Garage metalwork and repairs
Fix and make small metal items like brackets, fire pit rings and trailer parts in your own garage or shed.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small-scale metal workshop in a garage or outbuilding doing repairs and simple custom pieces: brackets, planters, fire pits, hitch parts and small gate repairs.
Your first three steps
- Check your municipality's home-based business rules and whether welding is allowed at your address
- Set up a safe workspace with a fire extinguisher, ventilation, a welder and basic cutting tools
- Post photos of finished pieces on local online marketplaces and community groups and take your first small jobs
Who pays
Neighbours, hobby farmers, trailer and RV owners, and local trades who need small one-off parts.
How it makes money
Fixed price for small items and an hourly rate for repairs, with materials added. Work is limited by your evenings and weekends.
Skills that help
- Basic to intermediate welding
- Measuring and fitting
- Painting and finishing metal
- Clear communication with customers
Watch out for
- Home insurance may not cover business use, ask your insurer about commercial liability cover
- Fire risk from sparks and grinding, keep the space clear of flammables
- Noise and fumes, check bylaws and be considerate to neighbours
- Home-based business licence requirements vary by municipality
- Avoid structural or safety-critical work unless you are properly qualified
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: garage metalwork and repairs
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a garage metalwork business in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your welding and cutting tools, finishing supplies and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup first.
How much can a garage metalwork side business earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many repairs and custom pieces you take on and the hours you put in. It suits a small-scale side business.
What should I check before running metalwork from home?
Check whether your home insurance covers business use and ask about commercial liability cover. Also check bylaws on noise and fumes, home-based business licence rules in your municipality, and fire risk from sparks. Avoid structural or safety-critical work unless properly qualified.
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