I want to start a cleaning business cleaning new constructin homes in South Carolina. Where do I start?

Question

I live in Myrtle Beach and there is alot of new home construction that I can find work. But what is required to start?

Answer 1

Well, you could learn how to spell, first.

Answer 2

First, find an attorney that can handle the basic incorporation issues for you. Its not particularly hard or expensive, but take the time to get yourself setup properly.

Find an insurance agent to sell you a basic business liability policy. It may or may not be important to be bonded. Ask your agent about the costs of that, but don't buy the bonding until you are sure you need it.

After that, the only thing left to do is find a customer. I don't know that business, but I would guess that builders would LOVE to find someone that is reliable and does quality work. It seems like the kind of business where they would have problems finding people to consistently and professionally do the job. Once you demonstrate that they can count on you, you will probably be able to charge just about whatever you want!

Answer 3

I'm in Utah so I don't know the laws for SC. However: I started a small cleaning business many years ago.

Cash flow is important. How much do you have to invest to get started? It will cost you $$ to get started.

You have to be licensed and have liability insurance. You would contact your local business licensing division and reputable insurance agent for those forms and information.

Are you going to be a Sole Propriator? Partnership? You'll have to have incorporation papers or partnership papers and Articles of Partnership or Incorporation filed to run the business...these can get expensive...but removes a good portion of liability from you and back to the business. Employer Tax ID # from both the IRS and the State. Your local tax commission will probably require you to file sales tax or employment taxes quarterly.

Then you need to have your contracts set up for your suppliers. Decide what chemicals it is you like to work with. I prefer Chembright...full line of excellent products. What janitorial supplies you will need and how to obtain those cheaply...they cost a fortune and you will go through a lot of rags, towels, scrubbers etc.You have equipment to buy, vaccums, shopvacs and filters...etc Where are you going to get those? A cheap store bought vaccum will not work if you are doing new construction cleanup. Sheetrock dust clogs everything. Reliable vehicle.

Next you will need business cards and flyers, a bookkeeping system and a record keeping system. Bookkeeping services can usually do both for you and some will do year end taxes for you also. These will cost a monthly fee. Finding a bookkeeper just getting started and needs the clientel could possibly cost you less to get started.

Contacting local contractors and getting your name and information about your business out there will be the part that will take the most work to get going. You can't just make phone calls, you have to get out there and even be willing to do a test run with them to show what you can do.

You will need to research the current rates and make yours competitive, but not so low that you can't make a profit. You have to have something to offer that the other cleaning companies don't offer....not necessarily a gimick more like Reliable, Honest, Thorough, We guarantee our work...etc.

You'll need references both professional and business related that contractors can contact to find out if you are worth the risk.

Are you willing to do other types of cleaning? Apartment complexes are always looking for a good cleaning company. You can use these to fill in between new contruction. We had New Construction, Vacancies, Office Buildings and Private Homes for housekeeping.

It's a bit of work to get things going...but once it is and contractors know you're out there, available, reliable and do good work...you won't lack for work. I got to where I couldn't take on any more work as I was so busy. I had to have my own home cleaned by someone as I wasn't home to clean I was working so much.

Answer 4

I would first incorporate and get liability insurance.
Second, I would create some flyers and business cards and start dropping my materials in these subdivisions. You could also offer to clean for these construction builders while they are still building- THIS is huge money, but would definitely be more formal than just cleaning someones house. Having the right business license will be important if you work for a builder. Also you would be able to write off the start up cost of equipments.

1. Go to your local score office for free advice and support (they are a non profit)
www.score.org

2. Incorporate and get relates business licensees:
http://www.nomorecubes.com/incorporation/

3.Get some cheap marketing materials: http://www.nomorecubes.com/business-cards-and-personal-ma/

4. Start knocking doors and pitching your services

Best of luck!!

Answer 5

Why not get the name of a few smaller builders and tell them of your interest. If you have any experience, prepare to explain it and also give references if requested. Also, if you happen to have any friends involved in the construction business, you might ask them to pass on the word that you're interested and available.

Answer 6

Market yourself. Make flyers, get ink pens made with your logo, and then start going into businisses, putting your face/name in newspapers. Try some apartment homes, too. Go to leasing office and offer your services

Answer 7

How big?

It depends on location

How far...etc

How big

Hoew much bank can loan?

Answer 8

Lots of illegal immigrants and a pick-up truck!