Part-Time car restoration from your garage

Enthusiasts who want a specific job done on their classic, and owners of small projects who cannot do the work themselves.

Fixed price or hourly rate per job, with parts passed on at cost or with a small mark-up. Larger projects can be taken one stage at a time.

• Hands-on mechanical or bodywork experience
• Basic welding
• Realistic time estimating
• Good communication with customers

• Home use may need permission from your landlord, lender or council, so check before you start
• Insurance, as home policies often do not cover business use or customers' vehicles, so ask about public liability and motor trade cover
• Noise, fumes and fire risk with welding, grinding and flammable materials, including neighbours
• Check how to dispose of waste oil, fluids and old parts correctly
• Limited space means you can only take small jobs, and a long project can tie up your garage

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the tools, welding kit and materials you already have. Limited space means you can only take small jobs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £2,500, depending on the jobs you take and the time you can give. A long project can tie up your garage, which affects how much work you can fit in.

Check whether you need permission from your landlord, lender or council, and whether your insurance covers business use and customers' vehicles. Also check noise, fumes and fire risk from welding and grinding, and how to dispose of waste oil and parts.