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Eco-Friendly Fireplace Design/Manufacturer

A fireplace is one of the best features of many homes and is often listed as one of the selling points to it. If someone wants to upgrade or redo a room in their home, they often consider adding a fireplace, including the new, free standing models and other types that give heat and create a central focal point to the room. There are many ways to make the fireplace more eco friendly, including using locally produced materials instead of trucking them in and not burning hardwoods in them once they are completed. Helping make the lovely fire place even better is a good start to this particular business venture.

What should I know to start with?

First, you should know the traditional methods and techniques of building a fireplace. You should know that is typically used, material wise and what the general dimensions are. Then you should take all of that information and look for ways to make it greener. Better material choices, better techniques and more dynamic placement all can make the fireplace go from good to great.

What skills should I have?

General construction skills are important, but advanced masonry skills are even better. A knowledge of all of the alternative materials and the ability to figure out which works best in any given situation is also important.

Who is the target market?

Home renovators, home improvement and home builders would be your biggest clients. Making friends with a general contractor who could shuffle work your way is never a bad idea either. Remember, word of mouth is the biggest friend you can have in this industry, so the better the work you do on one job, the more likely you will get a second and so on.

Who is the competition?

Other contractors, pre-fab fireplace sales and installation and do it yourself masonry kits will be who you are going head to head against all of the time.

What is the biggest risk to this venture?

Like any home improvement venture, you are at the mercy of the housing market. When housing sales slow, home improvements may go up at first as more people are forced to hold onto a home. But if the economy does not improve, then home improvements will slow as well.

Where is this most likely to be successful?

You will find the majority of your business in areas where a lot of construction, home improvements and renovations are going on. Any place where new industries are being located will also be a good place.

What do I need to open the door for the first time?

Once you have obtained your contractor's license from the area you are working in, you should apply to the local mason's guild for certification there as well. You should have a building or at least office space to work from, some design books and a truck to haul materials in (preferably a green truck). You will then need a first client.

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