If you are thinking of starting a deck-building service, the first thing to consider is overhead expenses. Depending on the size of the job, overhead costs could be minimal, or they could be large. Here is a step-by-step overview to assist you in beginning your own deck-building business from scratch.
First, decide on a legal entity – some business owners choose a simple sole proprietorship when starting out, but this isn’t recommended if you plan to scale up your company over time. Instead, you better off opting for a corporation that shields your assets in the event that the business goes under or incurs heavy debt.
If you intend to build a small deck, the overhead expenses won’t be a huge deal. Most business owners just charge for the time they use to build a new deck, plus their profit should more than cover the cost of materials. The real money maker is the one that sell enough chairs, tables, BBQ utensils, and other accessories to make it appealing to potential customers and guests.
If you plan to offer services to homeowners, the overhead expenses are going to be greater. This is because you will be hiring employees to work for you onsite, plus you will have to pay for insurance and licenses. You will also need to purchase supplies and make sure that your building is up to code. As far as starting a deck building business with limited means, you may need to obtain a small building loan at first to pay for some of the costs, such as materials.
Some other things to consider about starting a deck-building business with a low budget include deciding where to buy materials, determining your overhead expenses, and developing a marketing plan. If you can prove that you have an existing client base, then you can help them upgrade their outdoor space by selling accessories and supplies. If you have a website, make sure that you feature testimonials and pictures from satisfied customers so that interested parties can see what quality products you are selling. A great way to start a deck-building business with a low budget is to partner with local manufacturers who will give you discounts on bulk purchases.
While the Internet is certainly one of the best ways to start a deck-building business with a low budget, it may not be the best option for some entrepreneurs. Before you decide to purchase your materials online, take the time to visit local hardware stores in your area to determine the cost of the materials that you will need.
There are also manufacturers that sell their products online but require you to personally purchase items from their warehouse in order to receive a discount. You should also keep in mind that there may be special tax savings available if you are purchasing materials from a manufacturer or distributor within a specific region.
