BuzzKill

then there is the matter of proving I was at fault...I imagine that would be pretty darn hard to pin on me, or any other decent sparky. What's left after a freaking fire? Hopefully that $2mill policy also covers the months of lawyer fees!

LawnGuyLandSparky

Wait for some huge job to start in your area, then all the tradesmen will be busy, employed, and making money. That will open a lot of doors for someone looking to break into a smaller work market.

And when you do set out, try not to do installs the same way I saw all over on my last visit to Pittsburgh. Looks matter. Electrical work sometimes isn't pretty, but up there it seems you guys go out of your way to make it uglier!

nitro71

I don't know about PA's laws but in WA you have the option to carry workmans comp if you have no employees. It costs $1.18/hr. Well worth it in my opinion should something happen to you unless your health insurance will cover you on the job. That I don't know about.

Getting 50% up front is going to be difficult. Perhaps some type of milestone billing structure on larger projects with unknown general contractors might work. At points in the project you get paid for completion of that phase. I really don't know if projects are done like that. On smaller jobs 1-5 days I doubt you will have much luck getting money up front but maybe it works for someones business model.

I think the other posters safety check idea just meant upselling your services while on site. Good idea to keep in mind, pointing out electrical deficiencies while at their residence or business.

I'm following this thread as I'm wanting to get a small business going myself. Lot of good ideas in this thread.

ralph

Im sure you will need it to working for any builders ( real ones, notfly by nights).
If youve found a nich just doing service work in a residential app, you could probably go without.
Keep your overhead low, and dont work for cheap. Keep your customers happy whenever you can. Word of mouth is huge.
Good luck

rewire

Get a workmans comp policy you may need it for yourself if injured also liability one million with three million agregate will cover 90% of the GCs.Getting workmans comp now will help you lower your modifier which will give you a lower cost when you hire employees down the road. Shop around for insurance to get the best price.

__________________
Patriot Guard Riders ,never forget

thekoolcody

If it was me, I would be a one man operation, form a LLC or some sort of Limited liability.

1) Lawyers
2)Guns
3) Money

...or The Sh&^ will hit the fan.

__________________
CP Electric, LLC "We will turn you on"

RMatthis

See, now you didn't need to go there! Unions have their Pros and CONs
You know what they are... I won't sit here and rant.

Mastertorturer

That's why big tough Union guys are afraid of them.

TolmanElectric

I do not know what your laws are in your state but in Tennessee It is required to at least have Worker Compensation to cover 1 if Any Employees. Laws Constantly change here so it is better answered from someone in your state or from Department of Commerce and Insurance. They could answer that question. But on the upside it looks great on your business to be covered.. Its peace of mind for the homeowners you do work for. Some contractors in my area will not even provide work for you without having W/C and General Liability. Sucks for the Single man crew guys to make it. But on the upside if you have a Friend or family member help you and they get hurt.. You are covered. Contact a lawyer and incorporate if you decide to have employees in the future.