If you are considering starting a gutter repair business there are a number of aspects you will need to consider in order ensuring that your new venture is successful. You need to think about what services you are going to offer your customers and how you are going to promote your business. There may be a few start-up costs, but not in relation to the cost of starting most other types of businesses.
Services
Gutter Repairs
Gutter repairs will naturally be your main line of work, unblocking and cleaning external gutters, down pipes and facias or repair / replace any broken guttering and down pipes as appropriate. There will always be demand for such a service because blocked and badly maintained gutters and down pipes can cause serious damage.
Fasicas
You may want to consider supplying and installing replacement UPVC fascias, soffits and guttering to domestic customers. UPVC replacement roofline boards offer a low maintenance alternative to traditional timber.
Roof Repairs
You should also offering repair roofs including repainting ridge tiles, reappointing valleys, replace cracked or broken tiles, repair led flashing where needed as well as reappoint chimney breast.
Exterior Painting
For extra customers, you should also consider exterior wall clean and re-paint service to stucco rendering and painted brickwork.
Starting the Business
When you first start your business you will need to decide if you are going to be a sole trader and be self-employed or incorporate your business as a limited company. If you are a sole trader you will submit your tax return via the HMRC self-assessment and will have unlimited liability for your business' actions. If you are a registered company you will have to submit annual accounts but will have limited liability for your business.
You also need to chose a name for your business and have a logo designed. Try to choose a name that is relevant so people don’t have to guess what it is you do. A name like "Cheshire Gutter man" will be far more effective than "Repair Solutions".
Equipment
You will need to purchase equipment to assist you in delivering your service to your customers. You will need ladders, gloves, overalls, paintbrushes, screwdrivers etc to perform your services. You may also want to have some custom uniforms made to make yourself look more professional. Be sure to brand your uniform with your logo, web address (if applicable), main services and contact number.
You may also want to consider purchasing a van to get from job to job, particularly if you plan to cover a wide area. You can use your van as marketing space by branding it with your logo and services to try to increase your brand awareness and get your name out there.
Marketing
There are a number of online and offline marketing techniques you can use to promote your business. You should have some business cards printed with all of your contact details and always be sure to carry some in your back pocket - you never know when you might meet a potential customer!
You could also consider having some flyers printed. You can get 5000 a6 double sided flyers printed for around £140 which you will be able to distribute door to door around your local area.
You should also think about marketing your business on the internet. As more and more people use the internet when looking for a gutter repair man you need to think about having either a website or using social media... but preferably both. You should have a nice clean website that aligns with your brand and quickly gets your message across to visitors. You will only need a simple website, but it must look professional. Yu should also look into search engine optimization to help improve the ranking of your website.
Most internet users are also using some form of social media to keep in touch with friends. You may find a lot of potential customers on Facebook and you can use the platform to promote your business by creating a "business page" for your gutter repair business.
