When to Grow
Signs you're ready:
- Consistently turning down work
- Profitable for 2+ years
- Systems are documented
- Cash reserves built
- Ready to manage people
Options for Growth
Subcontractors
Pros: Flexible, lower commitment
Cons: Less control, availability issues
Employees
Pros: Dedicated team, more control
Cons: Payroll obligations, super, workers comp
Apprentices
Pros: Train to your standards, government incentives
Cons: Time investment, supervision required
Key Considerations
- Insurance: Update for employees/subcontractors
- Workers comp: Mandatory for employees
- Payroll: Tax, super, leave entitlements
- Systems: Job management, quoting, invoicing
- Marketing: More work needed to keep team busy
Common Mistakes
- Growing before you're profitable
- Hiring wrong people
- Not charging enough to cover overheads
- Losing quality control
- Working IN the business not ON it