Once you have started up your construction business (after creating a business plan, gathering funding, finding a location, and acquiring all of the proper insurance), there are a few more things you’re going to need in order to ensure that you’ll have a successful business. Of course, many of these will be detailed in the business plan, but there may be some other things that will be helpful to have that you may not have thought of before. These are things like technology, tools and equipment, and people. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at these construction business essentials necessary for a successful business.

Technology

Technology has impacted the world in a mostly positive way, and with advances being made all of the time, it’s extremely important to keep up with the latest trends in technology. Just like with any other type of business, a construction business requires several forms of technology, with software being one of those forms. Construction management software takes care of various tedious tasks, such as running estimates and reports, and storing documents. You may also need to have different types of software, as one may not be able to do everything you need.

Also, because you’ll be providing a service, you’ll need a way to handle your invoice documents as well. An invoice document is a detailed description of the services you’ve provided for your client and how they can pay for them. This is an important part of any business that provides a service or product.

Tools and Equipment

Common Tools

When purchasing tools, you’re likely to remember the most common tools needed on the construction site. Just remember that while power tools are more efficient, all tools don’t necessarily need to be power tools. Manual tools often yield more precise and neater work compared to some bigger machines. A list of common construction tools to have include:

• Bump cutters
• Concrete mixer
• Crowbars
• Hand drills (including a cordless drill and a hammer drill)
• Ladders
• Masonry trowels
• Measuring tape
• Nail guns
• Pliers
• Putty knives
• Screwdrivers
• Sledgehammers
• Wrenches

Other Tools and Equipment

Because construction is such a diverse line of work, there are several other, not-so-common tools that you may need. These include:

• Blowtorches
• Computer numerical control router (for cutting things like plastic and metal)
• Dust collector
• Hammer Drill
• Lights and a light tester
• Line laser level (for making sure a surface is level)
• Motorized wheelbarrow
• Oscillating multi-tool
• Site box (for storing tools)

Other very important pieces of equipment you’re also going to need is personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes things like a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety gloves, and steel-toed boots.

Transportation

When working in construction, one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need is something that many people tend to forget about: transportation. You’ll need a way to haul your other tools and equipment from your place of business to the construction site. Some companies choose to use their own personal vehicles to tow construction equipment, while others invest in separate trucks. Let’s not forget you also have the option of renting a truck or two from a truck rental company that caters specifically to construction businesses.

People

Last, but not least, you’re going to need some people working under you. This can be in the form of hiring full-time employees or you can hire subcontractors on a project-by-project basis. Keep in mind that it does cost more to hire a full-time staff, in which you’ll have to pay a salary, benefits, and acquire more insurance, such as workers’ compensation. You will also likely be responsible for providing adequate tools, equipment, and PPE for your workers, whereas subcontractors are likely to provide their own tools and equipment.

Keep in mind that you will want to invest in the best technology, tools, and equipment that best helps your business run smoothly. You don’t necessarily have to have top-of-the-line equipment and technology to successfully run your business, so it’s not worth the extra money. However, you do want to take the time to research which ones will work best for your company.