Partner Article

Improve Your Lot, Start A Home Improvement Business

As the economy continues to encourage many of us to tighten our belts, could this really be the time to consider starting your own business? If home improvements are your speciality, the answer is yes. Thinking of striking out on your own? Here are a few pointers to start you on your way.

Why Home Improvements?

In this economic climate, many homeowners are having to take a long hard look at their life plans. Whether they have been unable to sell their home, or budgets have meant a move is impossible, many owners are choosing to make the best of the home they have. Investing in home improvements rather than blowing our cash on a week away is regarded as an investment that will reap a return in the future and with recent local planning regulations relaxed, the time is right for them to make those changes. Many would rather choose outside help than take the DIY option so if you have the skills necessary, then this is the time to capitalise. Where To Begin

First decide on the services you will offer and at what price. Your home town is the place to start. What is the population of your town like? If they are young, affluent professionals they may be open to all kinds of service from decorating to building projects, but if income is an issue then smaller tasks such as guttering or tiling might be better received. There is no problem in offering a spectrum but do ensure you tailor your marketing materials to appeal to the residents in question. Study the competition to establish a suitable price range and don’t forget to factor in your costs as well as time.

The Nuts And Bolts Of Starting A Business There is no doubt that starting your own business can be a daunting prospect, but with the age of the internet upon us, there is no shortage of information out there to help you. The government-run website businesslink.co.uk is a great starting place. Here you can find information on registering as self-employed, national insurance and tax issues. Also use the internet to find out if you are entitled to any grants and ensure you have appropriate business and public liability insurance in place to give you peace of mind.

Keep Costs Down Keeping costs low is a great way to maximise profits for your business and specialist suppliers can often offer the broadest choice and price range. Choosing a supplier that offers home delivery also cuts any time wasted on travel and so again is a profit conscious choice.

Promote Yourself
How do you get those first customers? Inform everyone you know that you are available for work and have business cards handy to pass around (many firms offer free printing on these). Until you can manage a website of your own, take advantage of third party trades listing websites to list your contact details for free. You are likely to find that there is also a local business directory as part of your town’s website. In most areas there is a free local newspaper, consider investing in a small advert or leaflet to insert in this. Ensure good value for money and great service and you will be surprised how quickly word will spread.

Starting out on your own is a big step but making good use of the plethora of information available out there and encouraging word of mouth in your local area could see you enjoying the rewards.

AUTHOR BIO : Maria John runs his own home improvements business specialising in building maintenance including guttering, fascias and drain pipe services. She also writes regularly on home improvements and guttering maintenance as well as small business issues for a number of websites and blogs.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Maria John .