I could use some advise!
I’ve done residential construction for most of mylife, from being a laborer to carpernter, granted im still fairly young 27. I originally got into the industry to put myself through college, but eventually fell in love with it. I finally graduated and am working as an engineer for a commercial construction firm. However, I am basically and “office Rat”. Call my crazy but im really starting to miss being a carpenter, working with my hands.
Anyway, Im thinking about starting my own residential construction company. I may jsut try to do some side jobs at first to see how it goees. I would like some pros and cons of the business some from people in the industry.
thanks
Replies
With the economy teetering right now, I would plan to stay where you are but starting up as a side business gets your feet wet and it is a seed position in case you got laid off.
It may feel demeaning to be a runner in the office right now but I would see that as a golden opportunity to learn, make contacts, etc. Keep your eyes and ears open.
I evny you having completed your education.
Well, that's a bad statement - you've just begun your education but those little letters after your name are worth something somnetimes.
Welcome to Breaktime. Look into some of the old threads at the business folder, too.
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/list.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&ctx=4096&cacheTag=x8-55
Excellence is its own reward!
Edited 8/4/2002 2:10:14 PM ET by piffin
Not to discourage you from starting out on your own but...
Being where you are - in an engineering firm that deals with commercial construction - you can be learning some valuable stuff from the costly mistakes you'll see your clients make every job. As well as making contacts, start paying attention to the different ways contractors achieve the same ends. You could learn some great lessons that somebody else will be paying for.
Cathy
If you want to start doing jobs on the side, talk with some of the commercial property managers you come in contact with, and see if they have any one-day jobs that they can't get an established contractor to bother with. Start with the little stuff, get some history and experience, and after a while you can start bidding on regular jobs.