Small-batch steel fabrication from your garage

Homeowners, landscapers, small contractors and farm or hobby customers who want custom pieces.

Fixed price per item or custom job, covering materials, your time and any powder coating or painting you outsource.

• Welding and metal cutting
• Basic design and measuring
• Photographing work and talking to customers

• Zoning and home-based business licence rules, which vary by municipality
• Fire risk: check that your home insurer allows welding and business use, and that you have extinguishers and ventilation
• Commercial general liability insurance, especially for gates, railings and anything load-bearing
• Structural or safety-related work may need engineering sign-off or certified welders, so check with your province before accepting it
• Cold garages in winter and long lead times on materials

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $12,000 CAD, depending on the welding and cutting tools you already own, the equipment you need to add and the materials you buy for your first jobs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on the items you make, your client base and the hours you put in. Cold garages in winter and long material lead times can slow your output.

Check zoning and home-based business licence rules with your municipality, and whether your home insurer allows welding and business use. Gates, railings or load-bearing work may need engineering sign-off or certified welders, so check with your province first.