Home workshop power tool repair

Renovators, carpenters and handymen who can't afford downtime, plus homeowners and hobbyists with tools worth fixing.

A diagnostic or flat fee per job, plus labour and parts. Repeat work from local trades and tool-heavy contractors keeps the bench busy.

• Basic electrical and mechanical know-how
• Patient fault-finding
• Tidy record keeping
• Clear, honest quoting

• Check your municipality's rules on home-based businesses, including customer visits, noise and signage
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check your home insurer's position on business use
• Electrical safety: a poor repair could cause injury or fire, so test every tool and keep records
• Check how to safely dispose of old batteries and used oils in your area
• Some repairs may void a manufacturer's warranty, so be upfront with customers

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the test equipment, hand tools and spare parts you buy and any insurance you take out. Treat this as an estimate and start with the tools you already own.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your pricing, the number of repairs you complete and how many tradespeople become regular customers. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check your municipality's rules on home-based businesses, including customer visits, noise and signage. Also check liability insurance and your home insurer's position, electrical safety and testing records, safe disposal of old batteries and oils, and warranty effects.