Fencing businesses specialize in installing permanent or temporary fencing that will suit all your needs, from chain wire mesh panels for protection against intruders who want access into one’s yard through intricately designed glass frames custom made just right. With fences, you do not have any trouble seeing out while still enjoying beautiful views inside.
Fences can be a great way to mark the boundaries of a property and provide privacy, as well as safety. This is why many homeowners are looking to install a fencing system in their homes. Hence, a fence service business can be profitable.
Are you considering starting a business in this industry? We’ve got you covered. Read on and learn how you can do it.
1. Research Your Target Market
As a contractor, it is important to stay on top of the latest trends in your area. If you want an edge when planning and pricing out projects that are sure to be popular with clients, such as fences around pools or farms, then do some research. You will find many different types available depending upon where people live near you, that is, whether urban jungles full of concrete walls defining boundaries or more natural settings.
2. Develop a Business Plan
Develop an outline or plan those details of what you will need for it to run smoothly. This includes knowing how much money has been set aside specifically toward fencing materials costs, as well as determining potential income sources and expenses associated with running this new venture of yours.
When it comes to financing, there are plenty of options available; you could look into loans from banks or credit unions.
3. Create a Brand Name
Your business name is an integral part of your branding and should reflect what you do. It is important to register it with ASIC so that anyone who might try using the same moniker for their own company can be distinguished from yours in advertising or other publications where names are mentioned alongside product brands.
4. Purchase the Right Equipment
To begin, you will need to buy the right tools for your fencing work. It is also crucial that you have enough materials on hand while you work on customers’ property. You also need to transport materials and tools using a vehicle or company truck for use at all times during installation projects.
5. Pick the Right Business Structure
When starting a business, you need to decide on the right structure. There are many ways of doing this, and one option is as a sole proprietor or trader with low running costs for administration. It can be great if your goal is simply starting up in order to sell services without having any employees. However, if you want extra protection over your personal assets or share profits with others, there are also advantages to using a company structure.
6. Consider Legal Requirements
Fencing businesses are faced with a variety of situations on an everyday basis. Make sure you have the proper documents, such as Service Agreements and Wholesale Deals, for when dealing directly with customers or suppliers if there are ever any problems that may arise.
Skills Needed to Start a Fencing Business
What are the important skills needed to start your own fencing business? Let’s discuss them here.
Knowledge and Skills in Construction and Building
A fencing business installs and repairs fences, so you must have experience with all types of fencing.
Knowledge of State and Local Council Building Regulations
With varying fencing laws, you need to know what a specific area requires. This will help avoid any possible fees or damages caused by not meeting these standards with clients who are expecting nothing less than perfection.
Negotiation Skills
To ensure you are making a fair profit on your jobs, it is important that you negotiate the best prices from suppliers.
Customer Service Skills
You will be talking with customers every day, so you need to know what they want and how their expectations can best fit into your product or service.
Courses and Qualifications
Building and construction work is highly regulated in Australia. You will need to have completed courses before you can do residential building. However, licensing requirements vary by state or territory, so it is best to check with the relevant regulator.
For example, to do any residential building work in New South Wales, you need a licence and the right qualifications. You can apply for both CPC10111 Certificate 1 in Construction or a CPC10108 Certificate 1 in Construction, which is required if costs exceed $5k. To get these certificates, there are additional units that must be passed with successful completion on relevant examinations covering topics, such as safety management system basics, as required by the NSW Fair Trading.
Takeaway
A fence business can be profitable if done correctly. It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. Researching your target market, developing a business plan and creating a brand name will help you start your own business in this industry. Additionally, you need to purchase the right equipment, pick the right business structure and consider legal requirements.