Custom metal fabrication and repair shop

Homeowners, contractors, farms, landscapers, small manufacturers and other local trades that need custom or repaired parts.

Quoted price per job based on materials, shop time and finishing, plus an hourly rate for repairs. Repeat work from contractors helps keep the shop busy.

• Welding and metal cutting
• Reading drawings and measuring accurately
• Quoting jobs fairly
• Customer service

• Commercial general liability insurance and property cover for tools and stock
• Zoning, fire code and ventilation rules for welding, check with your municipality and fire department
• WCB/WSIB registration once you hire, rules vary by province
• Structural items like railings may need to meet building code, check what applies before taking on that work
• Check whether your welding qualifications are recognized for the work you plan to do, as requirements vary by province
• Higher upfront costs, and steel prices can change between quote and purchase

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your equipment, rented unit and stock. Costs are higher upfront, and steel prices can change between quote and purchase.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the jobs you win and the work you take on. Treat these as estimates and quote carefully, since steel prices can change.

Check zoning, fire code and ventilation rules for welding with your municipality and fire department, plus liability and property insurance. Also check WCB/WSIB registration once you hire, building code for structural items like railings, and whether your welding qualifications are recognized in your province.