5 Businesses You Can Start in the Construction Industry

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Construction is a very broad term that encompasses a great variety of different specialties that, when brought together, work to create new structures and transform existing ones. To the outside observer, it may seem like they’re all one job, but if you look closer, you’ll begin to see how all the moving pieces work together to create a successful whole.

If you’re interested in getting into the construction industry, here are five businesses you can start while still working within the sector. These businesses might meet a gap in the local market or help a contractor with more specialized experience become an entrepreneur rather than an employee or subcontractor.

1. Plumbing and HVAC

While they might sound completely separate, there is a group of specialty contractors that work on both. These individuals, known as mechanical contractors, can install plumbing as well as heating and air conditioning systems, helping to maximize home or business climate control potential.

Creating a mechanical contractor business will require multiple different types of training, but being able to combine the two can open up a lot of doors for companies trying to find a niche in an already ultra-competitive market. Start by completing a trade school program and seeking out an apprenticeship to hone your own skills, or if you prefer to work behind the scenes, pursue a career in project management and build up from there.

2. Electrical

Electrical and plumbing are often the two cornerstones of a build, especially if you’re trying to move quickly to make a new space habitable. Electricians are primarily brought in late in the construction process to install wires and fixtures in various rooms before they are finished with drywall and paint.

If you’re planning to work on the front lines of this new company, the steps are much the same as the first example above: finish a trade school program and seek out an apprenticeship to hone your skills. If getting your hands dirty isn’t in the cards, then a college degree in project management will help you create the kind of business that you’ll be proud of.

3. Demolition

What goes up must come down. And while that old turn of phrase doesn’t always describe the construction, it definitely still applies — and that’s where demolition specialists come in. You may not need explosives, but you’ll need the relevant license for residential or small commercial demolition projects. You will also need to invest in a fleet of heavy equipment designed specifically for knocking down buildings and hauling away the resulting debris.

Make sure you’re working with an experienced crew here. It is very easy for a demolition project to go incredibly wrong, especially with inexperienced employees at the helm. Demolition specialists are always in high demand, so if you’re interested in getting into the construction industry but your skills are more destructive than creative, you may have found the perfect niche.

4. Masonry

Modern houses may be primarily made from wooden frames and drywall, but there is still a call for skilled masons to complete a variety of tasks. These businesses utilize brick and stone in a number of different ways, from the functional to the aesthetic and everything in between.

If running a masonry business is your calling, start with a business plan. Companies without a solid plan often fail early in their lifespan, with no backup plans in place if something starts to go wrong. You will want to invest in at least the basic tools, though you can save a lot of money initially by purchasing used equipment in good condition instead of buying new ones.

5. Carpentry

If concrete workers provide the literal foundation for a new structure, then carpenters build the skeleton. Wood framing work is often tedious, but it is necessary. It also isn’t the only thing that carpenters can do on a construction site. Depending on your skills or those of your employees, you could choose to specialize in hardwood flooring or cabinet installation, or even remodeling projects.

Carpentry businesses are always in high demand. If you choose to specialize, you may find yourself with fewer contracts, but more requests, if you offer a service or skill that none of your competitors have.

Small Contracting Businesses in High Demand

Working in construction doesn’t mean you solely have to pour concrete or hang the drywall. There are a number of subcontractor specialties that will allow you to work in the construction industry from a unique angle.

conclusion:

Businesses You Can Start in the Construction Industry

Explore your options before you decide on a business plan. Research can help you find a need in your regional market and gear your unique selling proposition toward filling that need. When you’re ready, securing a small business loan can then bring your business idea to life.

Evelyn Long is a writer and editor focused on home building and construction. She is the co-founder of Renovated, a web magazine for the home industry.