Custom built-in wardrobes and storage workshop

Homeowners, home builders, renovators, interior designers and installers who need made-to-measure units.

You charge a price per project or per linear foot of cabinetry, covering materials, labour and a margin. Supplying builders with repeat orders can fill your workshop between homeowner jobs.

• Cabinetmaking or carpentry
• Reading plans and measuring
• Pricing and quoting jobs
• Managing project timelines

• Commercial general liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Check zoning, fire code and ventilation rules for a workshop that uses finishing products and creates dust
• Check provincial rules on contractor licensing or trade certification if you also install, for example Quebec's RBQ
• Equipment and material costs can be high, so avoid buying machinery before you have orders
• Winter delivery and installation can delay jobs, so allow extra time in your quotes
• Take deposits and put the scope in writing to avoid disputes over custom work

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the workshop space, machinery and materials. Equipment and material costs can be high, so avoid buying machinery before you have orders.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on order volume and the type of work. Estimates start from about 30 hours a week. Winter delivery and installation can delay jobs, so allow extra time.

Check zoning, fire code and ventilation rules for a workshop that uses finishing products and creates dust. Also check provincial contractor licensing or trade certification if you install (for example Quebec's RBQ), plus liability insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire.