Asphalt driveway and path laying crew

Homeowners, builders doing new houses, rural property owners and small landlords.

Quoted price per square metre or per job, covering materials, base preparation, labour and equipment. Referrals from builders and happy clients bring repeat work.

• Physical fitness and comfort with hot, heavy work
• Measuring and quoting accurately
• Driving a ute or tipper and towing equipment
• Dealing with customers and builders

• Check your state's licensing body to see whether asphalt or paving work needs a contractor or building licence
• Public liability insurance and workers compensation once you hire staff
• A general construction induction (white card) is usually needed on sites, check your state
• Hot asphalt causes burns and fumes, plan for safety gear and safe handling
• Poor base preparation causes cracking, so quote enough time for it
• Check council rules for work near nature strips, crossovers and stormwater

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $50,000 to $150,000, depending on your vehicle, roller and other equipment. Your own figure will depend on whether you buy new or used and what you already own.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many jobs you complete and their size. The estimated minimum time is around 25 hours per week.

Check your state's licensing body to see whether asphalt or paving work needs a contractor or building licence. Also check public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire, white card requirements, and council rules for nature strips, crossovers and stormwater.