Are you a plumber and want to start your own business? Congratulation ! But before you start, it is important to think carefully about the legal status you are going to choose. Between the auto-entrepreneur, the SARL or the SASU, the options are numerous and can sometimes seem complex. In this post, we will review the different legal statuses possible for a plumber to help you make the choice that best suits your professional needs and goals. Ready to discover everything you need to know to get your business off to a good start? Let's go !
The plumbing profession and its missions
The plumber is a building professional responsible for the installation and maintenance of sanitary equipment. He must be authorized by the regulations in force to carry out his activity.
The plumber's missions are diverse and can range from the simple installation of a tap to the installation of a heating system. The plumber must be able to diagnose problems and find the appropriate solutions. He must also make sure to comply with the installation standards in force.
The plumber may be called upon to carry out troubleshooting and repair work, as well as preventive maintenance of the installations. He must also have a thorough knowledge of the different materials used for laying and maintenance of pipelines, as well as installation techniques. The plumber can finally be responsible for intervening on safety devices, such as fire prevention systems or anti-drip devices.
How to create your activity according to the chosen legal status?
There are several possible legal statuses for starting a plumbing business. Determining which one is best suited for your situation should consider several factors such as the size of your business, your financial goals, and the level of risk you are willing to take on. Here are some common legal statuses in France:
-Individual company : this is the simplest and least expensive way to create an activity. The formalities are minimal and you benefit from a certain flexibility in terms of management. However, you are personally liable for the debts and actions of the business, which can represent a significant risk.
- Auto entrepreneur : Self-employed status is also an option for plumbers provided they do not exceed certain ceilings. This gives you the ability to run your business while limiting your personal liability and benefiting from a favorable tax regime. Creation formalities are kept to a strict minimum;
-Limited liability company (SARL) : this is a form often chosen by small businesses because it limits the liability of the partners for the contributions made. The creation formalities are a little more complicated than for a sole proprietorship and it is necessary to have a minimum capital.
-Simplified joint stock company (SAS) : this is the most common legal form for large companies. It offers partners some debt protection and the risk is usually very limited. The creation formalities are a little more complex than an LLC and you must have a minimum capital, depending on the number of shareholders.
Once you have chosen the legal form suitable for your business, it is advisable to contact a lawyer or an accountant to assist you in setting up and starting your business.
What are the legal obligations of the plumber?
In France, plumbers are subject to very strict rules and standards when it comes to installing and repairing pipes. Indeed, French legislation requires plumbers to respect certain legal obligations. Among these, we can cite:
– The obligation to declare its activity to the trade and companies register;
– The obligation to have a professional liability insurance as well as vehicle insurance covering the equipment contained therein;
– The obligation to be a graduate, to follow a continuing education or to have exercised an activity related to plumbing for at least 3 years;
– The obligation to respect the professional standards in force (helmet, safety shoes, tools in good condition, telephone in working order, etc.).
Plumbers are also required to comply with health and safety rules and standards, as well as the guidelines of the manufacturers of the products used. In addition, they must comply with environmental legislation and all applicable laws and regulations.
