How to Become a Home Improvement Contractor

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You want to contract yourself to repair and renovate people's homes, but you don't want to work for a company. Use your skills to start your own home improvement business and contract yourself to others. With a little effort and some marketing, you can have the freedom of being your own boss.

Instructions

  • Understand the nature of the work. You must find people who want home improvement jobs done for them. Then you outline the job in a contract and get signatures from all parties involved. You must supply the material and the equipment. The customer pays you for completing the job.
  • Check the laws in your state or province. You may need a contractor's license before you begin. Find out if you need insurance in your area. You want to protect yourself in case of legal or safety difficulties.
  • Develop skills in general home repairs and renovations like painting, electrical work, plumbing, drywalling, tiling, flooring, building and wood working. Learn to replace, renovate and install so you can complete a variety of jobs.
  • Find out if you need a special licence to do plumbing, electrical and gas work. You can complete small jobs in these areas without a licence. Hire a specialist to complete larger jobs if you are not qualified.
  • Take an online contractor course or a construction management course to learn different areas of the business. Obtain credentials so you stand out from other home improvement contractors.
  • Learn the business side of the job so you can run your company effectively. Learn about accounting, marketing and advertising. Join a contractor's association to create connections in your field.

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