Start your own construction company: Here’s how to succeed!
Are you considering starting a construction company? A big step, without a doubt, that requires careful planning and solid knowledge. The construction industry can be tough at times – think of material shortages or rising interest rates – but still offers great opportunities, just think of social housing or infrastructure projects. Many dream of being their own boss and bringing their own vision to the construction site. If that’s your goal too, you’re in the right place. This article is meant to act as a compass, guiding you through the important stages of starting your business. At Valoon GmbH, we know the intricacies and challenges of construction projects from experience and want to help you lay a solid foundation from the very beginning as you start your construction company. Let’s look together at how you can avoid typical pitfalls and successfully position your construction company in the market.
Opportunities and challenges – What can you expect when starting a construction company?
Establishing your own construction company opens up a world full of possibilities. You might specialize in a particular niche, stand out with innovative building techniques, or become a sought-after partner for large projects. The demand for construction services can vary greatly by region, which is why a thorough market analysis is essential. But let’s be honest, there are challenges too: Competition is fierce, the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry is clearly felt, and bureaucratic hurdles cannot be underestimated. Successfully starting a construction company means adeptly navigating these challenges and establishing a reputation through quality, efficiency, and a clear profile. A solid financial plan and vigilant risk management are your best friends in staying on course long-term. And don’t forget: Digitalization can help you make many processes significantly more efficient.
What this guide provides: A comprehensive overview for founders
This guide is your practical companion on the journey to self-employment with your construction company. We’ll take a closer look at all key phases – from initial ideas and formal requirements to financing and recruiting, as well as clever marketing strategies and legal frameworks. You’ll receive practical tips and learn which decisions are crucial for your dream of having your own construction company, becoming a reality. We’ll show you how to create a convincing business plan, find the right legal structure for yourself, and navigate the complexities of the master craftsman requirement. Our goal is to equip you with what you need to ensure your construction business is sustainably successful and that you can set the course for a positive future. Benefit from our experience and embark on your adventure of self-employment well-prepared!The foundation for your construction company: Master formal hurdles, plan strategically
Before the first excavator rolls, it’s important to lay the foundation for your company. This means completing a few formal steps and putting together a thoughtful strategic plan before you get started with your start your construction company. If you want to start a start your construction company , unfortunately, you can’t avoid paperwork. This includes registering your business, enrolling in the craft register, and possibly obtaining additional permits. At the same time, a solid business plan is indispensable if you want a start your construction company. It’s not only your roadmap for the early years but also your most important argument when seeking capital. The choice of the right legal structure also needs careful consideration, as it has far-reaching consequences for liability issues and tax aspects once you have your start your construction company.
- Complete formal steps like business registration and enrolling in the craft register.
- Create a solid business plan as a roadmap and for capital sourcing.
- Choose the appropriate legal structure considering liability and taxes.
- Clarify the requirements of the master craftsman obligation and possible exceptions.
Formal requirements: Business registration, craft register, and what else is needed
Your path to your own construction company officially begins with the business registration at the responsible trade office. This is essentially the starting gun for your self-employment. Depending on which tasks you want to offer, registration in the craft register may be required. This is where the famous master craftsman requirement comes into play. For regulated trades, like masonry or carpentry, you typically need a master certificate. But don’t worry, there are also exceptions, like the grandfather clause. Make sure to address early on what specific requirements apply to your venture of starting a construction company, depending on your specialization. Other permits may also be required, for example, in environmental protection or for the use of certain machinery. Thoroughly clarifying these points can save you from future problems.
The business plan: Your roadmap to success
A detailed business plan is at the heart of your startup planning – truly! It helps you to pinpoint your business idea, realistically assess market opportunities, and secure financing. Clearly define your unique selling proposition (USP): What makes your construction company special? Conduct a careful market analysis to get a feel for regional demand and your competitors. Financial planning is another key point: Calculate exactly how much capital you need for startup costs, ongoing expenses, and necessary reserves. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for potential risks. An honest risk analysis will highlight possible pitfalls and help you take countermeasures early if you want a start your construction company. This plan will serve as your strategic compass for the first 3-5 years of operation and will also help you keep an eye on your numbers (actual vs. plan).
Choosing the right legal form: Sole proprietorship, GmbH, or perhaps the UG?
The choice of legal form is an important strategic decision with direct implications for liability, capital requirements, accounting obligations, and your reputation with banks and business partners. If you want a start your construction company, various options are available for you:
- Sole proprietorship: Quick and easy to set up, no minimum capital required. But be careful: You are liable unlimited with all your personal assets.
- Limited liability company (GmbH): The big advantage here is the limitation of liability to the company’s assets. However, you’ll need a minimum share capital of 25,000 euros, and incorporating is a bit more involved.
- Entrepreneurial company (limited liability) – UG: Commonly known as the “mini GmbH,” can be set up with little share capital (theoretically from 1 euro). However, you must build reserves, until the share capital of a GmbH is reached.
- Partnership (GbR): If you are founding with several people, the GbR is an option. It is easy to set up, but all partners are liable jointly and unlimitedly with their personal assets.
Take the time to thoroughly weigh the pros and cons before deciding on a legal form for your future construction company, especially if you want a start your construction company . A conversation with a tax advisor or attorney is often a very good investment.Know-how is King: Master craftsman requirement, qualifications, and what you really need
Your professional qualification is a crucial factor for success if you want a start your construction company. The master craftsman requirement in the German trades often raises questions for many founders. It’s really important to understand exactly when a master certificate is mandatory and what alternatives may exist. But besides formal certificates, you also need a good deal of business know-how and the right soft skills to lead a construction company successfully, especially if you want a start your construction company. Managing projects efficiently, leading employees, and convincing clients is at least as important as craftsmanship itself. The demands on founders wanting to start a start your construction companyare truly diverse and require keeping up to date and continuing to develop.
Master craftsman requirement: When is the master certificate really necessary?
The Crafts and Trade Regulations (HWO) clearly outline which trades in the main and ancillary construction sectors require a master craftsman qualification. These regulated trades include, for instance, masonry, concrete building, carpentry, roofing, road construction, and scaffolding. If you want to work in one of these areas and also get hands-on, you typically need a master certificate or a comparable qualification. But there are bright spots: The start your construction company und selbst handwerklich mit anpacken wollen, brauchen Sie in der Regel einen Meisterbrief oder eine vergleichbare Qualifikation. Aber es gibt Lichtblicke: Die grandfather clause (§7b HWO) allows experienced craftsmen (with at least six years of professional experience, four of which in a leading position) under certain circumstances to become self-employed even without a master certificate. Another option is the exceptional permit (§8 HWO), which can be granted if you can demonstrate master-equivalent knowledge and skills or if a special hardship case exists. It’s best to check directly with your local craft chamber what applies to you.
Alternatives to the master certificate: Technical operations manager and other paths
But what if you don’t have a master certificate yourself but still want to offer services that require one? There are solutions here as well. A common option is the start your construction company employment of a technical operations manager Einstellung eines technischen Betriebsleiters, who holds the necessary master qualification. They then take on the professional responsibility for tasks requiring a master. This allows you to focus on the commercial management and strategic development of your construction business . Another possibility is to specialize in unregulated crafts or craft-like trades that don’t require a master certificate when you want a . This includes, for example, tilers, floor layers, or drywall construction. The exact delineation can sometimes be tricky, so consulting the craft chamber here is invaluable. zu spezialisieren, für die kein Meisterbrief nötig ist, wenn Sie eine start your construction company. Dazu zählen beispielsweise Fliesen-, Platten- und Mosaikleger, Estrichleger oder der Trockenbau. Die genaue Abgrenzung kann manchmal knifflig sein, daher ist auch hier eine Beratung durch die Handwerkskammer Gold wert.
Necessary competencies: Expertise, business administration knowledge, and the right soft skills
To successfully establish a construction company and keep it running, craftsmanship alone is not enough, that’s clear. Comprehensive business administration knowledge is absolutely essential. Think of calculations, accounting, controlling, marketing, and personnel management. You need to be able to create accurate offers, manage costs, and complete contracts profitably. Equally important are soft skills such as strong communication, negotiation skills, leadership ability, and the capacity to solve problems. Daily interactions with clients, employees, and suppliers require professionalism and finesse. Motivating a team and successfully delivering projects even under time pressure are crucial building blocks for the long-term success of your construction company. And don’t forget: The use of construction software can help you optimize many processes.Money rules the construction site? Here’s how to secure financing for your construction company
Financing is perhaps one of the most exciting and critical points when you want to start a start your construction company. Construction companies often need significant capital – for machinery, vehicles, materials, and, of course, personnel, when you want a start your construction company. A solid financial plan, an accurate assessment of capital needs, and identifying suitable sources of financing are critical from the start if you want a start your construction company. It’s not just about covering startup costs but also about covering ongoing operating expenses and having enough buffer for unexpected expenses or periods with fewer orders. Effective cost control and comprehensive insurance coverage are also essential pillars for the financial stability of your construction company when you’re starting out. start your construction company.
- Accurately assess your capital needs, including startup costs, ongoing expenses, and reserves.
- Research and utilize government funding options like KfW loans or startup grants.
- Ensure comprehensive insurance coverage, particularly liability and construction performance insurance.
- Implement effective cost control and solid liquidity planning.
Assess capital needs: startup costs, ongoing expenses, and important reserves
Before you start your start your construction company, you need to know precisely how much money you’ll need. Capital needs are made up of various elements: there are the startup costs (e.g., for business registration, notary fees, consultations, initial marketing expenses), the investment costs (e.g., for office equipment, vehicles, machinery, tools, perhaps even a construction project management software) and the ongoing operating costs for the first months (e.g., rent, personnel, material purchases, insurance, leasing rates). Be sure to plan for a sufficient buffer for unforeseen events and to cover the time until the first invoices are paid. A detailed listing of all expected costs in your business plan is essential here. Don’t underestimate the initially high expenditures before the first revenues hit your account!
Utilize funding options: KfW loans, startup grants, and other available resources
Good news for all those who want a start your construction company: There are various government funding pots that can help ease your start. Here are a few important options to consider:
- KfW startup loans: The KfW offers low-interest loans for startups, such as the ERP founder loan. A master certificate can positively influence your creditworthiness here, by the way.
- Startup grant: If you receive unemployment benefits I, you may be eligible for a startup grant from the employment agency under certain conditions.
- Master startup bonus: In some federal states, there are special bonuses for master craftsmen starting or taking over a business. It’s worth inquiring!
- Guarantees: If your own collateral is insufficient, guarantee banks can guarantee loans.
Be sure to thoroughly research the programs that may apply to you and their requirements when you want a start your construction company. Consulting with the craft chamber, IHK, or specialized startup consultants can be very helpful here. Important: You should tackle the application for funding early in the startup process.
Insurance: Liability insurance, construction performance insurance, and other safeguards for peaceful nights
Comprehensive insurance coverage is an absolute must for every construction company to protect against risks that could threaten existence. The construction industry has its specific dangers that need to be well-covered. Among the most important insurances when you want a start your construction company, is the liability insurance. It covers personal, property, and resulting financial damages caused to third parties by your business activities. The construction performance insurance covers unforeseen damages during the construction phase (e.g., due to storms, vandalism, or material defects). Additionally, contents insurance (for your office and workshop equipment), machinery breakdown insurance, and commercial legal protection insurance can also be useful. Analyze your individual needs carefully and ideally consult with an independent insurance expert to ensure your construction company is optimally protected.Winning contracts: Attracting clients for your new construction company
Alright, the formal and financial groundwork has been laid for your construction company – now it’s time to get to the heart of the matter: client acquisition! A clever marketing concept is your key to becoming visible in the market and filling your order books after you’ve started your start your construction company. Because today, just delivering good work is often not enough – potential clients need to hear about your fantastic offerings. The first step is to take a close look at your target audience, a crucial aspect if you want a start your construction company. Only then can you effectively steer your marketing activities. After that, it’s about crafting the right mix of online and offline measures and also targeting specialized platforms for contract acquisition. A professional appearance and positive references are invaluable when you want to establish your construction company after you’ve started your start your construction company.
Defining the right target group: Who are your dream clients?
Before you spend a dime on marketing, you need to be crystal clear about whom you want to reach. Are your ideal clients private builders, architects, property management firms, or perhaps public clients? Do you specialize in new construction, renovations, specific trades, or do you operate as a general contractor providing complete solutions? The better you know your target audience, the more accurately you can formulate your marketing messages and select the right channels. Try to understand the needs, desires, and problems of your potential clients. This helps you optimally present your offerings and differentiate yourself from the competition when you want a start your construction company. This focus not only saves money but also increases the success chances of your marketing efforts for your construction business substantially.
Online marketing: Your website, social media, and the power of SEO
In our digital world, no construction company can do without a professional online presence – that’s just the way it is. A modern, informative, and mobile-optimized website is your digital business card. Here, you present your company, your services, and of course, your reference projects. Search engine optimization (SEO) ensures that your website appears in important search queries like “start your construction company [Ihre Region]“ oder „Sanierung [Ihre Spezialisierung]“, auch wirklich gefunden wird. Social Media Kanäle wie Instagram oder Facebook eignen sich super, um Bauprojekte visuell ansprechend zu zeigen und direkt mit potenziellen Kunden ins Gespräch zu kommen. Überlegen Sie auch, ob regionale Online-Werbung (z.B. mit Google Ads) für Sie Sinn macht, um gezielt Interessenten in Ihrem Einzugsgebiet zu erreichen. Denken Sie immer daran: Viele Kunden informieren sich heute zuerst online, bevor sie eine Baufirma kontaktieren.
Tender platforms: How to snag lucrative contracts
Tender platforms are a really good source for landing new contracts – especially when you’re just starting a construction company and your network may not yet be extensive. There are both public tender portals (e.g., from federal, state, and municipal governments) as well as commercial platforms like DTAD or Cosuno. They compile a huge number of construction projects. For smaller contracts or to gain initial experience, platforms like MyHammer or Blauarbeit may also be worth checking out. Using these platforms often requires registration and sometimes there are fees involved. It’s important to review the tender documents very carefully and submit bids only for projects that truly fit your service portfolio and capacities. Professional bid calculation is, of course, crucial for success.A strong team, a strong company: Finding employees and organizing processes
A competent and motivated team – this is the backbone of every successful construction company, especially if you want a start your construction company. When starting a start your construction company, selecting the right employees is one of your most important tasks. Sure, qualifications matter, but teamwork and genuine commitment play huge roles as well. But it’s not just about finding good people when you want a start your construction company. Adhering to labor law regulations and properly organizing internal processes is also crucial. Think about correctly processing payroll, your obligations to SOKA-BAU, and of course, ensuring safety on your construction sites. A well-organized construction company works more efficiently and can focus better on what matters: customer satisfaction.
- Pay attention to qualifications, motivation, and team spirit when selecting employees.
- Inform yourself about your obligations as an employer toward SOKA-BAU and fulfill them.
- Ensure the highest standards of safety at work to protect your employees.
- Organize internal processes efficiently and adhere to labor law regulations.
Finding and hiring employees: Focus on qualifications, motivation, and team spirit
Finding qualified professionals is a construction industry known challenge. Feel free to use various channels for your job postings – from online job boards to the employment agency and even your personal network. Pay attention not only to certificates and professional references during the selection process but also try to gauge the motivation and team spirit of the candidates. A good working atmosphere and fair working conditions are essential for retaining employees long-term. Never forget: Your employees are the face of your construction company. Investments in training and education can really pay off in maintaining the quality of your work and counteracting the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry to some extent when you want a start your construction company.
SOKA-BAU: What you need to keep in mind as an employer
SOKA-BAU (Social Funds of the Construction Industry) is an institution in the German construction industry that you cannot overlook. As an employer in the construction sector, you are generally required to be a member and to pay contributions. SOKA-BAU secures, for example, employees’ vacation entitlements, finances vocational training, and offers additional retirement provision. The contributions must be accurately calculated and paid – this is an important cost factor that you need to consider in your pricing when offering a start your construction company. It’s best to make yourself aware of your obligations to SOKA-BAU early on to avoid unpleasant surprises such as follow-up claims or legal difficulties. A precise understanding of the collective agreements in the construction industry is essential here.
Occupational safety: How to protect your most valuable asset – your employees
Occupational safety is the top priority on construction sites, there’s no two ways about it. As an entrepreneur, you are responsible for the health and safety of your employees. This starts with the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and extends to the safe establishment of construction sites and regular training of your staff in all relevant safety matters. The professional association of the construction industry (BG BAU) is your primary point of contact for all matters related to occupational safety and health protection. Adhering to regulations is not only a legal requirement, but it also prevents accidents, reduces downtime, and contributes to a positive image for your construction company – an important aspect when you want a start your construction company. Always remember: Investments in occupational safety are investments in your most valuable capital – your employees. This is a central point when you want a start your construction company and be successful in the long term.On the safe side: The A to Z of construction law for founders
Anyone wanting to start a start your construction company and successfully take off must deal with various legal rules, whether they like it or not. Ignorance unfortunately does not protect from unpleasant consequences. Among the most important topics to keep in mind when you want a start your construction company, include construction withholding tax, the regulations for the awarding and execution of construction services (known as VOB), questions around warranty and liability, as well as data protection. A solid understanding of these regulations helps you avoid legal pitfalls, enforce your own claims, and build a reputable construction business business, especially when you are a start your construction company. Our tip: For complex issues, do not hesitate to seek legal advice to ensure you are truly on the safe side.
Construction withholding tax: What you need to know as a contractor
The construction withholding tax is a topic that affects anyone who provides start your construction company and construction services for other companies. According to § 48 of the Income Tax Act (EStG), your client (the recipient of the service) must withhold 15% of the invoice amount and pay it directly to the tax office. This applies to construction services provided domestically. To avoid this deduction – which you certainly want to do – you, as the performing contractor, can apply for a tax exemption certificate from your responsible tax office. This certificate confirms that you are meeting your tax obligations properly. Present this certificate to your clients, then you will receive the full invoice amount. But be cautious: The validity of the tax exemption certificate is limited and must be reapplied in a timely manner. Also, consider the regulations regarding the reverse charge mechanism for construction services between companies.
VOB (regulations for awarding and execution of construction services): Basics and how to apply them
The VOB is somewhat like the bible for construction contracts in Germany, especially for public contracts, but it is also often agreed upon for private construction projects. It is divided into three parts: VOB/A (regulates the awarding of construction services), VOB/B (contains the general contractual conditions for the execution of construction services), and VOB/C (describes the general technical contractual conditions for construction services). If you are a start your construction company, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the basics of VOB/B, as it often becomes part of the contract. It regulates important matters such as execution deadlines, acceptance, warranty claims, and payment modalities. A correct application and clean documentation according to VOB can help you avoid disputes and secure your claims. For a deeper understanding, we recommend specialized literature or corresponding training.
Warranty and liability: How to minimize your risks
As a contractor, you are responsible for ensuring that your work is carried out defect-free. The statutory warranty period under the German Civil Code (BGB) is usually five years for buildings, an important point when you are a start your construction company. If VOB/B has been agreed upon, the period may also differ (for example, four years). If defects occur within this time that are attributable to your performance, you must rectify them free of charge. Careful planning, high-quality execution, and thorough documentation are crucial here to keep warranty claims to a minimum. Good liability insurance is also essential to protect yourself from the financial consequences of justified liability claims. Always clarify liability issues clearly and explicitly in your contracts, especially when you engage subcontractors, while you are managing your start your construction company and operations.Building 4.0: How digital helpers can advance your construction company
Digitalization is shaking up the construction industry construction industry and is full of potential to make processes more efficient and improve quality, which you should consider when you are a start your construction company. Anyone wanting to run a start your construction company should leverage modern technologies from the start to stay in the game and remain competitive. From specialized construction software to mobile data collection, cloud solutions, and smart communication tools – the possibilities are truly diverse. This is exactly where Valoon GmbH comes into play: We specialize in making communication and project management in the construction industry simpler and better. Our solutions help you optimize the flow of information between the construction site and the office and handle data easily and efficiently. Investing in digitalization is an investment in the future viability of your construction company – we are sure of that!
Construction software: Your digital Swiss army knife for project management, calculation, and more.
Modern construction software for construction companies is a true powerhouse to efficiently manage the many different tasks when you are a start your construction company and operating. It can support you in many areas, such as:
- Calculation and quotation preparation: So you can create precise and quick quotations.
- Project management: For planning, controlling, and monitoring your construction projects, including scheduling and resource planning. Our construction project management software is, by the way, specifically designed to turn everyday messenger communication into structured and usable project data, which is very helpful when you are a start your construction company.
- Measuring and invoicing: Digitally capture quantities and services for correct and rapid invoicing.
- Document management: Store and manage all project-relevant documents centrally – no more paper chaos!
The choice of the right software that truly fits the needs of your construction company is, of course, crucial, especially when you are a start your construction company. Pay attention to ease of use, good integration possibilities, and reliable support. A good ERP software for the construction industry can practically bundle many of these functions.
Mobile data collection: Ensuring smooth information flow between the construction site and the office
Mobile data collection directly on the construction site – this is a small revolution for workflows in construction companies! Your field staff can directly digitally capture important information such as working hours, material consumption, daily construction reports, or photo documentation via smartphones or tablets . This data is then available to the office in real-time, a significant advantage when you are a. Diese Daten stehen dem Büro dann in Echtzeit zur Verfügung, ein großer Vorteil, wenn Sie eine start your construction company. The result: Less paper, fewer errors, and significantly faster invoicing processes. This is exactly where we at Valoon GmbH come in, for example, by enabling seamless integration of popular messenger services like WhatsApp. This allows your employees to use familiar tools while the communication is automatically structured and transformed into valuable project data in the background. This is a huge advantage when you want a nahtlose Integration von gängigen Messenger-Diensten wie WhatsApp ermöglichen. So können Ihre Mitarbeiter vertraute Werkzeuge nutzen, während die Kommunikation im Hintergrund automatisch strukturiert und in wertvolle Projektdaten umgewandelt wird. Das ist ein riesiger Vorteil, wenn Sie eine start your construction company and want to implement efficient processes from the outset.
Communication tools: Messenger services and video conferences for direct contact
Smooth communication is key to the success of construction projects, as we all know. Modern communication tools like messenger services (think WhatsApp, Telegram, or MS Teams) and video conference systems allow for quick and direct exchanges between all project participants – whether on-site, in the office, or with external partners. Particularly smart is the integration of messenger services into project management systems, as offered by our construction software . Through expanded features like buttons, lists, and forms directly in the messenger , data collection becomes child’s play while being organized. And another plus: Automatic translation into over 50 languages overcomes language barriers on international construction sites or with multilingual teams. This is an important building block of the digitalization of the construction industry, which significantly improves collaboration – especially when you are a start your construction company.Your dream of owning a construction company: With vision to success!
Having your own construction company, is undoubtedly a demanding adventure. But with the right preparation, solid knowledge, and a clear strategy, it can turn into a real success story when you are a start your construction company! From the spark idea through careful planning, clarifying all legal and financial questions to building a strong team and cleverly utilizing digital tools – every single step counts when you are a start your construction company. The construction industry industry is always in motion and constantly offers new opportunities, but of course also challenges that you must master when you are a start your construction company. Your commitment, expertise, and willingness to learn and evolve continuously are the keys to a construction company, that thrives in the long term. We sincerely hope that this guide has provided valuable impulses for your big project of creating a construction company.
Summary of the key points for your start
To successfully launch your start your construction company , you should keep these core aspects in mind:
- Planning wisely: A detailed business plan with market analysis, financial planning, and risk assessment is your foundation.
- Overcoming formal hurdles: Clarify business registration, entry in the craft roll, and any required master craftsman qualification as early as possible.
- Solid finances: Determine your capital requirements accurately and ensure liquidity through equity, loans, and grants.
- Qualification and team spirit: Focus on expertise – your own or that of your qualified employees – and consider labor law aspects as well as the SOKA-BAU.
- Legally secure: Familiarize yourself with VOB, construction withholding tax, and warranty law.
- Marketing and sales that attract: Develop a strategy to win customers and use online channels as well as tender platforms.
- Utilizing digital power: Implement modern construction software and communication tools to work more efficiently – just like Valoon GmbH offers to optimize information flow.
A look ahead: The future of the construction industry
The construction industry is facing truly exciting times and developments. Topics like sustainability, energy-efficient building, serial prefabrication, and the use of new, innovative materials are becoming increasingly important. The digitalization of the construction industry will continue to advance rapidly – think of Building Information Modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) as engines for greater efficiency and quality. The shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry will surely accompany us for a while longer and require creative solutions in personnel development and retention. For you as a founder wanting to run a start your construction company , that means: Stay flexible, recognize trends early, and align your company toward the future. The willingness to continuously adapt and dare to try new things will be crucial.
Motivation and inspiration for your very own path to success
The path to self-employment with your own construction company requires courage, a good deal of perseverance, and a clear vision, especially when you are a start your construction company. Don’t be discouraged by initial hurdles – that’s part of the process! Every successful entrepreneur has started small. Seize the opportunities that come your way, learn from every experience, and build a strong network. The chance to realize your own projects, create jobs, and make a visible contribution to our built environment can be an incredibly powerful motivation. At Valoon GmbH, we firmly believe in the power of innovation and in straightforward, efficient software that helps tackle challenges in construction. If you are ready to make your vision of your own construction company a reality and want to rely on modern digital support, now is the perfect time to plan your next steps. Simply get in touch with us at start your construction company– we look forward to telling you how our solutions can make it easier for you to start and grow. – we look forward to telling you how our solutions can make it easier for you to start and grow. – wir freuen uns darauf, Ihnen zu erzählen, wie unsere Lösungen Ihnen den Start und das Wachstum erleichtern können.
Do I need a master craftsman certificate to start a construction company?
Not necessarily for all areas. For regulated trades like masonry or carpentry, a master craftsman certificate is usually required. However, there are exceptions like the old journeymen rule or the option to employ a technical operations manager with master qualification.For unregulated trades (e.g., tilers, drywall), a master craftsman certificate is not necessary.
Why is a business plan so important when starting a construction company?
A business plan is your strategic roadmap. It helps you to clarify your business idea, analyze the market and competition, realistically assess your capital requirements and identify financing sources. Additionally, it serves as a control tool for the first operating years..
What is the best legal form for my construction company?
The choice depends on your situation. A sole proprietorship is easy to establish, but you are liable unlimitedly in your personal capacity.A limited liability company (GmbH) offers liability limited to the company’s assets, but requires €25,000 in share capital. The entrepreneurial company (UG, limited liability) is an option with less starting capital, but with an accumulation requirement. Weigh the pros and cons carefully.
What costs should I expect when starting a construction company?
Costs are variable and include startup costs (business registration, notary), investment costs (machinery, vehicles, software), and ongoing operating costs (personnel, rent, materials). Also, plan for sufficient reserves for the startup phase. A detailed listing should be included in your financial plan.
What is SOKA-BAU and do I have to become a member?
SOKA-BAU (Social Funds of the Construction Industry) is an institution for employees in the construction trade. As an employer, you are usually obligated to membership and contribution payments. These contributions secure, for example, vacation entitlements and vocational training and must be accounted for in your calculations. How do I find the first contracts for my new construction company?
Use a mix of
online marketing (professional website, SEO, social media), offline marketing (networking, referrals) and tender platforms (public and commercial). A clear value proposition and good references are crucial. How can digitalization help me when starting my construction company?
Digitalization, for example through
Digitalisierung, z.B. durch construction software for project management and communication, can significantly simplify your processes. Solutions like those offered by Valoon GmbH enable easy data collection via messenger (e.g., WhatsApp) and improve the flow of information between construction site and office, which saves time and reduces errors..
What insurances are essential for a construction company?
Essential are the liability insurance (covers damages caused to third parties) and the construction performance insurance (covers damages during the construction phase). Depending on need, property insurance, machinery breakdown insurance, and business legal protection insurance may also be advisable.
