Hello everyone, thanks in advance for any information/input.

This does not specifically relate to the electrican industry alone, but a friend and I are looking into starting a home repair business and I was wanting to get any insight and information as possible. I have owned a business in the past, but not in this trade.

We would mainly be doing some carpentry work, tile, paint, etc...and I would be doing certain electrical work (I am a licensed electrician).

Beyond general business, is there anything specific I should know about working in the trades that would be beneficial?

I understand that this is not a specific question, so all insight is appreciated. Thanks!

Get some of the proposal/acceptance and additional work authorization forms from NEBS. They give you instant professional image and there are no details they can't say they asked you to do.

You might check into a franchise like Mr Handyman.
http://mrhandyman.com/FranchiseMain.aspx

It will cost you more $$ upfront but will get you off to a quick start.

[This message has been edited by PE&Master (edited 10-21-2006).]

Thanks for the tip about the forms at NEBS, I had forgotten about those...seen them a while back.

I would actually prefer not to be part of a franchise as it is very easy to find business here and I know my city very well. But it never hurts to look into it...thanks for the info.

Another question, I do have my electrical license, but I don't think a license is needed for general repair/contractor work in the state of Texas. There is no "contractors license" that I can find listed on the state website, but a lot of forms ask for this. Any ideas?

Thanks again!

http://www.trcc.state.tx.us/

Ah, thanks...never found that site before. Most of my work should not cost more then $20,000 (any single job) however, so I don't know if I would need this. Of course, if/when I get close to this threshold I will.

http://www.license.state.tx.us/electricians/elec.htm