Plumbing and other jobs in the skilled trades are often regarded as “blue-collar jobs” or as not very good jobs at all. The reality is that these types of jobs are indeed very good jobs, as they don’t require a lot of schooling (meaning more money saved) and they actually pay very well.
For example, plumbers in the United States can make anywhere from $17.00 to $33.00 an hour according to ZipRecruiter, or anywhere from $40,000 a year to $75,000 a year. As the owner of your own business, you have the potential to earn a salary on the higher end of this spectrum. So if you’re wanting to start your own plumbing business, here’s what you’re going to need.
Equipment
To get your business started, you’re going to need plumbing equipment. This includes things like pipes and essential tools, such as wrenches, pliers, a plumber’s torch, crimpers, and plungers. You’ll also need a way to transport your equipment and tools to and from your clients’ homes/buildings, like a van or a truck. Another thing you’re going to need is plumbing business software. This type of software eliminates the need for you to use pencil and paper to keep up with estimates, invoices, and other paperwork.
Office Space
When starting your business, it’s okay to work out of a home office, but after a while, you’ll probably need a separate office for your business. Location is the most crucial aspect when it comes to purchasing any type of property, but because plumbers meet with clients, you can choose an office building just about anywhere you want. Make sure your building isn’t too far from residential areas because people often call a plumber when they need one fast, and you’ll want to get there as soon as possible.
Business Insurance
All businesses need insurance to protect them from several things that can occur. Most companies start off by getting general liability insurance, which covers them in the case of personal or bodily injury resulting from their business. Another type of insurance you’ll need is commercial property insurance if you’re operating outside of your home.
This type of insurance covers repairing your building in the case of a break-in and most natural disasters. Finally, you’ll also need commercial auto insurance for your company vehicle, as your care insurance will not cover your work vehicle.
Employees
Again, when you’re just starting out, you can probably handle all of your calls yourself. As your business starts to grow, you’ll want to have more help. You can post to job listing websites and niche sites to search for qualified plumbers to work for you, or you can hire a recruitment agency to bring qualified candidates to you. You can also advertise that you’re engaging on social media, as you’d advertise your services to potential clients. Remember that when you hire employees, you’ll also need workers’ compensation insurance if your employees get sick, injured, or killed on a job.
Up-to-Date License
All workers in the skilled trades know they must be certified before starting any official work, but many of these fields require you to update your license every so often to continue working legally. As a plumber, you’ll need to continue your education in plumbing to keep your support updated. Keep in mind that different states and even different cities within one state may have additional requirements when it comes to licensing, so make sure that you have the proper licensing to work legally.
How Do I Advertise My Plumbing Business?
13 plumbing marketing ideas
- Get your free listing on Google Business Profile.
- Make a name for your plumbing that people will recognize.
- Use Google Ads for plumbers to let people know about your services.
- Email marketing lets you remind people about services and offer deals.
- Get plumbing leads that are right for you by using websites
Is Plumbing a Good Business to Start?
Starting a plumbing business is a good way to be your own boss and make money at the same time. With an industry worth $124 billion (USD) and growing, there’s never been a better time to get started. To be successful, you’ll need more than plumbing experience and technical know-how.
Is Owning a Plumbing Business Profitable?
Price and profit must be included.
In general, plumbers who own their own businesses make more than $80,000 a year. A master plumber who works 8 hours a day and charges $40 an hour will make $100,000 a year. However, the cost of basic supplies and the time it takes to run the business will cut into this profit.
What Kind of Plumbing Makes the Most Money?
Lastly, plumbers who work in more dangerous places tend to make more money. Steel manufacturing is the best-paying industry for plumbers and pipefitters, according to the BLS. Building equipment contracting, nonresidential building construction, and utility system construction are the industries with the most jobs for plumbers and pipefitters.
Where Do Plumbers Make the Most Money?
Alaska has the highest median pay for both new and experienced plumbers, but Massachusetts has the highest pay for plumbers in the middle of their careers.
Conclusion
After getting the operations for your business ready, it’s a good route to think about some plumber marketing which can help you grow and gain new prospects locally and nationally.
Don’t forget to register your business as a legal entity before you begin work. It may also be a good idea to start a referral program so that word can get around about your new business. Just remember to be as professional as possible and do an excellent job so that people know you’re worth hiring.
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