rnrnWith our world advancing at lightning speed, there is always a need for a skilled carpenter to perform the intricate work involved in the process of developing a new property. If you love hands-on work and being your own boss, this industry will have endless lucrative opportunities! However, with any self-employed profession, your success greatly relies on the structure of your business plan and getting all the right pieces in working order. rnrnSetting yourself up for success from the start will ensure that you will be able to focus on your clients and building a reputation that will bring both repeat and brand new business. Proper funding will provide you with access to superior training programs, durable top-of-the-line equipment and cover all the required licenses and fees. rnrnThere are two main sectors that carpenters specialize in, and the first thing that you will need to determine is where your niche will be:rn
- rn
- Rough Work (Structural) – Framework, Roofing or other construction that deals with the skeleton of the building
- Finish (Detail) – Wall Trim, Cabinetry
rn
rn
rnTraining and QualificationsrnrnIf you have absolutely zero experience in carpentry, then getting some experience and training under your belt is necessary to stand out in this competitive market. The goal is for your work to do the majority of the marketing for you – above average work gains above average reviews from your clients. You want to remember two types of potential future work that will come from each finished project – rehiring and word-of-mouth referrals. If your work is subpar, there are many other competitors that will beat you in the market, so before you start your business make sure you can provide good work! rnrnTrade Certification and Licensure ProgramsrnrnYou may not always need to be licensed for every job, but it sure does increase the likelihood of scoring good quality job opportunities. Having the credentials will open more doors for projects in commercial versus residential. You can search on sites, such as Study.com, to find educational programs that are offered. rnrnCarpentry ApprenticeshipsrnrnApprenticeships are also available and can last 3-5 years. While this may seem like an extensive process to precede starting your business, it builds a strong foundation for a solid business model and the portfolio of work you can demonstrate to a potential client. You can search your state or local area for different types of apprenticeships offered using sites like Indeed.com or Glassdoor.com -or you can apply to NWCI’s apprenticeship program that will start paying a salary while you learn. rnrnBasic Skill SetrnrnWhether you have the experience or are learning the trade, there are basic skills that are required for the job:rn
- rn
- Handle the necessary machinery and equipment adequately
- Skilled and knowledgeable about all types of necessary tools
- Building experience a plus
- Calculate estimates
- Remodeling
- Building custom, shelves, and cabinets
- Proficiency in trim work, drilling and setting hardware for doors and windows, setting windows, stair layouts, etc.
- Ability to read blueprints
- Ability to manage paperwork such as employee time sheets
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as crawling for long distances and climbing extended ladders
- List of Common Business Skills
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rnBusiness PlanrnrnOnce you have the necessary training or experience in carpentry, you will need to create your Business Plan – this includes all the projected expenses from start-up to day-to-day. Most new Carpentry businesses require a small business loan to get them on their feet, so it is vital that you have a plan to present that will include all the details of your business, how much you will need to spend and how you plan to succeed. If you have never written a business plan, then Bplans.com has an excellent template to get you started. rnrnStart-Up CostsrnrnLaying out all the expenses required to start and maintain your business will help you when applying for a Start-Up Loan, by establishing that you have done your research and you understand how much to apply for. It is important to anticipate every little need and plan your budget around the maximum amount you could be realistically spending. Start-up costs may include:rn
- rn
- Permits
- Insurance
- Rent
- Equipment
- Vehicles
- Marketing
- Office Supplies
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rnOperating ExpensesrnrnAfter the initial amount has been invested to start-up your business, you will have other expenses that recur every month. Find a management tool to keep track of all your spending for tax purposes and make sure to evaluate your spending on a routine basis. Basic Operating Expenses may include:rn
- rn
- Rent
- Loan Payments
- Wages, Payroll Taxes, Employee Benefits
- Communications – Landline, Cell Phones, Internet Access
- Municipal Taxes
- Office Supplies
- Marketing
- Website Hosting and Maintenance
- Maintenance
- Vehicle Expenses
- Professional Fees – Bookkeeper, Lawyers, Consultants
- Insurance
- Fuel
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn rnrn
Unsecured Finances has over 10 years in business, specializing in Unsecured Business and Start-Up Specialty Loans including; Unsecured No Documentation (No-Doc Stated Income) Loans, Unsecured Business Loans, and Unsecured Start-Up Business Loans and Lines of Credit from $10,000 to $500,000 without Assets.rnrnApply on our website to find out if you are approved, or call today for a free consultation: 1-888-294-2584rnrn
