Steel erection and install crew

Steel fabricators, general contractors, builders and renovation companies who need experienced installers.

A fixed price per job or a day rate for the crew, plus any equipment hire passed on to the client. Steady subcontract work from a few firms gives regular income.

• Ironworking or steel erection experience
• Welding and bolting
• Rigging and safe lifting
• Site coordination and scheduling

• Trade certification rules differ by province, and Quebec has its own construction rules, so check with your provincial regulator
• Working at height and lifting heavy loads carry serious risk, so safety training and a written site plan are essential
• Commercial general liability insurance and WCB or WSIB coverage, which is often required to be on site
• Cranes and lifts are usually hired in, so check who is responsible for equipment and permits
• Winter weather and seasonal slowdowns can affect work and cash flow
• Payment delays and holdbacks are common, so keep cash in reserve

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your tools and crew size. Cranes and lifts are usually hired in, so check who is responsible for equipment and permits.

Check trade certification rules with your provincial regulator, as they differ by province and Quebec has its own construction rules. Also check insurance and WCB or WSIB coverage, crane permits, and safety training with a written site plan.

Estimates put monthly revenue at typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on job volume and crew size. Winter weather, seasonal slowdowns, payment delays and holdbacks can affect cash flow.