Home workshop metal repairs and small jobs

Neighbours, hobby farmers, tradies and local households wanting quick repairs or one-off items.

Fixed price or hourly charge per job, with materials added, building up through word of mouth and local community groups.

• Basic to intermediate welding
• Problem solving on repairs
• Honest quoting and time management

• Council approval and neighbour noise, fumes and sparks
• Public liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance covers business use
• Fire risk and safe storage of gas cylinders
• Avoid structural or safety-critical work unless you hold any required qualifications or licences, check your state rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the welder and tools you already own, your safety gear and insurance. Using equipment you already have may keep costs lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many hours you put in, which jobs you take and how you price them. The estimate starts from about six hours a week.

Check council approval and neighbour concerns about noise, fumes and sparks, plus public liability insurance and whether your home insurance covers business use. Also check gas cylinder storage, and your state's rules before any structural or safety-critical work.