Fitted cabinetry maker with a workshop
Make and install kitchens, wardrobes and built-ins for homeowners, builders and renovators.
- A$20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Measuring on site, building cabinetry in a rented unit, then installing fitted kitchens, laundries, vanities and wardrobes. Many makers use a CNC or outsourced cutting to speed up production.
Your first three steps
- Price up a small industrial unit and the machinery you need, and decide whether to outsource panel cutting at first
- Contact local builders, kitchen designers and renovators to introduce yourself and offer to quote on their jobs
- Put together a clear quote template and payment terms with a deposit and staged payments
Who pays
Homeowners renovating, builders, property developers and interior designers.
How it makes money
Quoted price per job based on materials, labour and installation, usually paid in stages. Repeat work from builders and designers helps keep the workshop busy.
Skills that help
- Cabinetmaking trade skills, often a trade qualification
- Site measuring and installation
- Quoting and project management
- Working with builders and other trades
Watch out for
- Check your state's licensing body to see whether you need a contractor or builder licence for installation work
- Public liability, product liability and tools insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
- Home warranty or domestic building insurance requirements in some states, check what applies
- Cash flow, as materials are bought before you are paid
- Rent, machinery costs and slow periods when renovations dry up
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: fitted cabinetry maker with a workshop
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 cabinet making business in Australia?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on machinery, workshop rent and how much you outsource. Your own quotes will give a more accurate picture.
How much can a fitted cabinetry business earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on job volume and size. Cash flow matters, as materials are bought before you are paid, and slow renovation periods can reduce income.
Do I need a licence or insurance to install fitted cabinetry?
Check your state's licensing body to see whether you need a contractor or builder licence for installation. Also check public liability, product liability, tools and workers compensation insurance, and home warranty or domestic building insurance requirements.
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