Patio Designer

Income   $50,000    $300,000

The range of income for the first year will depend on how many homes on which you are able to work. The challenge with this type of business is it is labor intensive and time consuming. You’d need to complete one a week to earn an average of $50,000 a year.

However, the more expensive the housing development, the more expensive the patios will be.

Description

Patio design is a specialty you can learn. With the advent of the Internet, nearly everything that you need to know is available through research.

People who purchase new homes typically need to have both parties working in order to afford their house payment. Their enjoyment of their new home will be increased dramatically by a backyard, which is designed around their entertainment preferences.

Do they enjoy having friends and family over for barbecues, swimming, or weekend gatherings, providing a great place for children to have their friends over, or having a serene quiet environment?

It will be up to you to interview them to discover what their life-style warrants.

Clients

Your clients will typically be located within new construction sites. Although they will usually be in new housing developments, you will also find clients in neighborhoods going through the process of redevelopment. Look through the newspapers for information on articles, permits and advertisements that pertain to construction.

Marketing Plan

I would suggest you get to know who the preferred Mortgage Broker is for the new home development and create a referral-based relationship with them. If the Mortgage Broker includes an additional $5,000-50,000 for a patio, the monthly payment is only increased by $5-50. Since the Mortgage Broker is paid on the size of the loan, they should be agreeable. In return, then when you find a home that needs a new patio, you can refer the owners to the Mortgage Broker and offer it as a package deal to the homeowner.

Power Partners

Your Power Partners will consist of Mortgage Brokers, Realtors, Appliance Dealers, Tile Setters, Fencers and Pool Designers, and Landscapers.

The conversations with these Power Partners should indicate your willingness to provide them with referrals, as you become aware of clients who need their services. It is important you meet with these Power Partners in person the first time, and then keep in touch with them weekly by email or by phone.

Requirements

You will need to have access to a large truck, a wench, ropes, canvas to cover the load, as well as a resource for additional labor.

Resources

Most materials suppliers have access to resources, which help with design and calculating material costs. I discovered a website which provides with great examples and some estimating tools. http://imagegallery.webspawner.com/listGallery.asp

Personality Type: Expressive, Amiable

Total Start Up Costs:            Less than $1500

(This does not include the truck, but it does include business cards, tools, a phone and advertising)