Groundworks subcontractor with hired machines

Small builders, landscapers, concreters and homeowners who need extra hands for earthworks.

A quoted price per job or a day rate, with machine hire, delivery and tip fees built into the quote.

• Safe machine operation
• Accurate quoting
• Working to a builder's schedule
• Hand tool and levelling skills

• Public liability insurance, and check whether hired plant is covered or needs separate cover
• Check your state's rules on contractor and builder licensing, and whether drainage work needs a licensed plumber
• Hire costs run whether or not the weather lets you work, so build in buffer
• Use Dial Before You Dig before any excavation
• Check payment terms with builders so you aren't left waiting on invoices
• Check how sole trader sub work is treated for tax and super

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your insurance, tools and how often you hire machines. Hire costs run whether or not the weather lets you work, so build in a buffer.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many jobs you secure and your hire costs. A starting point is at least about 15 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance and whether hired plant is covered, your state's contractor and builder licensing rules, and whether drainage work needs a licensed plumber. Use Dial Before You Dig, and check how sole trader sub work is treated for tax and super.