Are you finally branching out on your own? Want to ensure your new construction company has what it takes to compete in a competitive industry?
At the very least, your construction outfit needs to be well-stocked. There are tons of tools you are going to need, from large generators to tiny screwdrivers, if you want to be successful in the field.
That’s why it’s great to work for other construction companies They buy all the tools you need, so all you need to do is show up and get to work.
But as a small business owner, it’s now your job to invest in tools, equipment, and gear the gets the job done and keeps you and your team safe on site.
So what do you need to ensure lasting success? Keep reading below for the new contractor’s checklist.
Large Equipment
One of the best pieces of equipment to have is a job trailer. Having a dedicated space to store all of your tools and excess materials will dramatically boost your efficiency. Tools are less likely to get lost, and everywhere you go, you’ll always have what you need.
Having a large rollout toolbox is also helpful, so you can bring your selection of smaller tools directly to your work location. And don’t forget a work table or workbench. This can be a few sawhorses with a large slab of wood on it, or something more complex.
A rolling cart helps you transport tools and materials with ease, while a wheelbarrow helps move dirt, debris, or trash.
You’ll want to have a generator onboard, for when you need to power tools without reliable electricity on site. Air compressors are necessary for powering pneumatic tools like nail guns.
You’ll likely need ladders of various sizes, or at least one or at least one adjustable height ladder.
Power Tools
Power tools are the lifeblood of construction companies. These are responsible for the bulk of your work, so having the right ones is critical for success. And not just having the right tools, but investing in quality power tools will save you time and money in the long run.
You’ll want a handful of drills, both corded and cordless. And for tougher jobs, you’ll need an impact driver as well.
You’ll need plenty of saws, from a table saw, to Sawzall, to manual saws. If you do carpentry or flooring, you’ll want a router, sanders of various sizes, and a shop vac to control the mess.
And don’t forget lights. You’ll often need to work inside when the power is off, or where power has yet to be installed. Also, remember to bring lots of extension cords.
Handheld Tools
While power tools get all the glory, you can’t complete a project without the many small, manual tools that fill your toolbox.
This includes a complete set of screwdrivers, of various lengths and thicknesses. You need hammers of different sizes as well.
And don’t forget wrenches. You’ll want a standard wrench set, a socket wrench set, adjustable wrenches, stubby wrenches, and Allen wrenches.
Measuring tools are vital, such as tape measures, triangles, rulers, and levels. And crowbars, nail pullers, and sledgehammers make demo day easier.
Comfort Tools
Above you’ll find the tools needed to get most of your job completed. But those aren’t the only tools you’re going to need.
You need to make your job site relatively comfortable, providing the amenities needed to fuel you and your team through long days. As a small business owner, smart construction means taking care of your team and empowering them to do their best work.
That means bringing a few extra pieces of gear, which will make your job sites better than 99% of construction sites out there.
Depending on the type of job site you are working on, you may want to bring some type of shelter. For major job sites, this should be a job trailer, which can house your team during breaks in the heat of the day or during inclement weather.
You’ll also want a way to make coffee. Having a normal coffee maker in your trailer, or a heavy-duty coffee maker made for construction sites will give your team the energy they need to work hard all day.
A microwave is a creature of comfort, allowing you to enjoy warm food rather than cold, soggy sandwiches. And chairs go a long way to helping your team enjoy restful breaks. A handful of camp chairs are easy to keep in the job trailer and will be one of your most prized possessions.
A water dispenser and a few five-gallon jugs are necessary, especially when working outdoors. And a cooler to keep your lunch, snacks, and drinks cold is as important on a job site as it is on the boat or at the campground.
Digital Tools for Your Construction Company
If you want your construction business to turn a profit and receive a steady stream of work, you need to run your construction firm like a professional. That means using the right software to automate common business functions.
Doing so means creating accurate quotes faster. And accurate quotes lead to happier customers, which leads to positive word-of-mouth marketing.
Having accurate quotes also helps you to buy the right number of materials, to ensure you aren’t wasting money by overbuying. It will also save time, as underbuying means having to go to the store yet again.
Along with accurate, detailed quotes, the software will send out digital proposals that look professional and are updated automatically in real-time. You can also use it to manage leads, manage line items and costs, manage payments to vendors and subcontractors, and much more.
One tool like this is like having a customer support team, an assistant, a bookkeeper, and a marketing specialist all in one.
Investing in Your Company
As you can see, there’s a ton of things your new construction company is going to need. If you receive any financing, in the form of a loan, an investment, or from your personal savings, investing in tools is mandatory.
Of course, you don’t need everything right away. You can set a monthly budget to determine what and when you buy. So over the course of a year, you can become a fully outfitted contractor.
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