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How do we get started legally?

by cobbconst, Performer

  • Created: October 9, 2009, 7:08 pm
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4 comments

My husband and I have started up Cobb Construction in Oklahoma.  We have gotten the DBA form filled out.  I am having a hard time finding out who I need to talk to about getting all the legalities taken care of.  Have been talking to an attorney to get some advice, but haven't really been told anything.  It is a sole proprietor business.  We do not have the funds to go LLC, but the way that things are trying to go right now, we will probably be working on getting an LLC.  But first things first.  I have gentlemen calling left and right for jobs.  They are wanting to work.  That's fine.  What I am trying to figure out is how do I go about getting the jobs?  We are wanting to get into residential remodeling.  Possibly working for the realestate agencies or even the banks that have foreclosed on homes that might need some remodeling.  In Oklahoma, are there any permits needed to place bids on these remodeling jobs?  Right now we are just working for family to suppliment the income.  I am very new to this entreprenuership.  If anyone can give me some insight as to what move I need to make next, we would greatly appreciate the advice.  I have been all over the internet trying to get things figured out but I am just at a loss as where to go next.  Thanks in advanced for all your help.

Terri Cobb,

Cobb Construction

Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Starting & Registering a Business
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BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 10/13/2009 - 11:47 am

Be sure you have a comprehensive contract that spells out your payment policies. That way, you have some protection if someone attempts to put off payment until they can sell the property or something similar. You don't want to invest a lot of time and effort only to not get paid. A business attorney can quickly draft a contract for you.

cobbconst | Performer | 10/12/2009 - 11:50 pm

Thank you both for the information. I have been wracking my brain as to what direction to take next.  In the past 2 days I have gotten more information as to what I need to do next to get this off the ground.  I have been working on this for almost a month trying to get all the legalities taken care of.  I am going to be checking on those links that have been posted for me.  Thank you so very much.  I am the type of person that if I don't think it is worth my time to work this hard on something, then I won't do it.  But I do have a good feeling about Cobb Construction, and I belive that our mission to help those in need is really going to pay off.  I just want to get all my t's crossed and my i's dotted.  Thanks again.  You both are awsome!   Terri Cobb, Cobb Construction

ChristineL | Former Moderator | 10/12/2009 - 2:04 pm

Hi cobbconst, For more information about hiring and employment, please check out our Employment and Labor Guide. We also have a Workplace Safety and Health Guide that you may want to take a look into. Have you used the Permit Me Tool? After inputing 'Oklahoma' and 'construction contractor,' it generated this list of licenses and permits. Thank you BizResearcher for the information!

BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 10/10/2009 - 1:06 pm

I did a quick web search; it appears that Oklahoma doesn't require contractors to be licensed, but you might inquire. The state web portal can be found at http://www.ok.gov/ You might want to visit with a counselor at a small business development center (located at colleges and universities) or with a SCORE counselor (located at SBA offices). There is no cost and they know all the state regulations and who you need to contact to comply. They can also help you with the creation of your business plan, which is a must. I would urge you to become an LLC as soon as possible. In most states, the registration fee isn't much. As a sole proprietor, your assets are at risk if anything should go wrong and you get sued. It sounds as if you are planning to have either employees or independent contractors working for you. Be sure you know the difference and your legal requirements. You might visit the IRS web site at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html for definitions and to find out your responsibilities as an employer.