Stained glass commissions and repairs

Homeowners renovating period houses, churches, architects, builders and commercial fit-outs.

Quoted prices per commission or repair, usually with a deposit upfront and the balance on delivery or installation.

• Leadlight and copper foil techniques
• Design and drawing to a client brief
• Measuring and quoting accurately
• Careful handling of fragile old glass

• Public liability insurance, and check product liability cover for installed work
• Check with your state's licensing body whether fitting glass into buildings needs a builder or trade licence
• Working at height or on church premises may need extra safety checks and site inductions
• Check council rules for a workshop, whether at home or in a small unit
• Heritage work can involve long lead times and cash flow gaps between deposit and payment

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your workshop setup, tools and materials. Whether you work from home or rent a small unit will affect the total.

Check with your state's licensing body whether fitting glass into buildings needs a builder or trade licence. Also check public liability and product liability cover for installed work, council rules for your workshop, and safety checks for working at height or on church premises.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the jobs you win and their size. Heritage work can involve long lead times and cash flow gaps between deposit and payment. Plan on at least around 15 hours a week.