Let's Get You Started with Your First Action Steps
By the end of this lesson, you'll have clarity on your contractor business direction.
Visit the Texas construction data portal to understand your opportunity:
View Texas Construction Stats →Choose your primary service area. Consider your experience and local demand:
Every Texas city has different rules. Look up yours now:
Take Action on Your Licensing Requirements TODAY
Don't wait! Some licenses take 4-6 weeks to process.
Required: Master Electrician license + Insurance
Apply for Electrical License →Cost: ~$115 application + $70 exam
Required: Responsible Master Plumber designation
Apply for RMP License →Cost: $225 initial + $420 annual renewal
Required: 48 months experience + Pass exam
Apply for HVAC License →Cost: ~$115 application + exam fees
Make This Critical Decision TODAY
90% of Texas contractors choose LLC - Here's why and how!
Your business name MUST be unique in Texas:
Search Business Names NOW →💡 Have 3 backup names ready!
Hold your name for 120 days while you prepare:
Reserve Name - $40 →Complete These 6 Steps TODAY (Takes 30 Minutes)
Total Cost: $300 (No hidden fees!) - Process takes 5-7 business days
Required by law - can be you or a service ($50-200/year)
Compare Agent Services →OR be your own (must have TX address)
File directly with Texas Secretary of State:
FILE YOUR LLC NOW - $300 →💳 Have credit card ready!
⚠️ NEVER pay for this - it's FREE!
Get FREE EIN Number →Available instantly online!
For franchise tax and sales tax permits:
Register for Taxes →Good news: No tax if under $1.23M revenue!
After EIN is received, open account:
Protect Your Business Before Your First Job
Most contractors need $1M General Liability minimum - Get quotes now!
$1M coverage costs $97-175/month. Get quotes from:
Optional in Texas but required for government work:
Learn Texas Requirements →Cost: $119-289/month per employee
Required for any business vehicle use:
State Farm Quote →Cost: $147-267/month per vehicle
Every City Has Different Rules - Don't Get Fined!
Fines for working without permits: $500-$5,000!
Required: Contractor registration + $10K-$50K bond
Houston Registration Portal →Fees: $50-$500 depending on trade
Required: Certificate of Responsibility + $5K-$25K bond
Dallas Application →Fees: $75-$200 annually
Required: Contractor license + $25K-$100K bond
Austin Licensing →Fees: $100-$350 + green building compliance
Required: Trade license + $10K-$50K bond
San Antonio Portal →Historic districts have special requirements!
Working outside city limits? Register with county:
County Permits →Special Requirements for Oil, Gas & Renewables
45,000 new jobs coming! Average pay 40% higher than residential.
Required by most energy companies:
ISN Registration →Cost: $680-$2,500/year based on company size
Required for maritime facilities:
Apply for TWIC →Cost: $125.25 - Valid 5 years
Required: OSHA 30-hour + H2S training:
OSHA 30 Training →Cost: $189 online
Energy sector minimums:
Proper Financial Setup = No IRS Problems
Mixing personal and business funds = IRS audit risk!
Compare and apply online now:
Bring: EIN letter, LLC docs, ID
Build business credit from day 1:
Apply for Card →Tip: Chase Ink offers $750 cash back!
Track everything from day 1:
Start QuickBooks Free Trial →Cost: $30-90/month after trial
| Your Startup Budget | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation | $300 | $300 |
| Trade License | $100 | $700 |
| Insurance (Year 1) | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Bonds | $100 | $3,000 |
| Tools/Equipment | $5,000 | $50,000 |
| TOTAL NEEDED | $8,500 | $64,000 |
OSHA Fines: $15,625 per violation!
Most contractors need OSHA 10 minimum, OSHA 30 for supervisors
Required by most general contractors:
Start OSHA 10 - $89 →Complete in 2 days online
Required for energy sector and large projects:
Start OSHA 30 - $189 →Required PPE checklist:
Marketing Actions That Get Jobs Fast
Goal: Book 3 estimates this week!
Get found locally - takes 15 minutes:
Create GMB Listing →Upload 10 photos of your work!
Professional presence in 1 hour:
Build Website →Include: Services, Areas, License #, Insurance proof
Bookmark These Sites - You'll Need Them!
Create a "Texas Contractor" folder in your browser NOW
Texas Business Legal Hotline: 1-800-252-5555
OSHA Hotline: 1-800-321-6742
Follow This Exact Schedule for Success
Print this schedule and check off each item daily!
📞 Texas SBDC: 1-800-SBDC-TEX (Free consulting)
📞 TDLR: 512-463-6599 (Licensing help)
📞 Texas SOS: 512-463-5555 (Business filing)
📧 Email: contractor@contractorschoiceagency.com