Patio cover and enclosure installer

Homeowners wanting more usable outdoor space, plus some landlords and small businesses like cafes with courtyards.

A fixed quote per job covering materials and labour, with your margin on the kit and your install time. Extras like lighting, fans or decking add to the job value.

• Carpentry or construction experience
• Measuring and quoting accurately
• Working safely at height
• Clear communication with customers

• Building work licences, which differ by state and territory, and by job value
• Council or private certifier approval for the structure, which may be needed for many patios and enclosures
• Public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and any home warranty insurance your state requires
• Wind rating and engineering requirements for the products you fit
• Deposit rules and progress payment limits, check your state's fair trading office

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your tools, vehicle needs and the kits you order. Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on the number and size of jobs you complete.

Things to check include building work licences, which differ by state and territory and by job value, and council or private certifier approval for the structure. Also check insurance such as public liability, workers compensation if you hire, and any home warranty insurance your state requires.

Check the wind rating and engineering requirements for the products you fit, and your state's fair trading office rules on deposits and progress payment limits. Skills in carpentry or construction, accurate quoting and working safely at height also matter.