More than a year has passed since the coronavirus pandemic changed the lives of almost every human being around the world. The way we live, take care of each other, connect, and do business has drastically changed to survive the deadly virus. While we have yet to achieve global immunity as vaccines are being rolled out across the world, we have no choice but to continue trying to live, regardless of the circumstances.
Aside from tourism, one of the industries most affected by the pandemic is the construction industry. Onsite work had to be suspended all around the world due to fear of spreading the virus. But now that we’re on the road to recovery, it’s safe to say that the construction sector should also be back in business. As a contractor, here are a few things you need to keep in mind before you finally reopen your business.
1. Check labor market restrictions.
The threat of coronavirus is very real. Hence, you should first understand the things you can and cannot do while onsite. How many construction workers are allowed onsite? How long should you conduct business? Is there a curfew in your service area? These things aren’t normally part of your operations. But ever since the pandemic struck, you have to be aware of such policies to avoid penalties and an outbreak in your company.
Related: Essential Steps for Starting a Successful Construction Business
2. Test and train your employees.
Aside from on-location policies, as a contractor, you are responsible for the well-being and safety of your workers against any hazard, which, of course, includes the pandemic. The US Center for Disease Control outlined a few steps construction workers need to know when going back to work to protect themselves against the pandemic.
As for contractors, you can ensure their safety on-site by providing them with the necessary gear and protective equipment against hazards and the virus. This means you have to be ready with face masks, alcohol, and sanitizers for your workers. You might also have to invest in testing your workers on a regular basis to make sure that nobody from your team has COVID-19.
3. Get your licenses updated.
If you haven’t reopened your construction business for quite a while due to the virus outbreak, then you might have outdated licenses. Of course, you can’t go back to work without renewing your contractor’s license. So be sure to get this done before taking on any clients.
4. Get on social media.
To be honest, there are a few ways you can attract more clients, especially online. But one of the most effective ways to do that is to go on social media and maximize the reach of multiple platforms. If you haven’t done it yet, now is the time to have dedicated Facebook, Instagram, and even YouTube accounts for your construction business. Through social media, you can connect to prospective customers and show them what you’re made of by uploading past work and inviting referrals. This actually one of the rules of success for entrepreneurs.
5. Talk to your former clientele.
Aside from attracting new customers online, one quick way to get back on your feet during the new normal is to talk to your former clients. Let them know that you’re back in business and see if they need help with new projects. It won’t hurt to ask, and even if they don’t have any work for you to do, they might be able to point you in the right direction and refer projects from their network.
6. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
If you follow the steps above, there is no reason for you not to try something new with your construction business. First, make sure that you have enough funds to fall back on. Once that’s settled, you can try to offer new services like the installation of heating and ventilation systems. You can also try to tap a different market segment, like commercial construction. These may take a bit more work, like getting new licenses, but you would be able to open yourself to new opportunities if you try.
The new normal has changed the way we do business, but it should not hinder us from growing and trying our best despite the bleak situation. We should always try to make the best of every situation and think on our feet to survive these tumultuous times. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, and even this pandemic, too, shall pass.
