Best Trade Businesses to Own and Grow
Trade businesses are skilled, service-based operations that typically focus on home improvement, maintenance, installation, or repair projects. Common examples of trade businesses include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, painters, and remodelers.
While these businesses mostly rely on hands-on work and technical knowledge, many can be started without prior industry experience—especially with the right training or franchise partner. Learn which are the best trade businesses to own and how you can get started.
What to Consider Before Starting a Trade Business
Before starting any business, it’s important to conduct thorough research to ensure you know exactly what you’re investing in. Before you launch a trade business—or join a trade franchise brand—be sure to understand the following:
- Licensing requirements: All trade businesses must employ licensed professionals. Keep in mind that licensing and certification requirements vary by state and industry. Make sure you’re fully versed in what’s required for your area and business type.
- Hiring and labor: According to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), there’s a shortage of workers in the trade industry. As you research different business opportunities, consider how you plan to hire staff. Offering incentives and referral bonuses is a solid way to recruit top talent.
- Marketing and sales: A major benefit of joining a franchise is the built-in marketing and sales support you’ll receive from the franchisor. With strong brand recognition, your business will have established credibility, allowing you to build your customer base quickly.
- Operations: Before you launch your trade business, you’ll want to research various customer management platforms that can make scheduling, estimating, and invoicing tasks much easier.
- Training and experience: Most trades require years of training and education, however, some trades can be taught by a reputable franchisor.
Best Trade Businesses to Own and Grow
The following are some of the top trade businesses to start:
- HVAC services: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) services are essential in every season. While licensing and certifications are typically required, the business offers high repeat potential from both residential and commercial clients due to routine maintenance contracts.
- Plumbing: When pipes burst or drains back up, customers act fast—making plumbing an emergency-driven business with steady demand. Often requiring technical training and state licensing, plumbers have the ability to offer both planned and urgent services.
- Electrical services: Electricians are essential for new home construction, renovations, and eco-friendly trends such as energy-efficient lighting and EV charging stations. While startup costs can be higher due to equipment and certification requirements, electricians typically have a consistent workload across residential and commercial markets.
- Painting services: One of the easiest trade businesses to start, painting doesn’t require large upfront costs or lots of training. With consistent demand, this trade can become highly profitable when paired with strong customer service and organized project management.
- Flooring installation and refinishing: Flooring services are a valuable niche within the home improvement space. Whether it’s hardwood refinishing, vinyl plank installation, or tile work, this trade offers high margins and reliable repeat business.
- Landscaping or lawn maintenance: Landscaping and lawn care serve both residential and commercial properties year-round in many regions. This type of business requires a substantial equipment investment, but otherwise has low barriers to entry and strong growth potential—especially when combined with hardscaping or seasonal clean-up services.
- Kitchen remodeling: Kitchen remodeling continues to be an in-demand home upgrade. As homes age and homeowners look to increase their ROI, demand for affordable kitchen updates remains strong. Partnering with a kitchen remodeling franchise like Kitchen Tune-Up can give you a turnkey path into this high-value trade without prior remodeling experience.
Invest with Kitchen Tune-Up
As part of the Home Franchise Concepts family of brands, Kitchen Tune-Up is a leading home remodeling franchise opportunity. With protected territories available nationwide, we’re eagerly looking to bring on new and experienced entrepreneurs who are excited to help homeowners fall in love with their kitchens again.
Our standout kitchen remodeling concept offers multiple revenue streams through five core services: our exclusive Original Tune-Up, cabinet painting, cabinet redooring, cabinet refacing, and custom cabinet solutions. We believe homeowners shouldn’t have to spend a fortune—or be displaced for weeks—to improve the look and function of their kitchen. In many cases, a full replacement isn’t necessary to make a meaningful upgrade.
To learn more about our franchise opportunity, inquire now. After we’ve received your information request, one of our franchise advisors we’ll be in touch to set up an introductory call.