Small plumbing team for renovations and new builds

Builders, renovators, developers, strata managers and homeowners planning larger projects.

Quoted price per job or stage payments on larger projects, plus ongoing work from builders you impress. Having more than one pair of hands lets you take on bigger jobs.

• Qualified and licensed plumbing trade skills
• Reading plans and quoting larger jobs
• Supervising an apprentice or employee
• Managing cash flow and builder relationships

• Workers compensation insurance is generally required once you employ staff, check your state scheme
• Contractor licence, and for some larger jobs, home warranty insurance or similar, check your state's rules
• Late payments from builders, use clear contracts and check security of payment rules in your state
• Cash flow pressure from wages and materials before invoices are paid
• Apprentice supervision requirements and training obligations

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on your van, tools and fit-out, and how much equipment you buy up front. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the jobs you win, your crew size and how quickly builders pay. Wages and materials come out of that, so cash flow matters. Expect at least 40 hours a week.

Check whether workers compensation insurance is required once you employ staff in your state. Also check contractor licence rules, home warranty insurance for larger jobs, security of payment rules, and apprentice supervision and training obligations.