Antique restoration workshop with dealer work

Antique dealers, auction houses, interior designers, and private owners of valuable or sentimental furniture.

Priced per piece after an inspection and quote. Regular trade clients give steady volume, and higher value pieces bring bigger jobs.

• Advanced woodworking and finishing
• Identifying timbers, periods and construction methods
• Pricing and managing several jobs at once
• Building trade relationships

• Check zoning and council requirements for the unit, including fire safety and ventilation
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for customers' goods in your care, and check your contents cover
• Workers compensation insurance through your state scheme if you hire anyone
• Rent and equipment costs mean you need enough steady work, so build trade clients before committing
• Flammable finishes and dust need proper storage and extraction

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your unit rent and deposit, equipment, extraction and storage. These are estimates. Rent and equipment costs mean you need enough steady work, so building trade clients first can help.

Check zoning and council requirements for the unit, including fire safety and ventilation. Also check public liability insurance and cover for customers' goods, workers compensation through your state scheme if you hire, and storage and extraction for flammable finishes and dust.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $14,000, depending on trade work, private commissions and how many jobs you can handle at once. Expect at least about 30 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.