Are you thinking of becoming a self employed plumber?
If so, there are various steps you should take to reach your goal. As well as the correct qualifications, you also need to consider the costs of equipment and a vehicle. And, you need to take into account the administrative side of running your own business.
Our guide provides simple, step by step advice to becoming a self employed plumber.
Get the right training
To become a fully qualified, self employed plumber it is vital that you have the right qualifications. In the UK, an NVQ Level 2 in plumbing is the qualification that you will need.
You will need to sign up at a local college or training centre and participate in a full time training course. These courses are often City and Guilds accredited and will teach you all the necessary plumbing skills that you need. Once you have finished the course, you gain your NVQ by being observed by an NVG assessor.
Once you have built up a portfolio of work and have been assessed in different areas, you will be awarded your NVQ.
Once you have achieved your NVQ you are recognised as a fully qualified plumber and are free to start up your own as a self employed plumber. You may have to attend further courses to operate on electrics or gas.
Get the right equipment and tools
Once you are NVQ qualified, your next step is to obtain all the tools and equipment you need to be a self-employed plumber. As well as all the specialist tools that you need, you are also likely to need a van. You may have to buy or rent an older van initially until you have built up your income and your client base.
Make sure also that you have the appropriate plumbers insurance. Public liability insurance is vital plus you may also need protection for your valuable tools, vehicle and equipment.
Get some customers
Of course, as a qualified plumber you are going to need some customers to generate money! Local advertising is always a good place to start and so consider a regular advertisement in a local newspaper.
You can also get in touch with local plumbing merchants and ask them to recommend you for jobs.
In addition, a cheap website can help you prove your credibility and you can also be listed on a local Google search and in your local business directories.
Get yourself organised
As a self employed person, it is also vital that you keep your financial and tax affairs in order. Employing a local accountant who can look after your finances can be worth its weight in gold. Make sure you keep receipts for expenses and invoices for jobs completed and your accountant will be able to help you with your self assessment tax return and to pay the right amount of National Insurance contributions.
There are around 90,000 plumbers in the UK, many of whom are self-employed. So, if you are considering setting up your own plumbing business, make sure you follow our advice.
