Mobile carpenter for repairs and fit-outs

Hang doors, fit skirting, repair decks and handle small carpentry jobs for homeowners and landlords.

Startup costA$3k to A$15k
Monthly revenueA$3k to A$12k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • A$3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A one-person tradie service doing smaller carpentry jobs at customers' places: fitting and repairing doors, architraves, skirting, decks, pergolas, shelving and timber repairs.

Your first three steps

  1. Check your state's licensing body to see which carpentry work needs a licence and above what job value
  2. Register an ABN, get public liability and tool insurance, and set up a simple quoting and invoicing system
  3. Introduce yourself to local property managers and builders and post your services on local community groups
Who pays

Homeowners, landlords, property managers, strata managers and small builders who need a reliable pair of hands.

How it makes money

Hourly rate or fixed quote per job, plus materials. Repeat work from property managers and builders helps keep your diary full.

Skills that help
  • Trade qualification or solid carpentry experience
  • Accurate measuring and quoting
  • Reliable and tidy on site
Watch out for
  • Licensing rules and job value limits differ by state and territory, so check before quoting
  • Public liability insurance, and check whether your state requires home warranty or similar insurance for larger residential work
  • Underpricing jobs: allow for travel, materials, waste and unpaid quoting time
  • Workers compensation insurance once you hire anyone
  • Safe work on ladders, roofs and with power tools

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: mobile carpenter for 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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile carpentry business in Australia?

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and insurance. These are estimates only. Allow for travel, materials and waste when you price jobs, so early quotes don't leave you out of pocket.

How much can a mobile carpenter earn in Australia?

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many hours you work, the jobs you take and how well you price them. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for materials, travel and insurance. These are estimates only.

Do I need a licence to work as a mobile carpenter in Australia?

Licensing rules and job value limits differ by state and territory, so check before quoting. Also check public liability insurance, whether your state requires home warranty or similar insurance for larger residential work, and workers compensation once you hire anyone.

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