Commercial interior fit-out subcontractor

Commercial builders, shopfitters and fit-out project managers, and sometimes business owners directly.

Priced per job, per door or per metre, or by day rate. Steady relationships with a few builders can give regular work.

• Reading plans and drawings
• Carpentry and site organisation
• Working to deadlines with other trades

• Builders often pay on 30 to 60 day terms, so check security of payment rules in your state and keep enough cash to cover tools, wages and materials
• A white card and site safety rules are required to work on construction sites
• Workers compensation insurance and correct subcontractor versus employee arrangements when hiring
• Check contract terms before signing, especially around defects, delays and variations

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your tools, vehicle, insurance and whether you start with a small crew. Keep enough cash to cover tools, wages and materials while you wait for payment.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the contracts you win, crew size and job types. The estimate assumes about 35 hours a week, and builders often pay on 30 to 60 day terms.

Check security of payment rules in your state, and that you hold a white card and follow site safety rules. Also check workers compensation and subcontractor versus employee arrangements if hiring, and contract terms on defects, delays and variations.