The field of civil construction engineering is one of the most diverse and popular engineering fields in the world. It primarily focuses on the design, development, planning, construction, and maintenance of artificial and natural physical environments, such as bridges, roads, dams, buildings, and canals. Before the construction of any dam, bridge, or road begins, civil engineers are called to the scene. The engineers investigate the ground in order to ensure that it is capable of supporting the building. The measurements and dimensions must be taken and analysed before the construction begins.
Civil engineers can either work in an established firm or they can start their own private firm. The field of civil engineering has been saturated for many years now. It’s the second–oldest field of engineering, falling behind military engineering. Starting a civil construction engineering business is a great idea for graduates or experienced engineers who are unable to find a viable job.
Not only can it help you make a great deal of money in the long run, but starting your own business actually allows you to develop professionally at a much faster pace. However, civil engineers tend to face a number of different problems that you should know about. If you are thinking of starting your own firm, here are just some of the many issues that you might face:
Investment
Unlike other forms of businesses, the investment required for civil construction engineering depends on the nature of services that you wish to provide. For instance, if you are focused primarily on providing consultancy services, all you need is an office, a desk, and a picture of your engineering licence on the wall. However, this will make it difficult for you to grow your business at a fast pace. Contractors and builders usually work with engineers who are able to provide an all-in-one solution.
One of the biggest issues faced by civil engineers is lack of funding. If you are applying for a major tender, you will need enough funds to fulfil the whole project. Ideally, partners are required to contribute to a buy-in fund. Apart from that, you will also need investors who are willing to provide the required amount of funding at a premium in order to keep the business going. A lack of funding could halt your progress, making it difficult for you to grow your business.
Affiliations and Licences
Civil engineers need licences to work in certain areas. For instance, the construction of a dam or a canal is very different from the construction of a road. Therefore, it’s important for you to first acquire the relevant licences and affiliations with local bodies before you start providing your services to contractors and local builders.
However, acquiring the licenses and the required affiliations is not as easy as it looks. Without a proper licence, you will not be eligible to offer your services to customers within a specific region. Due to red tape in the industry, it might take a considerable amount of time for you to obtain the necessary licences. As a result, you might end up losing a considerable amount of revenue. It might take a while for you to get your business off the ground in the beginning.
