How to Start a Home-Based Carpentry Business
Starting a home-based carpentry business takes a lot of preparation in order for the owner to set up shop. Running a business from home is a convenience that many carpenters prefer. To be successful, the carpenter will usually have to advertise the business in order to find home improvement clients.
- Contact the business licensing department in your city to obtain a license for your carpentry business. Open a business account with a local bank. Speak with a lender at the bank if you need to finance any new equipment in order to properly operate your business. Structure the financing so you can easily make the payments during times when business is slow.
- Set up your carpentry workshop so you can start to work from home. A garage or basement is usually a good place to use for carpentry work. Review the space that you have available so you can purchase the equipment that you need in order to run your carpentry business.
- Get in touch with your homeowner’s insurance agent to add additional coverage for your carpentry business. Ask the agent to give you a quote for personal liability insurance as well. Call a second agent if you want to get another price quote.
- Advertise your carpentry business to find new clients. Place an ad in the Yellow Pages and also in the local newspaper. Build a website so you can upload pictures of your past work. You can also create a brochure to use for advertising your business.
- Contact home builders in your area to try and start a working relationship. You can also call local real estate agents, since they often work with clients who require carpentry work in order to get their house ready to sell. Print some business cards to give to the people you speak with, so they will have your contact information available.