Take The Plunge?

beans n toast

Greetings from Toronto.

Sort of an odd post perhaps. While I am not currently a professional contractor, I am thinking of going to school to become a home renovator / general contractor.

I have been a magazine editor for nearly a decade and I'm looking for a change of careers. I've been thinking about becoming a contractor for a while now and wanted to touch base with others.

I guess I have a few questions.

First, I'm 30 years old. Is this too old to embark on this journey? I eventually would like to own my own company.

Second, with so much publicity surrounding home reno scams and nightmare renos, how handicapped am I by not being in in business for 50 years like some of the companies in my area?

Third, anyone have any suggestions for a guy looking to start out? what are the perks and jerks?

and finally, when you look back, in your opinions, is it worth it?

thanks in advance. great site.

b

Susan Betz

You're 30 and you're worried about being too old?

Question #2: What kind of marketing skills do you have? Networking skills? How are you going to find work - or are you going to work for someone else?

Question #3: see above.

"Worth it" depends on what you want to get out of it. Money? Independence?

__________________
Fences of Distinction, Ocala, FL
http://www.fencesofdistinction.com

dirt diggler

wow ... i was just thinking about becoming a magazine editor

CharlesD

If you have a local university, contact their business dept. They usually have surveys and data available that would be very helpful, plus some have business advisors who will work with you.
They can tell you how much start up money you would need for particular trades. You can start with a pickup truck and tools and run the streets like hundreds more are doing, cutting each other's throats for crappy jobs but you do that for twenty years and you will have a 20 year old truck with worn out tools and nothing more.
SCORE is also a great place to get free information about business start-up. They are a group of retired business executives who give free business counseling for people wanting to start or grow a business.
Once you've done some background investigation, get yourself a business plan. As you write your plan, involve a lawyer, an accountant, a banker and preferably a former business owner in your selected area. That's where SCORE is so helpful.
I see well meaning people "go into business" without a clue as to what they are doing. They usually end up broke, plus undo so much work the established businesses have worked for that it's pathetic.
I started my business with 2,000 dollars of borrowed money and nothing more. I was lucky that my family didn't starve to death. It took a long time to get it on track. It's so much better to have your plan and your finances in order before beginning.
There is a need for well run businesses in the construction field. You just have to find your niche and run with it.
Good luck

YourWayPainting

Welcome beans n toast.

__________________
A good paint job isn't cheap. A cheap paint job isn't good.