How to Start a Construction Contractor Business

Building new or additional structures seems to be an inevitable part of human progress. Construction contractors are the people and businesses who build the residential and commercial structures for their clients.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

 Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a construction contractor business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Construction Contractor Business
  2. Form your Construction Contractor Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Construction Contractor Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Construction Contractor Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Construction Contractor Business
  7. Get Construction Contractor Business Insurance
  8. Define your Construction Contractor Business Brand
  9. Create your Construction Contractor Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your construction contractor business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Construction Contractor Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a construction contractor business?

Starting your own contractor business won’t be cheap. You’ll need professional quality tools and equipment, business licenses and insurance, including workman’s comp, as well as advertising, to make people aware of your business. You’ll also need reliable transportation and a trailer for hauling materials, tools, and other pieces of equipment necessary for the job(s). Finally, you’ll need a company phone and website, as a method for connecting and communicating with clients. Initially, you’ll want to start small, and grow as the work becomes steady. A beginning figure in the $10,000-15,000 range will get you started but, be careful not to overspend without work to support your bottom line.

What are the ongoing expenses for a construction contractor business?

Most ongoing expenses are also job specific. Materials and equipment costs will always factor into your bottom line. Communication and advertising will also continue to factor in as costs, as well as maintenance or replacement of equipment and tools. As your business grows, you may want to add additional workers, hire a bookkeeper, or hire sub-contractors to handle specific tasks, such as painting, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC installations.

Who is the target market?

Your target market will be individuals and families with enough continuing assets to afford to build. Often, clients with just enough to make a project work will become nervous about the money being spent during the job. This may cause them to cut corners or put a job on hold, indefinitely. This kind of inconsistency will erode your business quickly. A customer’s bottom line must be financially solid enough for them to continually supply the funds to keep the project moving, no matter the economy. Part of your assessment of your clients, therefore, has to be their overall financial sustainability. Consider them as a partner in your business, while you complete their project.

How does a construction contractor business make money?

Construction contractors are paid to start, continue, and complete the build project. Money is supplied, up front, to buy materials and pay workers to begin the project. The customer is then billed regularly for the continuing work and materials, and again, at the completion of the project. The contractor will make their cut after all other bills and workers are paid.

How much can you charge customers?

Customers are charged by job specific rates, meaning the scope of the job will influence much of the pricing. You’ll also need to determine an hourly rate for your crew and a salary for yourself. The salary will be your net earnings, as all other costs will relate to materials, workers, and day to day intangibles needed to keep the job moving forward. Research other contractors and contractor companies in your area to establish a baseline cost for your work. Be competitive, but don’t undercut your competition or overprice your services.

How much profit can a construction contractor business make?

Success in the construction contractor business rarely happens overnight, so you may see many years with little net earnings. Most profits will go right back into the growth and success of the business. Once established, though, contractor work can be lucrative with businesses earning anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million annually.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Some contractors choose to “lend” their contractor license to other businesses. You, as the contractor, pull the permit for the work being done and collect a fee for this service. Make sure you trust and, if possible, have a contract with the workers doing business under your license.

Another option for increasing your business is to become specialized in your work. Trim carpentry, masonry and tile work, remodeling, and construction of outdoor structures, such as decks, fences, docks, and gazebos will all require a contractor’s license, but may be lower overhead projects. These are especially helpful during down periods in the economy and in your business’ work schedule.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your construction contractor business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your construction contractor business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Most states require retail businesses to obtain a seller’s permit. A seller’s permit enables states to record and collect taxes from the sale of taxable goods and services. More information can be found here:

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A construction contractor business is generally run out of a storefront or a mobile trailer. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a construction contractor business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your construction contractor business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a construction contractor business

Marketing and promoting your construction business will be a critical first step, as well as a continued integral aspect of your business’ success. Although word of mouth and personal referrals are possibly your most powerful tools for garnering more business, your reputation won’t be established when you first start. Incorporate social media sites into your advertising plan. This is an inexpensive and effective way to spread the word about a new business. You will probably want a business website, as well. This offers customers a point of contact and gives them a portfolio of your work.

Join contractor organizations, such as the Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. These organizations are here to support and give guidance to new and established builders, alike, and often help potential customers find you or inquire about your work history. Linking these sites on your website also helps to legitimize you in the eyes of potential customers.

You should also consider business cards, flyers, posters, and signage for your office and job sites. When a potential customer sees your work and can quickly associate the work with a company name, you have a much better chance of capturing the business. Cards and flyers are great for initial meetings and quotes and many contractor supply stores will allow you to post a card or flyer for customers to see and take.

How to keep customers coming back

Business reputation goes a long way in attracting new customers and garnering referrals or additional business from past customers. But, how do you build a solid reputation? The finished product will be a large part of the customer’s satisfaction. But, just as important will be the relationships you build with your clients. When your customers know they can count on you and you’ll produce a quality product, you will see the referrals and call backs. Don’t overpraise and underperform. Be courteous and polite, but remember that this is a business and you can’t do everything for everyone. Be honest and forthright with what you can accomplish and how much it will cost. An initially high figure is much easier for a customer to accept than extra dollar amounts during the job. By keeping communications open and realistic, you and the client will understand what is needed, what can be expected, and when the project will be completed.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Construction contractors often have to wear a number of different hats. They are responsible not only their own crew and business’ success, but also the construction and completion of the customer’s house or commercial structure. Being able to manage finances, organize workers and materials, and effectively communicate with customers are all critical for business success.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a construction contractor business?

Day-to-day activities for a construction contractor business focus on the building of the customer’s structure. Whether it be residential or commercial contractor work, there are certain activities and materials necessary to keep the job going. Some examples of these necessities will include:

  • Following blueprints and plans for the build project
  • Purchasing and ordering more materials
  • Inspecting prior work and creating punch lists
  • Hiring subcontractors for specific build stages (plumbing, electrical, painting)
  • Bidding and inquiring about future jobs

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful construction contractor business?

A successful construction contractor must be familiar with reading blueprints, following work plans, understanding construction fundamentals, and communicating successfully with a crew and the clients. Having a background in construction is necessary to avoid costly mistakes from lack of experience. It is best to apprentice with an experienced contractor first, in order to learn the finer points of guiding your own business. You should also be well versed in small business finances and employee management techniques. Finally, being able to talk to the customers and your crew will often play a large part in developing your overall reputation as a contractor and business owner.

What is the growth potential for a construction contractor business?

Construction is constantly taking place. New houses and neighborhoods are popping up daily. Just the same, the construction industry is competitive and, at times, saturated with workers and businesses looking for work. Growth potential is fairly good, but you must make sure you stand out from the crowd, both with your build creativity and skill, as well as with your professionalism and business acumen. Annually, residential construction industry earnings in the U.S. average in the multi-billions. The industry is robust, yet businesses fold every year from lack of a proper business plan and mismanagement of earnings. You won’t get rich overnight, but there is plenty of room to grow and establish your business long term if you plan properly and stick to your plan.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a construction contractor business?

Since this is such a competitive business, you need to find or create a niche in order to stand out from the crowd. It may be your style of building or the particular materials you use which set you apart. Be sure to thoroughly research your region to determine your best options. You will also want to:

  • Create a catchy name and logo for your business.
  • Advertise for free or low cost as much as possible. Social media is a great option.
  • Start with a small crew and expect to be directly involved in the day to day construction.
  • Choose your clients wisely. Customers who make big promises and flash expensive numbers should be approached with caution. If it seems too good, it is.
  • Manage your budget and earnings tightly for your first five years. Essentially, you need to bank enough earnings to help you stay afloat during the lean times, sometimes up to two years.

How and when to build a team

For a contractor construction business, a crew is a necessity. Even starting small will require a few team members. Since you’re the point person with the client, you need some reliable and multi-faceted workers to keep the build moving forward when you’re not available. Choose your crew as wisely as you choose your jobs. And don’t be afraid to make a change if a worker is exhibiting signs of lackluster performance. There are more than enough workers out there waiting to take their place.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading