HVAC

Being your own boss in the plumbing sector has a lot to offer; when you’ve got the skills for it, and you know there’s a need for your services in the local area, you could make a very good profit here! However, there are quite a few things to get to grips with before you get started; being a business owner, especially in this industry, can get complicated, and it’s good to know what you’re walking into. And with that in mind, let’s go through three of the most important points below. 

It’s Not Just About Plumbing

Plumbing is what your business does well, of course, but it’s not the only thing your business will need to do well – you’re going to need to pick up a few other skills, to make sure the ends meet and the books are balanced and the right people are working alongside you. 

Indeed, the numbers issue alone is something you’ll have to face up to as soon as you get the idea to open a business. As a plumber, you’re already technically minded, and that should make taking on an accounting cpe entirely in your stride – a little bit of the right knowhow, and a bit of experience in paying taxes and cross examining your profits and loss margins, and you should be good to go. 

You’ll Probably Need to Pick a Side

When it comes to plumbing, there are two worlds you’ll have to fit yourself into: domestic and commercial. Both sides have their advantages and their drawbacks, of course, but when you’re just starting out, you’re going to need to pick a side for the time being. 

Most first time plumbers choose domestic, as it doesn’t take as much startup equipment. Similarly, domestic plumbing is much easier to cope with, as it’s smaller, far less used, and the jobs tend to be quick. However, working in the commercial world could open up quite a few more doors for you, in terms of contracts, and if you’re comfortable with industrial systems, why not go for it? 

Working Out Your Salary

Then you’ll need to work out how you’re going to price yourself. A good thing to do first is work out what the average salary for a plumber is in your area, and what the national average is as well. According to Indeed, the average hourly pay for a plumber in the US is $24.60 an hour – is this a rate you’ll be comfortable working for? 

Because if not, you can price yourself above it, but you’ll need to ensure the quality is reflected in your work. Of course, if there are few plumbers in the area, you’ve got a much better chance of creating your own salary, but if not, you’ll need to be more competitively priced. 

Opening a plumbing business of your own is about more than just the plumbing. Make sure you’re capable of counting the numbers, negotiating, and marketing yourself to the area. 

After a challenging year resulting from the global pandemic that hit full force in March 2020, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reports that – one year later – there are signs that conditions are improving.

A contractor sentiment survey conducted by PHCC finds that 84% of respondents rank the continuing impact of COVID-19 on their businesses as having either a “low” or “medium” impact compared to 57% in spring 2020, when PHCC first began tracking trends during the pandemic. In addition, the number of people ranking impact as “medium high” to “high” has dropped to 9% from 43% in spring 2020.

“A year after COVID-19 hit, PHCC members indicate that they are cautiously optimistic that we are turning a corner toward better times ahead,” says PHCC President Hunter Botto. “Respondents also noted that their businesses have stabilized after several difficult months of disruption. They also see new business opportunities in the future, which is very good news for our industry.”

In fact, an annual environmental scan conducted by PHCC in January 2021 predicted an increased demand for home improvement spending; touchless products; upgraded and energy efficient equipment; smart technology; air and water filtration and purification; and IAQ markets, including UV and bipolar ionization.

While the overall outlook is positive, the plumbing and HVACR contractors responding to the sentiment survey cite several ongoing challenges, including maintaining a safe and fully operational staff; increased operating costs related to new safety requirements; addressing employee and customer health and safety concerns; customer delays on projects because of economic concerns; disruptions in the supply channel; and a fear of a potential recession.

Regarding manufacturers and suppliers’ responsiveness to supply chain issues, respondents noted many have been helpful by offering creative alternatives to products currently unavailable. There was an overall recognition that manufacturers and suppliers are also facing material cost increases and shortages, transportation challenges, workforce issues, etc. “They have been super helpful, but have had their own people issues, concerns and interruptions,” one contractor said.

Contractors indicate they have established many safety procedures to mitigate safety risks for employees and clients, including employee screening, social distancing, disinfection measures, increased communication about safety protocols and requirements for Personal Protective Equipment.

“As we look back on the last year, PHCC members – operating as essential businesses – illustrated time and time again that they are true professionals committed to keeping their employees, customers and communities healthy and safe,” Botto says. “As always, our members have shown they are extremely resilient in tough times.”

Another positive indicator is that – after recently completing its annual membership renewal process this spring – PHCC realized an increase in both renewing and new members.

“We are grateful for the loyalty demonstrated by our members throughout this crisis,” Botto says. “We are also excited to see growth in membership when business owners are assessing the ROI on every expenditure. Now more than ever, they can see the value of supporting and engaging with their association.”

To help navigate the many unexpected changes they faced, members relied on PHCC resources and videos via its COVID-19 Recovery Center, as well as monthly webinars, state and local support, advocacy, member discounts and access to Personal Protective Equipment.

After the transition to online instruction in 2020, the leader in technical education will expand its offerings to students across the country.

Minneapolis — In Fall 2021, Dunwoody College of Technology will begin offering two online degree programs, construction management and bachelor of architecture, for the first time in the school’s 107-year history. Students will experience innovative, project-based learning in the virtual space with industry-leading software and technology. Both programs will offer flexible, barrier-free online learning options for current students and working professionals who are interested in taking the next step in their career.

“This past year provided the opportunity to develop and implement online learning practices as we adjusted to a new way of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Provost Scott Stallman. “That opportunity has opened the door for us to reach students in new areas of the country, and we are excited to deliver Dunwoody’s exceptional education, and the great careers that follow, to students beyond Minnesota.”

Dunwoody, a nonprofit institution of higher education and a leader in technical instruction, was approved to be a nation-wide provider of online education by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) in December 2020. The approval allows the college to offer the bachelor of science in construction management and the bachelor of architecture as online-only options to students from states outside of Minnesota.

“For more than a century, Dunwoody has been a leader in hands-on, applied technical education, preparing students for high-skill, in-demand career fields,” said Cindy Olson, Dunwoody’s vice president of enrollment management. “That tradition will continue as the college expands into the online learning space. Students will benefit from small classes taught by faculty who have worked in the field. In addition, students enrolled in the program will receive a laptop loaded with state-of-the-industry software and technology. ”

The construction management completion program is designed for students and working professionals who need the flexibility of an online program that allows them to attend part or full-time and finish at their own pace. During the program, students learn how to successfully influence and lead production teams, develop projects, and grow businesses. Students will complete real-world service learning projects and work with renowned organizations and industry professionals.

With the shortest path to licensure, combined with a unique stackable degree format, Dunwoody’s bachelor of architecture is the perfect fit for those that want to become a licensed, practicing architect, but need the flexibility of an online degree. The program is rooted in a tradition of community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership in the profession, both locally and globally. Dunwoody’s bachelor of architecture is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

The application for admission is now open and interested students should contact Admissions at admissions@dunwoody.edu for information or fill out the online application.

If you have been thinking about becoming a tradesperson but still aren’t quite sure if it is the career for you, then there are a lot of things to consider. It is a great career field to be in and can suit most people – after all, you can process payments from every country and work anywhere in the world so it really is your oyster! The world can be an uncertain place and if you are a tradesperson you know that you will always be needed. It also ensures you will always be bringing in steady money. It is an enjoyable position and one that you can spend your life working and enjoying if you find it is the career path for you. Here are some reasons why a career as a tradesperson is always a great choice…

You will always be needed

Tradespeople work in a craft that will always be needed and something that you cannot replicate or just learn online in a day. There will always be the need for a plumber, a boiler repair person, a mechanic, and many other trades so that means you have great job security. With so many jobs being replaced by machines and people being made redundant, it is a good idea to be in a profession that you know is more secure than your average job.

No two days are the same

If you work in a job in an office for example, then you know pretty much what to expect day in day out. There is often no diversity and you just see the same view, same desk, and same people. If you work as a tradesperson then you will get the opportunity to meet and speak to a whole host of different people every day. Your days will always be different and you won’t quite know what it will throw at you. This means that it never gets boring and there is always something interesting to do! 

You will learn valuable life skills

When you are a tradesperson, you will learn a whole plethora of useful life skills. Whether this is electrics, mechanical, or plumbing, they are practical skills that you can use in other areas of your life. If you move house for example and your new home needs new plumbing, you can do this yourself and don’t need to pay an expert to do it for you. This can save you costs in the long run. You will also know if someone is trying to rip you off if you were to decide to call in an external professional. 

These are just a few reasons that a career as a tradesperson is a great idea. You will learn valuable skills, enjoy a diverse range of activities in your day-to-day work life and meet plenty of interesting people. Has this article made you think about wanting a career as a tradesperson? There are many roles that you can consider, from being a plumber to a builder!