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Plain-English steps for starting and setting up a service business.
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Everything a new service business needs, set up right and in the right order.
How to start a service business, from idea to first paid jobs
How to start a service business in the right order: legal setup, EIN, bank account, insurance, pricing, equipment, and the website, phone and CRM that win jobs.
Read guideThe service business startup checklist, in the order that works
A service business startup checklist in working order: name, state filing, EIN, bank, licenses, insurance, prices, phone, email, website, CRM and payments.
Read guideLLC or sole proprietor: which fits a new contracting business?
LLC vs sole proprietor for contractors and service businesses: liability, federal taxes, paperwork and cost, explained from IRS and SBA guidance in plain terms.
Read guideGetting an EIN from the IRS: free, online and done in one sitting
Get an EIN for your service business straight from the IRS: free, online, issued in one session. Who needs one, what to have ready, which paid sites to skip.
Read guideBusiness insurance for contractors: the policies a new service company needs
Contractor business insurance explained: general liability, commercial auto, workers' comp, tools and equipment, bonds and certificates of insurance.
Read guideHow to price service jobs so every one of them makes money
How to price service jobs: cost-plus vs market pricing, overhead per hour, labor burden, minimum charges and margin vs markup, with a worked example in a table.
Read guideHow to start a pressure washing business, from soft wash basics to repeat customers
Start a pressure washing business: soft washing vs pressure, runoff rules, insurance, equipment, pricing by surface, first customers and systems to set up.
Read guideHow to start a lawn care business built on tight, recurring routes
Start a lawn care business: mowing routes, pesticide and fertilizer rules, mowers and trailers, per-visit pricing, route density and systems to book a season.
Read guideHow to start a cleaning business clients trust with their keys
Start a house cleaning business: residential vs commercial, bonding, insurance, supplies, pricing first cleans and recurring visits, keys and client notes.
Read guideHow to start a snow removal business without betting the company on one storm
Start a snow removal business: plowing vs shoveling, slip-and-fall liability, trigger contracts, trucks, salt, per-push vs seasonal pricing, proof of service.
Read guideHow to start a pet waste removal business on a dense weekly route
Start a pet waste removal (pooper scooper) business: weekly routes, yard-to-yard sanitation, disposal rules, gate safety, per-dog pricing and autopay billing.
Read guideHow to start a window cleaning business with storefront routes and spring bookings
Start a window cleaning business: storefront and residential routes, ladder safety, squeegee and water-fed pole gear, per-pane pricing and rebooking.
Read guideHow to start a handyman business without stepping over a licensing line
Start a handyman business: state licensing limits, permits, lead-safe rules for older homes, tools, hourly vs flat-rate pricing and job photo records.
Read guideHow to start a painting business that estimates accurately and gets paid on time
Start a painting business: contractor licensing, EPA lead-safe (RRP) certification for pre-1978 homes, sprayers, estimating by production rate and deposits.
Read guideHow to start a landscaping business that sells projects, not just mowing
Start a landscaping business: installs vs maintenance, state licensing, pesticide certification, calling 811, equipment rental, project estimates, deposits.
Read guideHow to start a junk removal business that knows where every load goes
Start a junk removal business: disposal fees, transfer station rules, hazardous items, appliance refrigerant, DOT numbers, trucks vs trailers, volume pricing.
Read guideHow to start a roofing business that survives the slow months
How to start a roofing business: state licensing, OSHA fall protection, insurance and bonds, crew and equipment, pricing by the square, and first customers.
Read guideHow to start an HVAC business built on service agreements
How to start an HVAC business: EPA Section 608 certification, state mechanical licensing, insurance, tools and vans, flat-rate pricing and maintenance plans.
Read guideHow to start a plumbing business when the license comes first
How to start a plumbing business: state license levels, lead-free rules, trench safety, insurance, van and drain equipment, price books and after-hours calls.
Read guideHow to start an electrical contracting business the right way
How to start an electrical contracting business: license levels, the NEC and permits, insurance and bonds, tools, pricing service vs projects, first jobs.
Read guideHow to start a pest control business that runs on recurring routes
How to start a pest control business: state applicator licensing under FIFRA, label rules, insurance, sprayers and vehicles, recurring plans and route density.
Read guideHow to start a pool cleaning business built on dense weekly routes
Start a pool cleaning business: weekly routes, water chemistry, chemical storage, state rules, equipment, per-pool pricing, first route accounts and seasons.
Read guideHow to start a gutter cleaning business that grows into guards and repairs
Start a gutter cleaning business: ladder and fall safety rules, insurance, equipment, pricing by linear foot and story, guard upsells, first customers, seasons.
Read guideHow to start a Christmas light installation business that renews every fall
Start a Christmas light installation business: lease vs sell, ladder safety, insurance, gear, pricing by linear foot, renewals, permanent lighting and timing.
Read guideHow to start a tree service business that bids well and works safely
Start a tree service business: OSHA and ANSI Z133 safety, power line rules, arborist credentials, insurance, equipment, bidding, first customers, storms.
Read guideHow to start a fencing business that measures fast and quotes clean
Start a fencing business: 811 before every post hole, permits and property lines, licensing, insurance, equipment, pricing per foot and gate, first customers.
Read guideHow to start a concrete business that wins bids on driveways and patios
Start a concrete flatwork business: OSHA silica rule, 811, permits, licensing, insurance, tools, pricing driveways per square foot, weather and seasons.
Read guideHow to start a garage door business that answers first and sells doors later
Start a garage door repair and install business: spring safety, the federal opener rule, licensing, insurance, van stock, flat-rate pricing, first customers.
Read guideHow to start a remodeling business that finishes jobs on budget
Start a remodeling business: picking kitchens, baths or basements, state licensing, EPA lead-safe rules for pre-1978 homes, subs, contracts and pricing.
Read guideHow to start a flooring business that wins the in-home measure
Start a flooring business: choosing materials, licensing, old-floor hazards, tools, pricing per square foot with prep, and winning in-home measures.
Read guideHow to start a carpet cleaning business customers rebook every year
Start a carpet cleaning business: truck-mount vs portable, cleaning methods, IICRC standards, wastewater, honest per-room pricing and yearly rebooking.
Read guideHow to start a mobile detailing business that fills its route with repeat cars
Start a mobile detailing business: van or trailer setup, water and runoff rules, insurance for customer cars, packages by vehicle size, and monthly clients.
Read guideHow to start a moving company customers trust with everything they own
Start a moving company: local vs interstate, state rules, FMCSA USDOT number and operating authority, trucks, crews, estimates, pricing and end-of-month peaks.
Read guideHow to start an irrigation business built on seasonal service plans
Start a lawn irrigation business: state irrigator licensing, backflow rules, 811, insurance, equipment, pricing startups, repairs and installs, seasonal plans.
Read guideHow to start a septic pumping business with a disposal plan first
How to start a septic pumping business: hauler permits, EPA Part 503 septage rules, disposal, CDL trucks, insurance, pricing by tank and pumping reminders.
Read guideHow to start a locksmith business people can verify before they call
Start a locksmith business: training, state licensing checks, ownership verification, van and key machines, clear lockout pricing and steady commercial work.
Read guideHow to start an appliance repair business that fixes it on the second visit
Start an appliance repair business: training, EPA Section 608 rules for refrigerant, licensing, tools, diagnostic fees, parts and direct customers.
Read guideHow to start a solar installation business homeowners trust
How to start a solar installation business: electrical and contractor licensing, NEC rules, roof safety, insurance, permits, interconnection and pricing.
Read guidePressure washing equipment list: 22 things to buy now, rent or add later
A pressure washing equipment list for beginners: machine, hoses, surface cleaner, soft wash gear, PPE and trailer, plus what to buy now, rent or add later.
Read guideLawn care equipment list: 23 things to buy, rent or add as the route grows
A lawn care equipment list for beginners: mowers, trimmer, edger, blower, trailer, safety gear and repair kit, with what to buy now, rent, or add as you grow.
Read guideWindow cleaning equipment list: 22 tools, from first squeegee to water-fed pole
A window cleaning equipment list for beginners: squeegees, applicators, ladders, water-fed pole, pure water, screen tools and safety gear, and what can wait.
Read guideHouse cleaning supplies list: 24 things a new cleaning business needs
A house cleaning supplies list for beginners: vacuum, microfiber, mop, products, disinfectant, gloves, caddies and key security, plus what to rent later.
Read guideSnow removal equipment list: from the first shovel to the skid steer
A snow removal equipment list for beginners: shovels, snow blowers, plow truck, spreaders, salt storage, spare parts, safety gear and what to rent later.
Read guideLandscaping equipment list: what to own, what to rent and what can wait
A landscaping equipment list for beginners: truck and trailer, hand tools, layout gear, PPE, compactor, wet saw, sprayers, and which machines to rent first.
Read guideJunk removal equipment list: what goes on the truck before the first haul
A junk removal equipment list for beginners: truck or dump trailer, dollies, straps, tarps, demolition tools, PPE, and handling batteries and refrigerators.
Read guidePainting contractor equipment list: from the first brush to the boom lift
A painting contractor equipment list for beginners: brushes, rollers, ladders, drop cloths, prep tools, RRP lead-safe gear, sprayers, scaffolds and lifts.
Read guideHandyman tool list: what to buy first, what to rent and what to skip for now
A handyman tool list for beginners: 22 items in buying order, the specs that matter, what to rent, and the OSHA and EPA safety rules behind the gear.
Read guideGutter cleaning equipment list: ladders, roof safety gear and cleaning tools
Gutter cleaning equipment list for beginners: ladders, standoffs, fall protection, scoops, flush tools and repair stock, with OSHA rules and what can wait.
Read guidePet waste removal equipment list: scooping, sanitizing and route gear
Pet waste removal equipment list for beginners: scoopers, bags, boots, disinfectant, yard-to-yard sanitation, vehicle storage and the upgrades that come later.
Read guideChristmas light installation equipment list: ladders, lights, clips and storage
Christmas light installation equipment list for beginners: ladders, roof safety, commercial LED strands, clips, timers, testing, storage and what to rent first.
Read guideCarpet cleaning equipment list: gear for the first job, upgrades for later
A carpet cleaning equipment list for new owners: extractor specs, wands, hoses, chemicals, drying gear, wastewater and PPE, plus what to buy later.
Read guideMobile detailing equipment list: build a rig that works in any driveway
Mobile detailing equipment list for new owners: water tank, pressure washer, power, vacuum, extractor, runoff mats and PPE, then polishers and other upgrades.
Read guidePool service equipment list: what a new route tech needs on the truck
Pool service equipment list for new route owners: test kits, poles, brushes, vacuums, filter tools, chemical transport rules and PPE, then upgrades for later.
Read guideTree service equipment list: buy the safety gear, rent the big iron
Tree service equipment list for new owners: PPE, saws, climbing and rigging gear, chippers, stump grinders and lifts, with OSHA rules and what to rent first.
Read guideHow to get a contractor license: the path most states follow
Getting a contractor license in the US: experience, exams, company vs individual licenses, bonds, insurance, renewal and reciprocity, with 4 state examples.
Read guideHow to become a licensed plumber, from apprentice to master
How to become a licensed plumber: apprentice registration, journeyman and master exams, company licenses, bonds, renewal and reciprocity, with state examples.
Read guideHow to become a licensed electrician in the United States
Becoming a licensed electrician: apprenticeship hours, the exam, license levels, contractor licenses and reciprocity, with Texas, Washington and California.
Read guideHow to become an HVAC technician, from trainee to licensed contractor
How to become an HVAC technician in the US: training or apprenticeship, EPA Section 608, state licensing patterns, exams, insurance, bonds and renewals.
Read guideHow to get a pest control license: the federal floor and the state path
How to get a pest control license: EPA applicator rules, technician and apprentice steps, state exams, business licenses, insurance, renewal and reciprocity.
Read guideRoofing license requirements: how the licensing path works across the US
Roofing license requirements vary by state. How experience, exams, bonds, insurance, qualifiers, renewal and reciprocity usually work, with official sources.
Read guideHow to start a chimney sweep business that fills its own fall schedule
How to start a chimney sweep business: the work, licensing and CSIA certification, roof and soot safety, insurance, equipment, pricing and your own leads.
Read guideHow to start a drywall business built on referrals, repairs and rebuilds
How to start a drywall business: repair vs hang and finish, licensing paths, lead and asbestos rules, insurance, tools, pricing by finish level and first jobs.
Read guideHow to start a siding business that sells well and installs clean
How to start a siding business: licensing patterns, EPA lead-safe and VSI certification, scaffold and silica rules, insurance, tools, pricing and first jobs.
Read guideHow to start a window installation business that measures twice and gets paid once
How to start a window installation business: licensing patterns, EPA lead-safe rules, InstallationMasters, insurance, tools, pricing per opening and first jobs.
Read guideHow to start an insulation business that seals the attic before it fills it
How to start an insulation business: licensing patterns, BPI and spray foam certification, FTC R-value receipts, insurance, equipment, pricing and first jobs.
Read guideStarting a water damage restoration business built for the night call
How to start a water damage restoration business: IICRC training, licensing by state, insurance, drying equipment, claim-ready pricing and referral partners.
Read guideHow to start a mold remediation business, from the first respirator fit test to the first referral partner
How to start a mold remediation business: state licensing and certification, respirator rules, insurance, equipment, pricing by scope and first customers.
Read guideHow to start a home inspection business, from the state license to the first agent who sends you a client
How to start a home inspection business: state licensing, certification, conflict-of-interest rules, E&O insurance, tools, pricing and first clients you own.
Read guideHow to start a dumpster rental business that keeps its containers working
How to start a dumpster rental business: hauler and street permits, CDL truck rules, insurance and bonds, disposal sites, pricing and first contractor accounts.
Read guideHow to start a mobile mechanic business that books its own repairs
How to start a mobile mechanic business: state repair registration, EPA 609 for AC work, insurance for customer cars, the van, pricing and first customers.
Read guideHow to start a mobile dog grooming business that rebooks every dog
Start a mobile dog grooming business: licensing and certification, insurance for dogs in your care, the van's water and power, pricing and route days.
Read guideHow to start a deck building business that passes inspection and fills the spring calendar
How to start a deck building business: licensing and permits, deck code basics, insurance and bonds, tools and trailers, pricing, first customers and seasons.
Read guideHow to start a hardscaping business that builds patios and walls people trust
How to start a hardscaping business: patios and walls, licensing and CMHA certification, wall permits, insurance and bonds, equipment, pricing and seasons.
Read guideHow to start an epoxy flooring business, from the first grind to repeat customers
Start an epoxy flooring business: coating systems, licensing and certifications, silica dust rules, insurance, grinders, pricing and first customers you own.
Read guideMarketing for a new or small contractor: which agencies take you, and which say no
Which marketing agencies take new and small home-service companies and which say no: stated minimums quoted from their own sites, entry prices, October 2026.
Read guideFind out what your leads really cost.
Get a free system quote: we look at your site, your Google profile, how your calls get answered and what you spend on leads, then put what we'd build and what it costs in writing.
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