The home construction industry in Alabama has been booming for the last few years, with new neighbourhoods popping up from Huntsville to Birmingham. This is one of the top reasons to consider becoming a home builder here.
But breaking into the market and thriving is more than just knowing how to pour a foundation. Your success will be determined by how well you understand state regulations and what the Alabama homebuyer is interested in.
Whether you’re starting a small residential construction company or just trying to grow in your career, here’s what you can do to reach success.
1. Get Licensed and Work Hard to Remain Compliant
Every residential home builder or remodeler in Alabama working on projects worth more than $10,000 must have a licence from the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB). As you can expect, skipping this step isn’t just risky: it’s illegal. Working as an unlicensed builder means you face hefty fines, legal action, and even criminal charges in some cases.
It’s easy to avoid such repercussions by:
- Meeting the education or experience requirements
- Passing the Alabama home builders exam
- Having the required liability insurance and financial capability
Since the exam usually isn’t a breeze, we’d recommend investing in prep courses from providers like RocketCert.
2. Keep Up With Continuing Education and Industry Trends
You must take an AL contractors license renewal course to keep your licence active, but that’s not the only thing CE does for you. It also helps you get ahead. Taking courses with topics on new building technologies, green construction, or even updates to Alabama building codes can enhance your marketability while also keeping you out of legal trouble.
Besides, builders who hold “certified green” or “code expert” credentials can charge more in certain situations and have a better chance of winning contracts over competitors. Not only that, but continuing education also helps you understand local regulations and codes better, making it easier to stay ahead. Getting your permits right the first time can save you costly delays.
3. Prioritise Quality and Reputation
These two factors are somehow interconnected, and they can make or break you. Remember, word travels faster now in Alabama, like other parts of the nation, fuelled by social media and similar platforms. And the spread of such information isn’t limited to good or bad reputation.
A couple of bad reviews about shoddy workmanship or missed deadlines might sink your reputation, especially if in a smaller market. Similarly, positive reviews will drive repeat business and earn you new clients. So, invest in skilled crews, reliable subcontractors, and high-quality materials if you own a business.
4. Be Smart About Marketing
Many small residential company owners or managers don’t market their businesses smartly. Don’t rely on word-of-mouth and yard signs to market your business, because you’ll be leaving money on the table. Instead, combine that with other techniques like:
- Showcasing your work online, complete with professional photos and virtual tours
- Partnering with realtors on open houses and community tours
- Using social media to target buyers in growing areas like Spanish Fort and Madison
With studies showing that 97% of homebuyers use the internet as part of their home search, having an online presence can be the difference between stale listings and enjoying steady sales.
Equip Yourself With the Skills You Need to Excel
Succeeding as a home builder in Alabama is more than just building houses to completion. You want to work actively on building your business, so get licensed, understand the local market, prioritise quality, and leverage smart networking and marketing strategies.
Most importantly, ensure you invest in top-quality education to gain the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your field. RocketCert is an excellent option to consider if you’re looking for an education provider who offers more than just state-approved content.
