LLC for Solo Tradesmen: Picking LegalZoom, Northwest, or a Local Attorney

The Quick Answer

For most first-time solo tradesmen—be it a plumber, roofer, or flooring installer—a single-member LLC is what you need. Services like Northwest Registered Agent or ZenBusiness are usually your best bet. They set up your LLC correctly, protecting your personal stuff like your home and truck, without costing a fortune. LegalZoom works if you prefer a well-known name and might want legal questions answered later. You only need a lawyer if your business setup is complicated, like having multiple partners with different ownership shares, or if you're bringing in outside investors. For the average solo contractor, keep it simple.

Side-by-Side Breakdown

LegalZoom: Expect to pay around $79-$299 plus what your state charges (e.g., $100-$300 for state filing). You do most of the setup yourself, but you can pay extra for access to lawyers for questions later. Good if you like a big, trusted name and think you might need general legal advice beyond setting up your business, like reviewing a sub-contractor agreement for a big job.

Northwest Registered Agent: Costs about $39 plus state fees. This is a cheaper option. They focus on getting your LLC formed and acting as your registered agent. They won't connect you to lawyers, but their own support team is excellent. Best if you want a clean setup, great privacy (keeping your home address off public records), and don't expect complex legal questions.

Local Attorney: This will be the most expensive, often $500 to $2,500 or more, depending on your setup. You get direct legal advice. This option is usually overkill for a single-person plumbing, roofing, or drywall business. Only consider it if you're starting with partners who have different roles, or if your business is unusual for a trade.

When to Choose LegalZoom

LegalZoom costs more for the basic LLC setup than some other services, but they offer optional legal advice. Pick LegalZoom if you feel better with a big, familiar company handling your paperwork. It's also an option if you think you'll have ongoing legal questions as your business grows, like what to do if a client refuses to pay for a flooring job, or how to write clearer contracts for your roofing estimates. Their basic setup is fine, but remember, part of what you're paying for is the brand name.

When to Choose Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest is a favorite for many single-owner businesses, including tradesmen. They are known for excellent registered agent services, which means they handle your official business mail and keep your home address private by default. Their support team understands the ins and outs of setting up an LLC in your state, which is handy if you have a quick question about local rules for your plumbing or tile business. Choose Northwest if you want a straightforward, private setup with great support, and you don't expect to need a lawyer for your initial business formation. It's a solid, no-frills choice for protecting your assets efficiently.

When to Hire an Attorney

For most solo tradesmen, a lawyer for basic LLC setup is usually overkill. You should hire a local business attorney if:

* You're starting with a partner and you both own different amounts of the business or have different duties (e.g., one person manages drywall jobs, the other handles the books). * You're planning to take money from outside investors right away. * Your trade has very specific, complex regulations that need careful legal review (beyond standard licenses and permits). * The cost of getting your business structure wrong—like issues with a major commercial roofing contract—is huge and would be worth a $1,000-$2,000 legal bill.

For a simple single-owner plumbing or flooring business, standard templates from online services are usually perfectly fine for your operating agreement.

The Verdict

For most solo tradesmen—whether you're a plumber, roofer, or flooring expert—Northwest Registered Agent offers a solid, private, and affordable way to set up your LLC. Choose LegalZoom if you prefer a well-known brand and might want easy access to general legal advice later. Only hire a local attorney if your business setup is truly complicated from day one, not for a simple single-person operation. Don't waste money paying thousands for a basic single-member LLC, but also don't cut corners if your specific situation truly requires custom legal advice to protect your trade business.

How to Get Started

For Northwest: Go to northwestregisteredagent.com, fill out their online form, and they'll guide you through the process quickly.

For LegalZoom: Visit LegalZoom.com, pick your LLC package, and decide right away if you want their legal plan add-on. It costs less to add it when you first set up your business.

For a Local Attorney: Ask other successful tradesmen you know for names of business lawyers in your area. Make sure they specialize in small business law, not just general legal work, to ensure they understand your trade's specific needs.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS

Some links above are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Related Guides