The Complete Checklist for Starting a Home Services Business in the USA

The U.S. home services industry is worth over $500 billion and growing. Whether you're an HVAC tech, plumber, electrician, landscaper, or cleaner - there's never been a better time to start your own business. This checklist covers everything you need.

This Guide Applies To:

HVAC contractors, plumbers, electricians, general contractors, landscapers, house cleaners, pest control, painters, roofers, and any other home service provider.

Phase 1: Licensing & Certifications

Contractor Licenses (State-Specific)

✓ State contractor license - Requirements vary dramatically by state
✓ Trade-specific license - Electrical, plumbing, HVAC often require separate licenses
✓ Local/city licenses - Many cities require additional permits
✓ EPA certifications - 608 for HVAC, lead-safe for pre-1978 homes
✓ OSHA certifications - 10-hour or 30-hour construction safety

Licensing Varies by State

Some states (like California, Florida) have strict licensing. Others (like Texas for some trades) have minimal requirements. Check your state contractor licensing board before starting.

Phase 2: Business Formation

✓ Choose entity type - LLC recommended (liability protection + tax flexibility)
✓ Register with state - Secretary of State filing
✓ Get EIN - Apply at IRS.gov (free, instant)
✓ Local business license - City/county requirements
✓ Business bank account - Separate personal and business finances
✓ Business credit card - Build business credit, track expenses
✓ Accounting software - QuickBooks Self-Employed or QuickBooks Online

Phase 3: Insurance (Critical)

✓ General liability - $1-2 million minimum (most customers require this)
✓ Workers compensation - Required in most states if you have employees
✓ Commercial auto - Personal auto doesn't cover work use
✓ Tools & equipment - Covers theft and damage
✓ Professional liability - Errors and omissions coverage
✓ Umbrella policy - Additional liability protection

Phase 4: Vehicle & Equipment

Work Vehicle

✓ Service van or truck - Cargo capacity for your trade
✓ Vehicle wrap or magnets - Professional branding (mobile advertising!)
✓ Shelving/organization - Efficient tool and parts access
✓ GPS tracking - Fleet management if multiple vehicles

Tools & Equipment

✓ Trade-specific tools - Quality professional-grade equipment
✓ Diagnostic equipment - Trade-specific testing tools
✓ Safety equipment - PPE, first aid, fire extinguisher
✓ Ladders/access equipment - OSHA-compliant

Phase 5: Operations & Systems

✓ Field service software - ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, Jobber
✓ Scheduling system - Online booking for customers (see our booking solution)
✓ Invoicing & payments - Accept cards in the field
✓ Quote/estimate system - Professional, branded proposals
✓ GPS/routing - Optimize drive time between jobs
✓ Customer communication - Automated appointment reminders

Phase 6: Getting Customers

The Reality

Great work doesn't market itself. The contractors winning the most jobs are the ones showing up first when homeowners search "plumber near me" or "AC repair [city]". Your online presence determines your pipeline.

Essential Online Presence

✓ Google Business Profile - THE most important listing for local services
✓ Professional website - Services, service areas, contact (see our hosting)
✓ Review strategy - Ask every customer for a review (see our review management)
✓ Yelp business page - Claim and optimize
✓ Facebook page - Community engagement, before/after photos
✓ Nextdoor presence - Hyperlocal neighborhood recommendations
✓ Messenger automation - Respond to inquiries 24/7 (see our messenger automation)

Lead Generation Options

✓ Google Local Services Ads - Pay-per-lead, Google Guaranteed badge
✓ HomeAdvisor/Angi - Lead generation platform
✓ Thumbtack - Consumer matching service
✓ Real estate relationships - Referrals from agents, property managers
✓ Builder/contractor relationships - Subcontracting opportunities

Phase 7: Employees (When Ready)

✓ W-4 forms - Federal tax withholding
✓ I-9 verification - Employment eligibility
✓ State tax registration - Withholding requirements
✓ Workers compensation - Required in most states
✓ Payroll system - Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll
✓ Employee handbook - Policies and procedures

Get More Calls Without Chasing Leads

We help home service contractors get found on Google, collect more reviews, and answer inquiries while they're on the job. Your skills deserve to be discovered.

Get a Free Visibility Audit

Estimated Startup Costs

Category	Cost Range (USD)
Licenses & registrations	$500 - $5,000
Work vehicle	$20,000 - $50,000
Vehicle wrap/signage	$1,000 - $5,000
Tools & equipment	$5,000 - $25,000
Insurance (first year)	$3,000 - $10,000
Software & technology	$1,000 - $3,000
Marketing & website	$2,000 - $10,000
Working capital (3 months)	$10,000 - $30,000
Total Estimated	$42,500 - $138,000