Small building repairs and fit-outs
Take on smaller carpentry and building jobs around your day job or part-time, working within your licence limits.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A part-time building business focused on smaller jobs such as fixing decks and fences, door and window repairs, pergolas, shelving and minor fit-outs, keeping within the work you are licensed or allowed to do.
Your first three steps
- Check with your state's licensing body what work you can do without a builder's licence and what needs one
- Get an ABN, public liability insurance and a reliable ute or van with tools
- Introduce yourself to local real estate agents and property managers and post on local community groups
Who pays
Local homeowners, landlords, real estate agents and small shops needing repairs.
How it makes money
Fixed quotes or hourly rates per job, with materials supplied at cost plus a margin. Repeat work from agents and landlords helps fill your diary.
Skills that help
- Carpentry or general building skills
- Quoting small jobs accurately
- Reliability and turning up on time
Watch out for
- Small jobs can still need a licence or permit depending on value and type of work, so check your state's thresholds
- Never do electrical, plumbing or gas work unless licensed, use licensed trades instead
- Public liability and tool insurance
- Working at heights and site safety, check any required safety training or white card
- Keep your day job's terms in mind if you are employed elsewhere
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: small building repairs and fit-outs
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a small building repairs business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the tools you already own, a work vehicle and insurance. These are estimates, so list what you need before you start.
How much revenue can small building jobs bring in?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many jobs you take and the hours you can spare. This estimate suits a part-time version of the business.
Do small building jobs need a licence or permit?
Small jobs can still need a licence or permit depending on their value and type, so check your state's thresholds. Never do electrical, plumbing or gas work unless licensed. Also check insurance, white card or safety training, and your day job's terms.
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Photo: jarmoluk on Pixabay