Custom gazebo and pergola builder

Homeowners who want a shaded seating area, hot tub cover or backyard feature, plus cottage owners and small landlords.

A fixed quote per project covering materials, labour and a margin, often with a deposit upfront. Add-ons like screens, lighting, stain and built-in benches raise the job value.

• Carpentry and framing
• Reading plans and measuring accurately
• Quoting and customer service
• Managing a small crew or helpers

• Building permits, setback rules and size limits for outbuildings vary by municipality, so check before quoting
• Call before you dig (utility locate services) to avoid hitting buried lines when setting footings
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules differ by province)
• Frost depth and snow load requirements in your area affect footings and design
• Work is seasonal in most of Canada, so plan cash flow for winter
• Check whether you need to register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the tools, vehicle and insurance you need and what you already own. Treat this as an estimate and price your own equipment list before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many projects you take on and whether you work alone or with helpers. Work is seasonal in most of Canada, so plan your cash flow for winter.

Check building permits, setback rules and size limits for outbuildings, which vary by municipality, before you quote. Also check utility locate services before digging, insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, and frost depth and snow load requirements in your area.