How To Start A Carpentry Business

If you have an interest in carpentry or are an experienced carpenter looking to break out on your own, you may be considering starting a carpentry business. Australia is home to a massive carpentry industry valued at over $10 billion. This can create great opportunities for people who are interested in carpentry and woodworking. It’s important to set the business up for success. Here are some basic steps to starting your own carpentry business.

Starting A Carpentry Business

Building a business can be an extremely challenging and rewarding experience. The more time and effort you put into setting up your business properly, the easier it will be in the long run.

Training

If you aren’t currently working as a carpenter, you will need to get the training necessary to become qualified for this work. You’ll need to start by signing up for the Certificate III in Carpentry course. This training will take about 3 years to complete and will cost between $10,000 to $15,000. An apprenticeship under a skilled carpenter or builder will also be required to complete the coursework.

Licensing

Depending on where you live, you may need a builder’s license to complete your work. Each state has different requirements, so be sure to check what the rules are in your area. For example, carpenters in NSW will need a builder’s license if the work exceeds $5,000. If you are planning to put your carpentry skills to use building things like furniture, this might not be required.

Register Your Business

Your business will need to be properly registered by applying for an ABN (Australian Business Number). This is free but will be needed for tax purposes. Check with your local authority on other registration requirements that may apply to your business.

Purchase Tools & Equipment

Starting a carpentry business will cost between $2,000 and $25,000. The majority of this cost will be associated with purchasing the tools and equipment that you need to complete your work. This includes a work vehicle, saws, hammers, and measuring devices. Don’t worry about purchasing every tool at once. Just buy the basics and let your toolbox grow over time.

Get Insurance

Working as a carpenter comes with its risks. Not only can this be a physically hazardous job, but you are responsible for building things that need to be structurally sound. A simple error or mistake could cause injury or damage to personal property. For example, if you leave a board in a walkway and someone trips, you could be liable for their medical bills. Having a liability insurance policy can help protect you from the financial costs. You can start by checking out our instant quote generator to get an estimate on insurance for carpenters in seconds.

Find Customers

In the beginning, you’ll need to spend a lot of time trying to find potential clients and sell your carpentry services. This may be difficult if you haven’t already established a good reputation in the industry. This is where most carpenters will struggle. It doesn’t matter how good of a carpenter you are if you can’t find enough jobs to generate a good income. In most cases, you will need to build solid relationships with builders in your area to generate a steady stream of projects. Creating a marketing plan for your carpentry business is essential in building a solid foundation.

Business Insurance For Carpenters

Starting any business comes with risks. Because of the nature of carpentry, there are other risks that could lead to injuries or cause damage to personal property. It’s critical to make sure you have sufficient liability insurance to protect your business from lawsuits or claims. At upcover, we are here to help you find the right policy to fit your needs. Check out our instant quote generator where you can get an estimate on market-leading insurance in seconds! Simply enter your occupation and expected revenue to get started.