Aluminium window workshop, made to order

Homeowners renovating, builders, small developers and architects or designers who need custom sizes.

Quoted price per window or per job, covering materials, glass, labour and installation. Repeat work from builders and renovators is often the steadiest income.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Reading plans and quoting jobs
• Basic building site and installation skills
• Dealing with builders and customers

• Check whether installing windows needs a builder or carpentry licence in your state or territory
• Check that your products meet the Australian Standards and energy rating requirements for windows, including bushfire zone rules where relevant
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Glass handling and cutting are heavy and risky, so check your work health and safety obligations
• Check zoning and council rules for your workshop unit, including noise and waste
• Cash flow: material costs are paid upfront and builders may pay late

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your workshop unit, equipment and the materials you buy. Material costs are paid upfront and builders may pay late, so cash flow needs planning.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the number and size of jobs and whether you install as well as build. This is revenue before costs. Plan on at least about 35 hours a week.

Check whether installing windows needs a builder or carpentry licence in your state or territory. Also check that your products meet Australian Standards, energy rating and bushfire zone rules, and what insurance you need, including public liability and product liability.