Welcome to one of our regular series for new business starts ups. On weekly basis, we deal with a number of new Construction business starting up and we get asked a lot of questions in the building trade.
We do our best to try to share the frequently asked questions. 
Most Small general builders work directly for home-owners, usually on property repairs, refurbishments and renovations, extensions and improvements, and for commercial property owners and landlords on shops, pubs, hotels and small industrial buildings. Some builders also carry out contract work, for example for local authorities, housing associations and larger building firms.
Others specialise in loft conversions and kitchen and bathroom renovations.
Many general builders have a background in general construction skills such as bricklaying, plastering and joinery, but some are qualified to carry out specialist work such as plumbing, electrical work and the installation of gas systems and appliances. Others sub-contract this work to local tradespeople.
What qualifications and skills are required?
There are no mandatory qualifications required to trade as a builder. Most of the skills required by anyone setting up this type of business are usually acquired through previous experience in the building and construction sector.
Builders carrying out work under contract to public sector organisations or larger building firms may be required to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, for which, as a minimum, they must pass a health and safety test and hold, or be working towards, a Level 2 or 3 N/SVQ (www.cscs.uk.com).
In addition to prior experience in the building industry and proficiency in a particular trade, the proprietor of a building firm will benefit from training in project management, estimating and staff supervision. An organised approach, good customer care skills and a reliable attitude are also required.
The following courses are suitable for anyone intending to start up and run a small building firm:
- The National Construction College runs Introduction to Construction Estimating, a two-day course costing £500, which covers tendering types, principal estimating, tender documentation, and site logistics. The course runs regularly at training centres around the UK
- Premier School of Building runs a self-study course on estimating and analysis of pricing, which requires 80 hours of study to be completed within three months. The course covers unit rates and estimating prices for groundwork, concrete, brickwork, drainage, windows, carpentry, glazing and painting. It costs £475
- Thomas Telford Training provides a two-day course on construction project management, which covers the application of the various stages in the Chartered Institute of Building’s code of practice for practical project management, illustrated by case studies and discussion.
- Activia Training provides a one-day Supervisor Skills Introduction training course, which costs £349 (excluding VAT). The course is available throughout England and covers defining supervisory roles and responsibilities, communication skills, managing conflict, dealing with difficult employees and time management.
- Limited Company Registration and all the initial Setup.
- You need a proactive adviser who will help you choose the best legal structure to trade tax efficiently.
- Also the adviser will help you with opening a business Bank Account, Payroll, Staff & Sub Contractor Contracts, Bookkeeping, VAT and End of year Accounts.
- Choosing the right adviser from the start helps you to start your business with a renewed confidence and will save you save alot of tax! and hopefully grow and expand your business.
- If you need to speak to a Proactive Accountant about your new venture, please contact us on 0208 679 4690 please Visit our Website.
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