With rising construction projects in the commercial and residential industry, plumbing opportunities have started growing rapidly. At the same time, the labor shortage continues to drive up the demand for plumbing experts across the globe. Thus, this could be a perfect time to start a plumbing business.
Starting a plumbing business means having a good team and proper equipment. At first, it will be difficult to get things started. But with the help of the following pro tips, everything will be easy and stress-free:
1. Define Your Niche
Although plumbing services include drain cleaning and pipe repair, you will face stiff competition. Basing your plumbing business on these services, you will have competition from every corner. This is why it is important to define your niche.
The best way to know your niche is to research. Ensure you research the plumbing areas that other companies don’t cover. For instance, your venture may repair baths or a specialized service installing gas and water pipes.
You can base your niche on commercial industries. You will be offering services to warehouses, nursing homes, hospitals, and other large-scale premises.
2. Use FSM Software
The transformation of the FSM sector is leaving no stone unturned. Among the most traditional and oldest areas of the FSM sector is plumbing. It is seen as a revolution no one has seen in many years.
But plumbing entails tasks, like billing customers and dispatching technicians to job sites, in addition to repairing pipes and installing baths. Handling all these by yourself can slowly take a toll on you.
This is where solutions, such as field service management software (FMS software), come to play. With the right software, you can also improve customer service, handle business workflows, and minimize expenditures in the field.
3. Invest in Proper Equipment
Stocking your van with several important plumbing equipment can save you from rushing to hardware stores for every service or job. Some of these tools may include crescent wrenches, fittings, goggles, pliers, inlet valves, and plumbing gloves, to mention a few.
Begin with the basics and invest in used ones if possible. And only buy or rent tools for specialty products if you have customer demand, skills, and license.
4. Handle the Legal Aspects
There are several legal steps you should take so as to start a business, and this includes plumbing businesses. One of the first things you must get is a plumbing license. This will allow you to do business legally in your state. You will have to register your business as well as secure the right insurance, like liability insurance.
Once you take all the right legal steps to start your plumbing business, ensure you keep important documents readily available. These may include insurance paperwork, business registration, and licenses.
In a Nutshell!
Owning and running your plumbing business may feel liberating. This is especially true if you offer plumbing services you love the most. So starting a plumbing business doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. Investing in the right tools, handling the legal aspects, defining your niche, and using the best FSM software will make the whole ordeal less stressful.