Want to start a catio business but don't have the first clue on how to get there.
This started because I had no idea how much I'd enjoy building. I mean I was interested in woodworking when I was younger. But my dad started his own construction business 2 1/2 years ago and I helped him with jobs he'd get and really learned to like it. He wanted to hire a more skilled/knowledge person because my partner and I were the only ones helping him out with the jobs. My partner is still working. But I stopped in like January of this year. I've been thinking about careers and what I'd want to do and I kept seeing videos about catios, I've also been wanting to build my cats their own because they've been begging to go outside.
I tried asking my dad for some help but he shut me down by saying other people can do that. Sure, but if he had that mindset with his job he wouldn't have his successful business now would he? I think there's a market for it, and he doesn't want to do those types of jobs so it's not like I'd be taking up his business. I also just think he's way to busy to want to help so he won't help guide me. So I'm here.
Here are my questions: Location is Kansas btw.
I need to get my GC license, don't have the first clue what that would look like. What would I need to study, what do I need to know, what math skills will I need to brush up on?
I think I can do this on my own, but I'm one girl, who really needs to get back in shape since not doing construction. Do you guys think any of this will require more than one person?
How would I figure out how much to charge for this type of thing. I'm thinking of having basic/intermediate/large/custom builds on a website and having a set charge for each of them except for custom builds. Or is it bad to have a set price because I know if I show up and something is rotted that I'd put wood posts up against I'd probably have to fix that and charge more? These are things I consider because I've learned from the jobs there's always something more beneath "hey build this!" or do I have a set price and let them know if something needs fixed that I'd need to charge or materials and labor?
What website would be best for getting a mockup? I like to have and think it'd be best for customers to have something to look at to change or add if they wanted before building.
How tf do you make your contracts? What do you put on them?
What are things I need to consider about this business? What troubles would I normally run into going into a specific type of niche? Do i have to worry about fixing drainage before doing these, and if there's anything I'd have to put in with my city like going about having someone check out my work or getting approved by the city to do the job? I get it's not BIG construction. But i'm asking because I genuinely don't know what builds like this require. And I worry if I miss something because I didn't know then I'd get fined.
Before I get the comments because I'm sure I'll get some. I know what I'm getting into, I know things won't be easy and I don't have on rose colored glasses. I'm well prepared for things, but you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. And I want to try to learn and do it. Just need some guidance and I'm coming here because I don't think starting your own business comes with a personal trainer on this type of stuff. Unless it does, then somebody point me the way. Thanks.