Home-Based kitchen design and supply business

Homeowners doing renovations, landlords and small builders who want a simple supply-and-design service.

A margin on cabinets, worktops and appliances, plus design fees or a fitting coordination charge. Deposits are taken at order.

• Kitchen planning and design software
• Measuring and quoting accurately
• Building relationships with suppliers and installers
• Clear communication with customers

• Council approval for running a business from home, and check your local council's rules
• Whether your arrangement with installers needs a builder's licence or contract in your state, and check your state's licensing body
• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need product or professional indemnity cover
• Taking deposits for goods that arrive late or wrong, so use clear written terms
• Relying on others for fitting, as a poor install reflects on you

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your design software, samples, tools, insurance and marketing. These are estimates, so build your own budget from supplier and insurer quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many kitchens you sell, the size of each job and how steady your referrals are. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit.

Check your local council's rules for running a business from home, and whether working with installers needs a builder's licence or contract in your state. Also check insurance such as public liability, and use clear written terms for deposits.