Make money from home renovations

Most of us have experienced the stress of either having to deal with a blocked sewerage system or sink in the kitchen in our homes.
But getting someone to fix these systems can be a hassle because there are few people with the experience to a good job.

This creates a business opportunity for those with skills to venture into this a business of repairing and renovating home plumbing systems.
This article shows how you can start a home renovation business and earn a living.
Experts say that if you start a home renovation business, it is profitable even in the uncertain economic times.

Start
Mr Charles Kilwana who has been doing home renovation business for the last eight years shares that if you build a bank of clients, you will never sleep on an empty stomach.
Kilwana who is based in Kira, Wakiso District, started the home renovation/repair business immediately after graduating from Nakawa Vocational Institute in 2011.
Equipped with the skills he acquired from school and a tool-box which cost him less than Shs100,000, Kilwana started the struggle knocking on people’s doors advertising his business.

“The people I worked for are the ones who recommended me to their colleagues. Now I have a list of clients who are keeping me busy throughout the year. These range from homes to companies and estates in Wakiso and as far as Mbarara who source for my services,” he shared.
On a monthly basis, Kilwana’s turnover goes beyond Shs5 million and after deducting his expenses, he takes home about Shs3 million in profits.
Capital investment

Experts say one can start this kind of business with about Shs350,000 as investment capital for someone who already has the skills.
Ideally, this will involve buying and branding an overall with the business name. This costs about Shs100,000. Then a tool box which costs about Shs150,000 at the market rate and the remaining Shs100,000 is used as operating capital.

Advice
In case you are interested in starting this business, Mr Kilwana emphasises good time management skills when you get contracts.
“In this kind of job, time is money. The more assignments you complete, the more money you will get. So make use of it,” he shared.
Experts say to be a successful renovation contractor, you should have extensive experience in building construction, with hands-on expertise in at least one of the trades and knowledge of the others.
You should also have good contacts within the industry to get work performed in time.

Market
Experts say before you hit the marketplace to look for clients, be are organised.
Mr Newton Buteraba, the chief executive officer House of Wealth – a local firm that offers business advisory services and motivational speaking, in an interview with Prosper Magazine shares that you need to be credible to succeed in this kind of business.
“Your target clients let’s say are in Ntinda, Naalya, Namugongo, Kira or Kyaliwajjala - these are areas with lots of estates and your possible customers. To be trusted by them, you will need an introduction letter from the police before you knock on their gates,” Mr Buteraba shares.

Create a catalogue showing the work you have done in form of photos which show the problem before you fixed it and after fixing it. This gives possible clients the reassurance that you can fix their problems. This will also help you market your business.
Moving with your business cards is another way of building your customer base.
“Move with your contact details either in a brochure or business card, even if you have not had a chance to get an assignment, leave your card behind,” Mr Buteraba says.