Starting any new business is a daunting prospect and double glazing installation is no different. You do have a few things going for you, however, when choosing window installation as a career choice with the biggest being that window fitting is always, and always will be, in huge demand.
If you have worked in the industry for some time now, and are thinking about venturing out on your own in the near future, a knowledge of how to fit windows alone is not enough. You need to know how to run a business and be your own boss, not to mention how to compete with other much larger existing businesses and carve out your own section of window fitting pie.
No matter if you are experienced in the industry, or a relative rookie, this guide will help you towards your goal of running your very own double glazing installation firm in the future.
Create a window fitting business plan
The very first thing that anyone must do when starting a business, in any sector, is to make a business plan.
This is no different in the window installation business and a detained strategy will help to keep you on track when navigating the challenges to come.
Some of the questions that you need to answer in your business plan should be who your target audience will be, what will make you stand out from your competitors in a highly competitive market, and where your initial source of funding will come from.
Once you get a bit further down the road and have begun to put your plans in motion, you will also need to figure out the finer details of your business operation such as what types of windows you will offer, where you will source them, the services that you will provide, and where your stock will be stored.
Acquire relevant qualifications
Surprisingly, there are no official barriers to entry in the window fitting business and anyone can technically start their own business without training or qualifications.
They won’t get very far, however, and only the most naïve of homeowners will trust someone with no experience, training, or relevant qualifications to install their new double glazing.
One of the most important certifications for a new double glazing company to hold is a valid FENSA certificate that demonstrates that all your window installation will fully comply with all Building Regulations. It is a legal requirement for new installations to comply with these regulations, and for them to be registered with the council and this certification will reassure property owners that you are committed to meeting your legal obligations.
Not only will obtaining these qualifications and certifications help you to secure more business by reassuring customers of the quality of your work but is also a useful learning experience that improve the quality of the work you are able to offer and boost your reputation.
If you are looking to provide commercial window installations as well as domestic, or plan to use a ladder for installation, you will also need to abide by the Health and Safety Executive guidelines on operating at height and some clients may well request that you have relevant accreditation that demonstrates your knowledge of and compliance with these regulations.
Learn from others
If you want to be successful in any industry it is important to examine the operations of other companies in the same sector who have already achieved significant success.
Sure, if you are successful these companies may one day be your competitors but they have clearly done something right to get into the position they currently are. Examining their rise and the approach that they take gives you something to aim for, and a better idea of how to emulate their success.
There are many hugely successful double and triple glazing installation companies across the UK, and it won’t be too hard to find one in your area. Read through their customer testimonials to learn about the customer service and quality results that your target audience will be expecting and browse their website to see the range of window products they offer. Expert glazing companies Edinburgh will undoubtedly offer more services and products than you will be able to from the outset, but their product range can inspire ideas and inspiration and give you aspirations for the future.
General business advice
There are certain steps that you need to take when starting a business, no matter which industry you are in.
These include:
- Choosing a business name and logo for your company
- Registering with the HMRC
Deciding you wish to operate as a sole trader or as a limited company - Getting the relevant insurance for the services that you intent to supply