If you’ve been thinking about taking your construction company global, the United States is probably one of the first places you’re considering. After all, it’s a huge market with plenty of opportunity. In fact, according to Statista, the country’s construction sector is currently valued at around $3 trillion. But before you make the jump, here are a few things you need to settle.
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools and Equipment
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have the right tools and equipment for the job. In construction, different countries have different standards and regulations. So what might be standard in your home country might not be up to par in the US.
Do your research and invest in the right tools and equipment so that you can hit the ground running. For example, if you’re planning on doing a lot of work with concrete, you’ll need to ensure you have a suitable mixer. In the US, most construction companies use a volumetric concrete mixer. This type of mixer measures the materials by volume instead of weight.
In addition, you’ll also need to invest in the proper safety equipment. Construction is a dangerous profession, and there are strict regulations in place in the US to protect workers. Ensure your employees have the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and know how to use it properly.
Get Insured
You also need to make sure you’re adequately insured. Again, different countries have different laws and regulations when it comes to construction. One constant thing, however, is that accidents happen. And if you’re not adequately insured, you could be on the hook for a lot of money.
So before you expand, get insured. For instance, in the US, most construction companies are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This type of insurance covers your employees if they’re injured on the job. It’s essential because, in the US, if an employee is injured and you don’t have workers’ comp, they can sue you.
There are other types of insurance you should consider as well, such as liability insurance. This will protect you if one of your employees damages someone else’s property or injures someone while working. Make sure you research and get the right insurance for your company. It might seem like a lot of money upfront, but protecting yourself (and your employees) from potential lawsuits is worth it.
Know Your Market
It’s also crucial that you know your market. The US construction market is vast and diverse. So you need to research and figure out where your company fits in. What kind of projects do you want to work on? What areas are you going to focus on? Who is your target market?
Answering these questions will help you create a solid plan for success. For example, if you’re a small company, you might want to focus on residential projects. But if you’re a larger company, you should focus on commercial or industrial projects.
No matter what, you need to have a plan. The US construction market is very competitive, so you need to make sure you stand out from the rest.
Hire Local Talent
If you’re expanding to the US, it’s also vital that you hire local talent. This will help you with things like obtaining the proper permits and licenses and understanding local customs and culture. Not to mention, it will give your company a good reputation in the community.
So try to hire local talent when expanding your business. For instance, you can employ an operator with NCCCO tower crane certification instead of bringing along workers who would still need to train or get certified before they can start working.
Of course, this is not always the case, but the trick is to find the balance. You want to have a mix of local and non-local employees so that you can take advantage of the best of both worlds.
Find a Local Partner
Last but not least, finding a local partner when expanding your business to another country is always helpful—someone who knows the ins and outs of doing business in that country. A local partner can be invaluable in helping your company navigate through unfamiliar territory.
They can also provide valuable insights into the local market that you might not be able to get anywhere else. So, try to find a local partner before expanding your business to the US.
Moreover, having a partner you can trust will make the whole process easier and less stressful. And that’s always a good thing.
Expanding your construction company to the US can be a daunting task. But if you’re properly prepared, it can also be a very rewarding experience. Just make sure you do your research, get insured, know your market, hire local talent, and find a trusted local partner. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to success.
