Self employed electrician

HoggyRS · 25-09-2024 7:28pm #1

I’m a qualified electrician looking for some advice on self employment.

I currently have a cushy enough electrical job which would be seen as a “job for life “. However, I’m constantly stuck for money living week to week and relying on loans and robbing Peter to pay Paul. This is due to extenuating circumstances that mean I’m basically the sole earner for my family.

would it be possible to register as a contractor and work evenings and weekends to alleviate my financial woes ? Or would the costs of running a business be too much to be covered by the income from a part time electrical business ?

What exactly are the costs of becoming a registered electrical contractor? I know there’s the QC course, insurance , safe electric registration but I imagine I’m u aware of a lot of other costs?

Thanks to anyone who can advise me

JL spark · 26-09-2024 6:27am

You would need at least 20k in the bank to start up , would you not work for a contractor evenings and weekends,

User567363 · 26-09-2024 7:10am

Can you drop all luxuries until you get you head above water

Working long hours in a job where a mistake could kill you or others could cost you

Rows Grower · 26-09-2024 7:16am

Stick an advertisement in the local paper and you'll get plenty of work.

Duvet Day · 26-09-2024 8:20am

Any overtime or 'on call' available in your present employment? Or could you do a few foxers at the weekend.

Lenar3556 · 27-09-2024 8:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058370493/self-employed-electrician

A basic insurance policy would be around €700 euro. I’d skip the safe electric and QC initially at least. There is plenty of ‘minor works’ that will best suit someone with limited time.

Or as suggested above link in with a busy contractor for a day a week?

rje66 · 27-09-2024 8:38pm

I had an electrician quote me 900 to wire up 9 garden lights and connect to an existing outdoor light.

A few of these and you'll be going ok. Plenty of handy jobs out there that unqualified trades can't do. As others have said put ads up start small and jobs will come in. Also be reliable, the amount of people I hear complaining about unreliable trades.

HoggyRS · 30-09-2024 12:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122661297#Comment_122661297

that’s an interesting point I didn’t consider, carrying out minor works initially would mean no need for registration.

Toying with the idea of approaching an electrical contractor as suggested , the only aspect stopping me is I need to be quite flexible, what might suit me one week wouldn’t the next with the kids and all that so couldn’t commit to doing full Saturdays on the regular for another spark

Thanks to everyone who has replied by the way.

JL spark · 30-09-2024 4:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122668607#Comment_122668607

any contractor would be happy to take you at your days that suit , especially up to Christmas

Lenar3556 · 02-10-2024 5:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122668607#Comment_122668607

Commercial / industrial work is also outside the restricted category requiring registration. So there is loads to go after really.

monseiur · 04-10-2024 7:07pm

Start small, don't bite off more than you can chew. Not everyone will pay but don't let that dissuade you as the vast majority are decent. Pace yourself don't overdo it, try to take say every second Sunday off for down time with family and to recharge the old batteries. Try to establish a reputation as being a friendly, decent person do deal with, turn up at the appointed time and keep your fees reasonable. Word of mouth is key in your type of business so ensure that you're always in the good books of the chattering housewives

But one thing is certain there's loads of work out there and no shortage of money, just a shortage of tradespeople.

Self employed electrician

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