Antique furniture restorer (home workshop)

Private owners with family pieces, antique dealers and local auction houses who need items sale-ready.

A quote per piece based on the work involved, plus materials. Dealers can bring repeat work, and private clients often come by word of mouth.

• Woodworking and joinery
• Knowledge of finishes and period styles
• Patience and attention to detail
• Quoting jobs fairly

• Check your municipality's rules and whether you need a home-based business licence or zoning approval
• Strippers, solvents and finishes are fire and fumes hazards, so plan ventilation, storage and a fire extinguisher
• Old paint and finishes may contain lead, so check safe handling and disposal rules in your province
• Over-restoring can reduce a piece's value, so agree the approach with the owner in writing first
• Ask your insurer about commercial general liability and cover for customers' items in your care, as home insurance may not cover business use

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the tools, finishing supplies and ventilation you need, and what you already own. Price your own kit list before you commit.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on the number and size of jobs, your pricing and your hours. The estimates start from about 8 hours a week.

Check your municipality's rules, including any home-based business licence or zoning approval. Also check fire and fumes safety for strippers and solvents, safe handling and disposal of lead in old paint in your province, and insurance for customers' items.