Home-based residential building designer

Homeowners planning extensions, renovations or new builds, plus small developers and builders who need plans for their projects.

Fixed fee or staged fees per project (concept, council drawings, construction documents), with extra charges for changes and for site visits during the build.

• Design and drawing software such as ArchiCAD, Revit or AutoCAD
• Knowledge of building codes and council planning rules
• Clear communication with clients and builders
• Managing several projects and deadlines

• Registration or licensing for building designers differs by state and territory, so check with your state's regulator before taking paid work
• Professional indemnity insurance, as design errors can be costly
• Council approval for running a business from home, check with your local council
• Long approval times can delay payment, so use staged fees and written agreements
• Scope creep, so keep a clear written scope and charge for changes

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the software, equipment, insurance and home office set-up you need. These are estimates, and your own costs will vary with what you already own.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many projects you handle and the hours you put in. This is an estimate only, and long approval times can affect when you get paid.

Registration or licensing for building designers differs by state and territory, so check with your state's regulator before taking paid work. Also check professional indemnity insurance and whether your local council requires approval for a home-based business.