Antique furniture restorer (home workshop)

Private owners with family pieces, antique dealers, interior decorators and sometimes small auction houses.

A quote per piece based on the work involved and materials. Dealers can bring repeat work, and private clients often come by word of mouth.

• Woodworking and joinery
• Knowledge of finishes such as shellac, wax and oils
• Patience and an eye for detail
• Quoting and customer communication

• Check with your local council whether a home-based business needs approval, especially with noise, fumes and customer visits
• Public liability insurance, and check cover for customers' pieces while in your care
• Safe storage and disposal of solvents, strippers and finishing rags, which can be a fire risk
• Old finishes may contain lead paint, so use dust control and protective gear and check safety guidance
• Over-restoring can reduce a piece's value, so agree the approach with the owner first

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the tools, finishes, clamps and safety gear you already own and what you need to buy. These are estimates, and a garage or shed keeps overheads low.

Check with your local council whether a home-based business needs approval, especially with noise, fumes and visits. Also check public liability insurance, safe storage of solvents and rags, and lead paint safety on old finishes.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on the pieces you take on, your finish quality and whether dealers send you work. You could start at around 8 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.