Do you enjoy construction work and problem-solving, and offer entrepreneurial spirit? If yes, then starting your own commercial general contractor company like MBC Management might be right for you.
A commercial general contractor is a profession that makes a difference in every project. Your hard work and efforts leverage incredible structures of all sizes. Architects, planners, and engineers rely on your expertise to execute the design and deconstruct at the end of the project.
Not sure where to start your business? Keep reading. We’ll walk you through what you need to know about starting a general contractor company with an in-depth guide below.
Table of Contents
Conduct Market and Industry Research
As a starter to any commercial contracting business, it’s important to conduct market and industry research. This will help you understand the potential demand for your services, the competition you’ll face, and what pricing you can expect to charge.
To start, look online for market research reports about commercial general contractors. You can search for articles in trade publications or use a service like Hoovers to find company profiles.
Next, reach out to other businesses in the industry to get their perspectives. You can attend trade shows or networking events, or make some phone calls.
Don’t forget to talk to potential customers themselves. See if there’s interest in your services and what kinds of prices people are willing to pay.
Develop a Business Plan
Before you can start your commercial general contracting business, you need to develop a business plan. Your business plan will be a living document that will grow as your business grows and changes. Your business plan should include:
- Executive Summary
- Company Description
- Services Description
- Market Analysis
- Sales Strategy
- Marketing Strategy
- Financial Plan
The executive summary includes your mission statement and some key information about your company. The description of your company and services includes information on your target market and any unique selling points that set you apart from the competition.
The market analysis includes information on your competition and how you plan to compete in the market. The sale and marketing strategy includes information on your sales process, pricing strategy, and marketing initiatives. The financial plan includes information on your funding needs, as well as assumptions made in projecting your financials.
Establish a Brand and Logo Design
A commercial general contractor company needs a powerful brand and logo design to be successful. The brand should be professional and recognizable, while the logo should be simple yet unique. Here are a few things to consider:
Keep it simple. You want your logo to be easy to remember and recognize, so avoid complex designs or busy patterns.
Consider your color scheme. The colors you choose for your logo can say a lot about your company – for example, blue is often associated with trustworthiness and stability.
Make sure it’s scalable. Your logo should look just as good on a business card as it does on a billboard.
Earn Licenses and Permits
There are several licenses and permits that you will need to gain to legally operate your commercial general contractor company. The specific licenses and permits required will vary depending on the state and local jurisdiction in which your business is located.
However, some of the more common licenses and permits that you may need to get include a business license, a contractor’s license, and any necessary building permits. The requirements for obtaining a license or permit vary from state to state but generally include passing an exam and paying a fee. In some states, you may also need to submit proof of insurance.
Find the Finest Location
There are a few things to consider when finding the finest location for your commercial general contractor company. The first thing is the size of the space you need. Another thing is the proximity to potential customers. You’ll want to consider the cost of rent and utilities in the area you’re considering.
The best way to find a great location is to work with a real estate agent who specializes in commercial properties. They’ll be able to help you find a property that meets all your needs and is within your budget.
Get the Best Suppliers and Resources
As a commercial general contractor, you need to have access to the best suppliers and resources that sell supplies at a wholesale price to get the job done right while not ruining your pocket. This can be a daunting task, but there are a few places you can start your search.
One place to look for suppliers is online directories and another place to find suppliers is through trade associations. Directories and trade associations typically list suppliers by category, so you can easily find ones that sell fasteners wholesale or other wholesale supplies. Don’t forget to ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they know of any good suppliers.
Once you have found some potential suppliers, it is important to vet them before doing business with them. Here are a few things to consider:
- Pricing
- Quality
- Availability
Hire Employees and Educate Them
When it comes to hiring employees, you’ll want to make sure you find people who are qualified and who have experience in the field. You can use job boards or online classifieds to find potential candidates.
When it comes to educating your employees, there are a few different routes you can take. You can send them to trade school or college, have them shadow another employee for some time, or provide on-the-job training.
Develop Quality Control Procedures
There are several ways to go about developing quality control procedures for your business. One approach is to start by identifying the key areas that need to be addressed to meet your quality standards.
Once you’ve identified these areas, you can then develop specific procedures for each. This includes:
- Inspection
- Testing
- Documentation
Once you have developed your quality control procedures, it is important to communicate them to all members of your team. Make sure everyone understands what is expected of them.
Start Your Commercial General Contractor Business Today
In conclusion, starting a commercial general contractor company is a great way to leverage your skills and experience. With the right business strategy, you can benefit from increased profits and satisfaction.
Research the market, build an effective network, and develop your reputation. Take the first step and start your commercial general contractor today!
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