Deck design and build for homeowners

Homeowners upgrading their backyard, landlords improving rental properties, and people selling who want to add appeal.

Fixed-price quotes per project, built from materials, labour and a margin. A deposit and progress payments help cover material costs.

• Carpentry and building skills
• Measuring, quoting and costing jobs
• Clear communication with customers

• Licensing thresholds vary by state and territory, so check when a licence is needed and what the job value limits are
• Council approval, engineering or a building permit may be needed for higher or larger decks, check with your local council
• Bushfire-prone areas have special material and construction rules, so check before quoting
• Public liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire anyone
• Weather delays, material price changes and unpaid deposits can hurt cash flow, so use a written contract
• Working at height and heavy lifting carry real injury risk

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the tools and equipment you already own, your vehicle, insurance and the size of the jobs you take on.

Licensing thresholds vary by state and territory, so check when a licence is needed and what the job value limits are. Also check whether council approval, engineering or a building permit applies to larger decks, and whether bushfire-prone area rules affect your quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many jobs you win and how large they are. The estimate assumes about 25 hours a week or more, and weather delays and material prices can affect cash flow.