Small structural steel fabrication workshop

Residential and small commercial builders, owner-builders, architects and developers, plus larger fabricators who outsource overflow work.

Fixed quotes per job or price per tonne of fabricated steel, with extra charges for delivery, painting or galvanising, and on-site installation.

• Welding and fabrication trade skills
• Reading engineering drawings
• Accurate quoting and job costing
• Managing suppliers and delivery times

• Structural work usually needs engineer's drawings and welds that meet Australian Standards, so check what certification your state and your clients require
• Check whether your state needs a contractor or building licence for the work you plan to do, as rules differ between states and territories
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Council zoning and noise rules for workshop units
• High upfront costs for equipment and steel, and slow payment from some clients, so check your cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the unit you rent, your equipment and how much steel you buy upfront. Slow client payments can strain cash flow, so check this in your plan.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the jobs you win, your client mix and your capacity. The estimate assumes from about 35 hours a week. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check what certification your state and clients require, as structural work usually needs engineer's drawings and welds meeting Australian Standards. Also check whether your state needs a contractor or building licence, insurance, and council zoning and noise rules.