How Much Money Can I Make in the Spray Foam Business?
How much money can I make in the spray foam business? This is one of the most common questions we are asked by those new to the SPF industry. There is not a single, or cut and dried, answer to this question. A lot depends on a new contractor’s ability to answer the questions below:
Spray Foam Insider acts is a consumer guide resource for new and experienced contractors for the spray foam, concrete-lifting, polyurea and coating industries. We’ve been connected with the spray foam industry since 1964. No one looks out for your well-being like we do. Our philosophy is to always tell the customer the truth and advise them according to their needs. We will explain the upside and the downside of the business, equipment and materials, so you can make informed decisions. We mentor new contractors, thus providing them with the tools for success right out of the gate. Contact us before you make a critical decision to purchase equipment or material products. Email us to set up a free consultation at info@sprayfoaminsider.com.
How Much Money Can You Make in the Spray Foam Business?
- How fast can you spray foam and do it correctly?
It takes time to become a competent applicator. Some people catch on more quickly than others. The best thing to do is to get professional training before venturing into any project. Practice makes perfect. Practice spraying on your own home or building on your own property. This way, you are not risking a dissatisfied customer should you make a mistake. Ask us about consultants who can come to your job site to get you through your first project successfully.
- How much money do I have to invest in equipment?
What kind of projects do you want to spray? Think ahead, but don’t pay more for equipment you don’t need. Many of those new to the industry do not realize that spray foam machines are designed for specific types of applications. There are three main types of machines: pneumatic (air-driven), electric, and hydraulic. Pneumatic and electric are generally for low-pressure applications, such as residential insulation, or for spraying the interior of small buildings. Spraying large roof areas, and in places where long stretches of hose are needed, requires a high pressure system, such as hydraulic. Low-pressure machines are less expensive than high pressure systems. Those new to the industry should not venture into spraying roofs as their first spray foam project. Spraying roofs is a different world that requires highly specialized knowledge. Start with equipment that is easier to operate. Understand all maintenance requirements for your equipment. A lack of care for your equipment will come back to bite you. Always purchase major name brand equipment where warranties and tech support are available. There are less than professional companies out there that are only interested in making a sale. These companies are not looking out for your best interests.
- Can’t I just buy a used spray rig to save money?
Those new to the industry often think they are going to save money by buying used equipment. I do not recommend that those new to the industry buy used equipment. There are many things to look for in used equipment that will most likely end up costing you more money than if you had bought new in the beginning. Buying used rigs and equipment if better left to those who have been in the industry a long time and who know what to look for. The good news is that there are new, less expensive rig packages that can be purchased at a lower cost.
- How much material will I need to install for my project?
The new contractor must understand estimating. There are many factors to consider. How many inches of foam does your local building code require for the type of structure you want to spray? Unless you know this, it is difficult to estimate your material needs per square foot. Some material suppliers are adept at helping you make the correct calculation, provided you give them the correct square footage for a particular project. New sprayers often spray more product than is needed, thus using up their foam material more quickly. Time and practice will help you get a better material yield.
- Where can I buy spray foam materials?
Shop for a material supplier you can trust. It can take time to find a competent material supplier who will shoot straight with you and who values you as a customer. Choose a supplier with a long, professional history in the material business, and ask them for customer references and check them. One of the worst things you can do is buy from an unknown source because it’s cheaper. There are suppliers out there selling expired foam. That why it’s cheap. Always ask about the expiration dates of the materials you wish to purchase. Foam products are not a one-size-fits-all proposition. There are many types of open and closed cell foams. You must choose the product that is right for your project and climate zone. A competent material supplier will know how to best advise you. Don’t forget to ask about shipping costs.
- How do I market myself?
How well are you connected with builders? Who is your local competition? What is the potential for new home building in your area? There are statics you can look up for your geographic location. How can people best find you? Do you have a professional website? How adept are you at social media? Who is answering your phone? The worst thing you can do is to use an automated answering message system. Customers want to talk to a live person who can answer their questions. Remember, the more educated you are about the spray foam industry, the better you can educate your customers, and the more likely your customers will see your company as the one who can best meet their needs.
- How do I get training?
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get proper, professional training. Many equipment distributors offer free training with a purchase of a new machine or spray rig. Make sure that the training is in-person training–not a video. There is no substitute for hand-on experience. Some distributors can go to your job site and assist you in getting your first project accomplished. There is a cost for this, but you cannot put a price on building a good reputation.
- How do I competitively bid projects?
Bidding can be tricky your first time around, and each project can be different. Be sure that you can measure the square footage of your project accurately. As you become more adept at spraying, you should be able to improve your material yield. The secret to competitive bidding is to be able to educate your customer and justify your bid costs. What can you offer the customer that meets his/her needs better? For many customers, having piece of mind that the project will be done correctly and professionally can carry a lot of weight.
- Where are you getting your information about the spray foam industry?
There is a lot of misinformation about the spray foam industry on the internet. It can be extremely difficult for those new to the industry to sort out fact from fiction. Contact Spray Foam Insider for a FREE consultation at info@sprayfoaminsider.com.
This article is not all inclusive. Aside from the information provided in this article, there are many other aspects to consider when venturing into the spray foam industry for the first time. We are available 24-7 to answer your questions.
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