Custom metal fabrication workshop
Make and repair gates, brackets and fittings for homes, farms and small businesses from a small rented unit.
- A$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small workshop in an industrial unit where you cut, weld and finish steel and aluminium items to order, such as gates, balustrades, brackets, trailer parts and repairs.
Your first three steps
- Price up a small rented unit and the core kit: welder, angle grinders, drop saw and workbench
- Get your ABN, insurance quotes and a simple price sheet for common jobs
- Contact local builders, landscapers and farmers and offer to quote on their next job
Who pays
Homeowners, builders, farmers, landscapers and local businesses that need custom or repaired metal items.
How it makes money
Quote per job based on materials, your hours and finishing, plus repair work and repeat orders from builders and trades.
Skills that help
- Welding and metal cutting
- Reading plans and measuring accurately
- Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability and product liability insurance, check cover for work you install
- Council zoning and approval for the unit, plus noise and fume rules
- Whether your state requires a licence or certification for structural or building-related work, such as balustrades and pool fencing
- Welding safety: ventilation, fire risk and protective gear
- Workers compensation insurance if you hire anyone
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: custom metal fabrication workshop
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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a metal fabrication workshop in Australia?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the unit you rent, the welding and cutting equipment you buy, and whether you start with new or second-hand gear.
How much can a metal fabrication workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many hours you work, the jobs you win and your pricing. That is revenue before rent, materials and other costs, not profit.
Do I need a licence or insurance to run a metal fabrication workshop?
Check public liability and product liability cover, including for work you install, and council zoning, noise and fume rules for your unit. Also check whether your state requires a licence or certification for structural work such as balustrades and pool fencing.
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