all documents, you should get the license to start a plumbing business soon. Registering your business for taxes is also required at this stage.
Get Insurance
While LLC businesses are protected by their business model, it is advisable to get insurance for enhanced protection against claims, accidents, unseen loss, and bankruptcy. Plumbing businesses in the US can benefit from various insurances. However, general liability insurance might be enough for your business initially. Once your business expands, you can sign up for workers comp, tools, property, and auto insurance.
Invest in Equipment
While you may already have the basic plumbing tools, you will need to get some more for your business. Besides plumbing tools, you will also need to build an inventory of supplies and safety equipment. Get some uniforms for yourself and your crew and a vehicle for the commute. Refer to this list to find out everything you need for the plumbing business.
Get a Website
A website is the only address you need for your plumbing business in the digital age. Since audience search for whatever they need on the internet, a website is also the fastest way to make an impression and convert them into customers.
But building a website requires considerable effort. You will need to design a layout, write copy, add keywords, put up images, test run the website, and frequently update and check it to ensure it's running smoothly. If it sounds overwhelming or you’d rather focus on plumbing, sign up on Trady.com. It is a website building service for trades and home services and provides exclusive features such as booking and making payments online. With these services, the customers will find it quick and easy to avail of your services, making them prefer your business. Avail of the 14-day free trial for Trady.com to make up your mind.
Market Your Business
Getting a website is only half the work. You cannot just sit and wait for customers to stumble upon your website and book your services. The rest involves marketing the business to inform customers of your existence and tempting them to avail of the services as needed.
Marketing a business is constant work. While it is easier for small businesses offering their services in a limited area, it still requires many steps. Firstly, you need to set up social media profiles for your business. You will also need to mark your presence on platforms such as Yelp and Nextdoor. Adding your business to Google Maps is also advisable. You can also advertise your business in local newspapers, magazines, and websites.
But wait, there’s more. After marking your business’s presence everywhere, you must keep up with social media posts and digital marketing methods to enhance your reach.
Again, if you would rather focus on providing the service than advertising it, get help from Trady.com. Besides complete website building and maintenance services, it also provides end-to-end marketing for trades and home services. With Trady.com, you can be free to focus on what you do best.
Provide Exceptional Services
After successfully completing the above steps, you will soon begin to get clients. Keep up your professional attitude and hard-working spirit to deliver your best for every customer, big or small. Good marketing will gain you several first-time customers, but the work you deliver will turn them into regulars and allow you to gain free word-of-mouth marketing.
In time, your service and reputation will allow you to expand your business.