Start a garage metalworking side business

Local homeowners, gardeners, interior designers and small shops looking for made-to-order pieces.

Fixed prices for products and quotes for custom orders, sold through social media, marketplaces and word of mouth.

• Basic to intermediate welding and cutting
• Design sense and finishing (painting, powder-coat outsourcing)
• Photographing and listing your work

• Home insurance may not cover business use or tools; check with your insurer
• Landlord, mortgage lender or council permission may be needed; check before you start
• Noise, sparks and fumes can affect neighbours and create a fire risk
• Public liability insurance, especially for products like fire pits or items used by children
• Products you sell may need to meet safety rules; check what applies

Startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your welding and cutting tools, materials and insurance. These are estimates, so price up the products you plan to make before buying equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on the products you make, your prices and how you sell. These are estimates, and results will vary with the time you can put in.

Check whether your home insurance covers business use and tools, and whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to give permission. Also consider noise, sparks and fumes for neighbours, public liability insurance and safety rules for products like fire pits.