compliance

[Blue77]

Hello, I’m new to the site. My name is Gary. I’ve been in the building industry since I left school 35 years ago, and now I’m planning to do some work with my brother, who is a bricklayer and has also been working for others. We’re looking to take on some small jobs ourselves, as we have the skill set, but I’m unsure where to start with compliance. Does anybody have recommendations on what I should look at first? I am not trying to advertise any services just looking for advice.

Kind regards,  
Gary

[joe90]

15 minutes ago, Blue77 said:

I’ve been in the building industry since I left school 35 years ago,

So what have you been doing all that time?

[jack]

1 hour ago, Blue77 said:

We’re looking to take on some small jobs ourselves, as we have the skill set, but I’m unsure where to start with compliance.

 

Hi Gary.

 

A lot of members don't read the Introduce Yourself section, so you'll get a better response posting in one of the building-related sub-forums.

 

I can move this post for you, but I'm not sure what sub-forum best suits your question.

 

If you'll mostly be doing renovations and extensions, then https://forum.buildhub.org.uk/forum/60-house-extensions-conservatories might suit.

 

One of the construction type sub-forums might do if you plan to be sticking to one of those: https://forum.buildhub.org.uk/forum/24-house-construction/

 

The Project and Site Management or Building Regs forums might also suit: https://forum.buildhub.org.uk/forum/19-design-architecture/

 

Let me know which you prefer and I'll move this post there (a link will stay in the Introduce Yourself sub-forum for 30 days).

[Blue77]

Thank you for your reply. I think the first link would be great.

[Blue77]

2 hours ago, joe90 said:

So what have you been doing all that time?

I’ve been shop fitting myself but working for other people as subcontractor never run my own business same for my brother. He’s always worked for a big firm but now they’re laying people off and they’re scaling their business right down

[Blue77]

I just don’t know, which is the best way to go for public liability and other things that I may not be aware of from the angle of a business owner as I’ve never had that role

[joe90]

Being self employed is a gamble but I thoroughly enjoyed it, I have always got on well with people, I have only not got on well with (some) management. Just make sure you are honest with customers, be comprehensive with quotes, no ambiguity. 

2 hours ago, Blue77 said:

but I’m unsure where to start with compliance.

That’s really to do with the likes of gas, electricity and structural engineer. Anyone can call themselves a builder (I did with no qualifications) just a lifetime of DIY and the right  aptitude.

[joe90]

1 minute ago, Blue77 said:

which is the best way to go for public liability

I took out a basic insurance but no one ever asked for it,  I was once asked to quote for a job at a local school but didn’t qualify as I needed £1m liability insurance .

[Russell griffiths]

You will need an accountant to talk you through the business side. 
you will need public liability insurance, talk to a broker, tell them what you intend doing, you might need professional indemnity insurance. 

 

[Jilly]

HMRC run various free courses as you need to suss out the tax side and decide if you want to be sole traders/partnership or Ltd Co, there are pros and cons with each. 
Explore insurance, a broker might help. Word of mouth advertising is good and might be all you need if you do well, although many people expect a web presence, something like wiz is cheap. Be honest, and stay within your abilities and you should be fine. I wish you all the best. 

[joe90]

15 minutes ago, Russell griffiths said:

You will need an accountant to talk you through the business side. 

I didn’t, just registered as self employed with HMRC and kept records, if I got anyone else involved with a job, painter, electrician etc I made it plain that they were self employed working for the customer not me to keep things simple and no employee liability.

[Blue77]

Thank you all for your advice nice to be on a platform with helpful people with more knowledge than myself 

[saveasteading]

30 minutes ago, Russell griffiths said:

public liability insurance, talk to a broker

Yes, beware the adverts in the Sun (other unreliable sources may exist) for the cheapest cover.

Eg I've had roofers who were insured up to 3m, "and nobody had ever questioned  it".