Home workshop furniture repair

Households with family pieces or solid wood furniture, antique and second-hand dealers, and people who would rather repair than replace.

Quote per job based on time and materials. Small repairs bring in steady work, and larger refinishing jobs bring in more per piece.

• Basic woodworking and gluing
• Sanding and finishing
• Patience and an eye for detail
• Clear quoting and customer service

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or has zoning limits on noise and customer visits
• Ask your home insurer whether workshop equipment and stock are covered, and consider commercial general liability insurance
• Finishes, strippers and solvents can be hazardous and flammable, so check ventilation, storage and disposal rules
• Cold garages slow glue and finish curing in winter, so plan for heating or slower jobs
• Keep a record of customers' pieces in your care and agree the value of antiques in writing before starting

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the tools, materials and workshop setup you need. Plan for heating too, since cold garages slow glue and finish curing in winter.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on the type and number of jobs you take and your pricing. Agreeing the value of antiques in writing before you start work is worth checking.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or has zoning limits on noise and customer visits. Ask your home insurer about workshop cover, and check ventilation, storage and disposal rules for finishes, strippers and solvents.