Scale Model Maker from a Home Workshop

Small architecture and design firms, developers, real estate marketers, retailers and students needing presentation models.

A quote per project based on size, detail and materials, plus design time. Rush jobs and repeat work for the same firms help fill the calendar.

• Precise hand work and patience
• Reading architectural drawings
• Basic CAD or sketching
• Quoting and meeting deadlines

• Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence or zoning approval is needed
• Dust, glues and cutting tools: check ventilation, fire safety and home insurance coverage for business use
• Consider commercial general liability insurance, and confirm client contracts cover who owns the design
• Work can be lumpy and tied to project deadlines, so plan cash flow
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools, materials, workspace setup and any outsourced laser-cut or 3D-printed parts. Treat this as a rough guide and plan your own budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on the number and complexity of jobs from architects, developers and retailers. Work can be lumpy and tied to project deadlines, so plan cash flow.

Things to check: whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or zoning approval, ventilation, fire safety and home insurance for dust, glues and cutting tools, commercial general liability insurance, design ownership in client contracts, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the threshold.