One of the worst things a homeowner can experience is when they’re in a hurry to get somewhere, only to discover they can’t leave their home. The culprit? A broken garage door. It seemed to work just fine yesterday. So, why isn’t it working today? They’re not sure.
Unfortunately, these things happen. Garage doors can also be damaged in other ways that require urgent repair. When those urgent repairs are needed, homeowners need them now. And, so if you are handy with tools, have some repair skills, and have an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a garage door repair business might be a lucrative proposition.
In this article, the team at Housecall Pro will walk you through the steps to starting your own garage door installation & repair business.
How to Start a Garage Door Business in 10 Simple Steps
- 1. Create a Business Plan for Your Garage Door Company
- 2. Choose a Business Structure
- 3. Legally Register Your New Venture
- 4. Find Business Insurance
- 5. Build Your Business Credit Quickly
- 6. Buy Garage Door Repair Tools and Equipment
- 7. Develop a Memorable Brand Identity
- 8. Land Your First Garage Door Repair Client
- 9. Hire Your First Employee
- 10. Scale With Garage Door Business Software
- Set Your Garage Door Repair Business Up for Success with Housecall Pro
1. Create a Business Plan for Your Garage Door Company
If you believe starting a garage door company is right for you, there are some important steps to take before you just jump in. And it all starts with creating your business plan. A business plan documents several key components of your business-to-be, such as the types of repair services you will offer, your pricing strategy, your approach to staffing and marketing, and the type of overheard that will be required to run the business.
Perhaps one of the most important elements of your plan is a series of clear, achievable goals that show how you will measure success over the years.
2. Choose a Business Structure
Next on your list is to determine the structure under which you will operate. The most common options are sole proprietorship, LLC (Limited Liability Company), and corporation, each offering different benefits and implications for taxes, liability, and management
A sole proprietorship is the simplest structure, where the owner and the business are legally the same. This means you’re responsible for all debts and liabilities, and profits are taxed as part of your personal income. These policies offer minimal legal protection for personal assets.
An LLC provides more separation between personal and business assets, offering some protection against business liabilities. It’s a popular choice for small businesses because it’s relatively easy to manage and offers flexibility in handling taxes.
A corporation is a more complex structure and is often used by larger businesses. It provides the most protection for personal assets but comes with more regulations, and profits are taxed at both the corporate and personal levels (if dividends are distributed).
3. Legally Register Your New Venture
Once you have decided on the right business structure, it’s time to come up with a company name and get it registered. Though legal requirements vary by state, here’s what to do.
- Choose a Business Name: Select a memorable and descriptive name that aligns with the services you provide. Garage door business names should reflect what you do—garage door repair and installation. Some garage door business name ideas might include “Precision Garage Door Solutions” or “QuickFix Garage Repairs.” It’s helpful if the name gives potential customers a clear idea of the services offered.
- Obtain a Federal EIN: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This number is used for tax purposes and is necessary if you plan to hire employees or open a business bank account.
- Register with State and Local Authorities: Depending on where you’re located, you’ll need to register your business with state and local authorities. This may include filing for a garage door business license or registering the company name under a “Doing Business As” (DBA).
- Secure Specific Licenses and Permits: In some regions, operating a garage door repair business may require specific licenses or permits. Check with your state or local government to determine what is required for contractors, particularly those working in home repair and installation services. These permits often involve passing inspections or meeting safety standards for the type of work you perform.
4. Find Business Insurance
Though not all states require that you have business insurance if you are in the garage door repair business, we highly advise that you get it. Business insurance is what protects you if something goes wrong. And many customers will not want to do business with you if you don’t have it.
Here are some key types of insurance to consider for your garage door repair business:
- General Liability Insurance: This coverage protects your business from claims of property damage, injury, or accidents that occur during your services. If a customer’s property is damaged during a repair, this insurance can cover the cost of the damages.
- Workers’ Compensation: If you plan on hiring employees, workers’ compensation is necessary in most states. It provides benefits to employees who may get injured on the job, covering medical expenses and lost wages.
- Commercial Auto Insurance: Since your business likely involves traveling to customer homes for repairs, commercial auto insurance is a must. It covers any vehicles used for business purposes in the event of accidents or damage.
When selecting the right insurance policy for your business, it’s helpful to compare quotes from multiple providers. Talk to multiple insurance agents so you can make an informed decision. Look at the coverage limits, exclusions, and how well each plan fits the specific risks your business may face.
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5. Build Your Business Credit Quickly
You should set up separate business accounts under your registered business name, rather than using your personal bank accounts. Apply for a business credit card, so you can offset some initial start up costs. This can come in quite handy at tax time when you are reporting on your revenue and can make sure you have adequate cash flow throughout the year.
If you have not done so already, we also recommend that you hire a professional accountant who can help keep you in compliance with tax regulations. A financial planner who serves as a fiduciary can also be beneficial as they can offer financial guidance as your company grows.
To keep your business on the up and up, consider QuickBooks accounting software that can assist with expenses and invoicing and can provide you with financial reports to best analyze the profitability of your business.
6. Buy Garage Door Repair Tools and Equipment
With your business accounts set up, it’s time to invest in repair tools and equipment to help you do the job. This industry is filled with special types of garage doors like smart garage doors and larger commercial doors. Investing in high-quality tools can help you work more efficiently and deliver reliable results for your customers. Buying the right equipment is crucial, that’s why you should have access to a credit line before making any purchases.
Here’s a list of the most important tools and equipment you’ll need to get started:
- Trucks: A reliable garage door service vehicle, work truck or van is a must for transporting your tools, equipment, and parts to job sites.
- Ladders: Sturdy ladders of varying heights are important for reaching garage door tracks and other high areas.
- Drills: Cordless drills with interchangeable bits will help you install and remove screws quickly and efficiently.
- Hand Tools: A basic set of hand tools, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and hammers, will come in handy for most repair jobs.
- Garage Door Parts: Stocking up on parts like springs, cables, rollers, and tracks will allow you to complete common repairs on-site without delays.
- Software: Software so your garage door technicians can access job details, customer information, and inventory on their smartphones.
7. Develop a Memorable Brand Identity
Most garage door business owners want their company to be known as the one that gets the job done. But there is typically more to it than that, and that entails developing a brand identity that your customers and the community at large will remember.
This all goes back to those garage door business names that we talked about earlier and then taking those names and turning them into something more. Ready to start building that brand identity? Here’s what you need to do.
- Design a Memorable Company Logo: A well-designed company logo is the visual representation of your business. It should be simple, recognizable, and reflect the services you offer. Consider working with a graphic designer to create a professional logo that stands out. You can find freelancers on platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr, or you can try to create your own logo using software such as Canva.
- Create a Business Website: Your business website is often the first place potential customers will visit to learn more about your services. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, includes clear information about what you offer, and provides a way for customers to contact you or request quotes. Highlight your expertise, share customer reviews, and offer easy booking options.
- Develop a Marketing Plan: Now is the time to revisit the marketing plan that was part of your garage door business plan. A strong marketing plan helps you reach new customers and grow your business. Utilize both online and offline strategies such as social media marketing, local advertising, and search engine optimization (SEO). Be consistent with your messaging to establish your business as a reliable option in the garage door repair market.
8. Land Your First Garage Door Repair Client
Once your business website is live and your marketing campaigns are up and running, it’s time to land that first client. And while it is important to provide an excellent customer experience for all of your customers in the future, this first one is super important.
That first client can help you spread positive word of mouth about your garage door repair business. You can ask them to provide you with reviews on your Google Business Profile and with the Better Business Bureau. Plus, this is your opportunity to start building a portfolio that shows actual repairs you have completed. Your future customers will appreciate the opportunity to see your work firsthand.
9. Hire Your First Employee
As your business grows, the chances are that you will want to expand. You may want to hire additional repair technicians and you may even want someone to manage back-office operations, answer the phones, and assist with scheduling and dispatching.
Here’s what to look for and do when hiring the best candidates for your garage door repair business.
- Use Online Job Platforms: Post job openings on popular platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and local job boards to reach a broad pool of candidates. Clearly outline the responsibilities and qualifications needed, such as technical skills, mechanical experience, and customer service abilities.
- Review Resumes Thoroughly: Look for candidates with relevant experience in mechanical work, construction, or previous garage door repair jobs. Pay attention to their work history, certifications, and any specialized training.
- Conduct Detailed Interviews: During interviews, ask questions that focus on problem-solving, technical know-how, and safety awareness. Evaluate how they approach common repair issues and how they handle customer interactions.
- Assess Soft Skills: Beyond technical skills, consider soft skills such as communication, reliability, and teamwork. Garage door repair often involves working independently, so you want someone who is both trustworthy and personable.
- Run Background Checks and Verify References: Make sure to verify employment history and check references. This helps confirm their qualifications and work ethic before making an offer.
Free resource: Ultimate Guide To Hiring Leadership
10. Scale With Garage Door Business Software
If you are good at what you do and have a good disposition with customers, your business will grow quickly. But some of the business management strategies you leveraged in the beginning might not be satisfactory for a business that needs to scale. This is where garage door repair business software can be a lifesaver and a game-changer at that.
The best business software for garage door repair businesses, such as what you can get with Housecall Pro, offer the following important capabilities.
- Scheduling and Dispatching: Easily schedule jobs and assign them to your technicians. The software allows you to view technician availability and job locations, making it simpler to organize your day and respond to urgent requests.
- Mobile App: Housecall Pro’s mobile app keeps your team connected while out in the field. Technicians can access job details, check schedules, and communicate with the office in real-time, all from their smartphones.
- Customer Management: Store customer information, including job history and contact details, in one place. This allows you to keep track of past work, follow up on maintenance, and build long-term relationships with clients.
- Real-Time Job Updates: Get real-time updates on job status, from arrival to completion. You can keep customers informed about the progress of their repairs and address any issues as they come up.
- Quotes & Proposals: Generate and send quotes or proposals to customers quickly and easily. This feature helps simplify the process of offering pricing details and closing deals, all within the same platform.
- Automation: Automate repetitive tasks, such as appointment reminders, invoicing, and follow-up emails. This allows you to focus on growing your business while keeping customers happy and up-to-date.
Set Your Garage Door Repair Business Up for Success with Housecall Pro
Now that you know how to start a garage door repair business, it’s time to generate those garage door business profits. And, one of the best ways to do that is with Housecall Pro garage door repair business software. We make it easy to get started. Sign up for your free 14-day trial today.
