Starting a construction business requires you to invest in various equipment. This equipment will serve as your business’s lifeline for years to come. However, you need not spend too much on buying all kinds of equipment in the construction business. It will cost you millions of dollars that you won’t get back, despite your firm operating for many years. For example, the average small bulldozer will cost you $30,000.
An industrial-grade one will cost you over $100,000. It’s better to rent types of machinery like this early on than buying them. This article will teach you the essential equipment you’ll need for your construction company and whether you should purchase them or rent them.
Specialization
Before we get into the equipment, we must get into your firm’s specialization. Right now, you might be a general contractor taking all sorts of jobs near your area. This certainly gives you access to a wide array of projects, but you won’t have to focus on growing your company without specialization. For example, maybe you want to concentrate on painting and renovating homes.
This is specialization in itself. Some states may even require you to get a license before accepting these projects. By having specialization and license to do these jobs, you can give your company focus as to which area of the industry you should grow. Now let’s talk about the essential equipment you need for your start-up construction firm.
Management Software
This is an essential piece of equipment you’ll have to invest in your business. Without it, you’ll be left in confusion regarding projects, workers, and equipment. This management software will keep note of your progress in different projects, working on them, and the equipment being used. This will make it easier for you to audit your firm if there are any problems. This also reduces the chance of employees stealing various tools and equipment from you, costing you thousands of dollars every year.
Heavy-Duty Ladders
As a contractor, you’ll have to go up to places that traditionally reached by stairs. Ladders will help you reach those spots quite easily. However, you must invest in heavy-duty ladders and high-quality ones because ladders can be a serious occupational hazard if they break down during a project. You’ll want a ladder that can stand the test of time. If your ladder is rickety, then it’s a sign to replace it.
Welding Machine
There will be instances when you’ll have to work with steel in your projects. Welding is a necessary process, especially when building or fixing the frames of house extensions. We don’t recommend you to get a couple of these machines. Just one will do the job. Additionally, you’re going to need a way to clean up your welds. Investing in a stainless steel weld finishing and passivation kit can do you wonders. Companies such as TIG BRUSH™ offer kits like these with an added benefit: they don’t use hazardous chemicals to harm your workers. Instead, they use the electronic weld cleaning process, which is safer and more efficient! It’s truly essential for any welding job.
Paints, Sealants, and Industry-Grade Adhesives
The holy trinity of renovations. These are perishable tools that you always need to have in stock. No matter the job, you will always use these tools. Buy them in bulk if you can. They are much cheaper that way.
Drills
At some point, you’re going to have to drill through something. It’s important to have a hand drill ready for the job. Make sure you invest in the best brand in the business. Additionally, make sure you purchase additional drill bits just in case some of them might break in the process. This is normal, and it should be a business expense you should be expecting.
Heavy-Duty Vehicles
At the start of your career, it’s unlikely you’ll need to purchase a bulldozer or a crane. You’ll probably be handling renovation projects most of the and not full-on construction. However, if you do get a project that requires some excavation, it’s better to hire someone else to do it for you. Bulldozer operators, on average, cost $100 per hour, and this already pays for the vehicle being used. It’s cheaper than purchasing a new one and finding a full-time worker to handle it.
These are the essential equipment and tools you’re going to need when starting a construction firm. You must purchase these pieces of equipment when you can, aside from the heavy-duty vehicles you will only need once you’re taking development jobs. It’ll save you a lot of money while also making you more efficient in your projects.
