If you’ve decided to venture into the construction industry, you deserve a clap. It is one of the most profitable industries because the demand for housing is ever-growing as the population increases and urban development takes place. When starting a construction business, you generally have two main options. You can either be a contractor or a subcontractor. While some people view the latter as more profitable and less involving, the former is more preferable when it comes to huge contracts and long-term sustainability. As a construction contractor, you come out as reputable and more reliable in the eyes of clients in this industry.
But just like any other business, starting a construction company requires proper planning and research. Of course, things like registration, licensing, and business insurance is a must. You will also need to have a dependable workforce in place, from handymen to engineers, electricians, designers, land surveyors, and so forth. The best part of it is that you can always outsource labor for top tier professionals such as engineers and architects. One of the most important things to think about when starting a construction business is having the right equipment and tools for the job. Below, we take a quick look at the equipment you need to start a constitution business.
1. Welding Equipment
Most, if not all, construction projects involve a lot of welding. However, you may look at it, building skeletons are majorly made of metals like steel, which requires a high level of professionalism joining together. Proper welding and fabrication minimize the reliance on screws and joints, which cannot be used in certain parts of the construction. In this respect, starting a construction business may require a range of equipment, from TIG to MIG and Arc welding machines and tools.
A good supply of welding gas is also required, which you can rent based on your needs and the project at hand. If you click here, you will see how easy it is to buy gas cylinders and refills online. It is important to work with a reputable company when it comes to gas, since not all welding gases may be the standard quality. An established supplier will also have the capacity to meet your needs as they will have large and safe, fully-equipped gas storage and filling facilities.
2. Forklifts
Depending on how financially loaded you are, it is essential to have several or at least one forklift when starting your business. This handy piece of physics simplifies the lifting of heavy loads from one place to another within the construction site, thus reducing reliance on human labor. They help make your construction projects more efficient while lowering your TAT on projects. However, smaller construction may not require a forklift altogether. This is because there might be hardly anything heavy to lift and transport during the project.
3. Yard Ramps
Also known as Portable Loading Ramps, Yard Ramps provide a safe and cost-effective solution for loading heavy stuff off and on trucks. They are particularly essential in construction projects where a significant amount of heavy-lifting is involved. They help reduce the need for human labor, enhance safety at the site, and save a considerable amount of money. You can either purchase your own yard ramps or rent them when the need arises.
4. PPEs
When starting a construction company, you are obviously going to hire a few employees. As the employer, it will be your responsibility to guarantee their safety while at the workplace. Well, one of the ways to keep your employees safe and motivated is to provide them with personal protective gear and equipment. Some of these may include:
- Protective Overalls and overcoats
- Helmets
- Welding shields and goggles
- Ear protection
- Boots
- Gloves
- Respiratory protection
- Covid-19 facemasks
Some of these PPEs will also be used by third parties like inspectors, food delivery guys, and others who come to the construction site for one reason or the other. Providing PPEs reduces your chances of facing workplace injury lawsuits. In line with this, remember to get business liability insurance as well as worker’s compensation insurance.
5. Bulldozer and Excavator
Construction projects often involve clearing out the terrain, digging trenches, in removing earth to prepare the foundation. They might be the most expensive pieces of equipment, but bulldozers and excavators are quite necessary when starting a building company. Their prices vary depending on size, brand, features, and capacity. If you are starting your venture with a low budget, you may consider renting these as your business gets off the ground.
Finally, you may also need one or a few trucks to help with the transportation of materials and debris. Smaller equipment and tools like ladders, drills, hammers, level meters, and stud finders are also not to be forgotten. With the right set of equipment at the point of starting up, your construction business will have higher chances of success. The above are just a few things you should consider when establishing your new building company.
