6 Steps to Starting Your Own Roofing Company
If you’ve never run a business before you may be stuck on where to start. Forming your own company shouldn’t feel like a minefield. Whether you have years of experience in the roofing industry or are newly qualified, you can find success running your own company.
Here are the main steps you should take when starting your own roofing business.
1. Draft a Comprehensive Business Plan
A solid business plan serves as the cornerstone of your roofing venture. It should start by outlining your short- and long-term goals. You should analyse the local demand for roofing services, identify your customer base and assess competitors. Finally, you should provide annual budgets and revenue forecasts.
A sound business plan not only guides your decision-making process, but also improves your chances of securing funding. Before you do anything else, you should start to develop your plan. This will guide where you take your business in the future and help you to hyperfocus on your target market.
Here’s a quick look at what you should include in your roofing business plan to help you get started:
[Your Business Name]
- Executive Summary
- Business Description
- Market Analysis
- Marketing and Sales Strategy
- Operations Plan
- Financial Plan
- Concluding Statement
2. Ensure Legal Compliance
To ensure compliance, you must get a roofing contractor licence and a Construction Induction Card or White Card. You will also need to select a suitable business structure (sole trader, partnership, company, etc.). This will allow you to acquire an Australian Business Number (ABN) and Tax File Number (TFN), registering your business name with ASIC. Finally you will need to set up dedicated business accounts.
You must apply for these licences before you can start offering your services to clients.
3. Invest in Quality Tools and Equipment
Equipping yourself with the right tools is crucial for delivering roofing services to a good standard. From basic tools like ladders, measuring instruments, and hammers to specialised equipment tailored to your specific roofing services, investing in quality gear is non-negotiable.
You also need to prioritise safety by procuring protective gear like helmets, safety goggles, and gloves. A well-equipped arsenal not only boosts your efficiency but ensures your future employees stay safe when working on a project. A safe workforce will work more productively, leading to happier customers.
4. Safeguard Your Business with Insurance
Insurance serves as a vital safety net for roofing contractors, shielding your business from potential liabilities and unforeseen expenses.
Essential insurance policies for roofing businesses include Public Liability insurance, which covers third-party claims for injury or property damage, and Business Insurance, offering comprehensive coverage for business assets and premises. Neglecting insurance could expose your business to financial risks and stop you from growing your enterprise.
5. Build a Reliable Team
While you might start forming your business on your own, eventually you’ll need to assemble a competent team of workers. Beyond hiring skilled roofing professionals, consider recruiting part-time or freelance assistance for administrative tasks like bookkeeping, office management, or marketing. Delegating responsibilities allows you to focus on the responsibilities associated with growing a business and ensures your operations run smoothly.
6. Develop a Strong Online Presence
As a roofing business it’s important to build your online presence initially rather than relying on word of mouth. You’re new to the game, and potential clients will judge you initially on your website.
Your professional website will act as a showcase for your work. You should detail your roofing services, service areas, testimonials, and contact details.
To be visible to potential customers near you, leverage marketing strategies like search engine optimsation (SEO), social media marketing, and online directories to expand your reach. An impactful online presence not only enhances your visibility - it improves your credibility and customer engagement.
