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How to start a construction company in Ohio
General contracting, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, or specialty trades.
Recommended structure
LLC
Typical startup cost
$5,000 – $50,000
State
Ohio
Step-by-step
- 1Form an LLC and get an EIN
- 2Get your state contractor's license (study for the exam if needed)
- 3Buy general liability + workers' comp insurance
- 4Get bonded if your state or contracts require it
- 5Open a business bank account and apply for a line of credit
- 6Set up estimating + invoicing software (Buildertrend, Joist, or Jobber)
Licenses & permits you'll likely need
- State contractor's license (most states)
- Trade-specific license (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Building permits (per project)
- Sales tax permit
- Surety bond
Exact requirements vary by city and county. Confirm locally before you operate.
Insurance
- • General liability ($1M-$2M)
- • Workers' comp (mandatory most states)
- • Commercial auto
- • Builder's risk
Tax notes
1099 vs W-2 misclassification of subcontractors is the #1 audit trigger. Get clear on this before hiring anyone.
Business banking
Get a line of credit early — construction has long pay cycles and you'll often front material costs.
Official Ohio filing links
File LLC / Corp with Ohio
Ohio Secretary of State
Search business name
Confirm your name is available
Apply for an EIN (IRS)
Free federal tax ID
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