Start a piano restoration workshop

Families with inherited pianos, schools, churches, community halls, music teachers and piano dealers who need work done.

Quoted prices per restoration job, from smaller repairs to full rebuilds. You can add income from repair work for dealers and regular maintenance contracts.

• Fine woodworking and hand tool skills
• Patience and attention to detail
• Some musical ear, or willingness to work with a tuner
• Clear quoting and customer communication

• Public liability insurance, plus cover for customers' pianos while they are in your care
• Rules on ivory keys: check the current UK ivory laws before buying, selling or restoring old keyboards
• Old pianos can contain lead paint, woodworm and moth damage, so check health and safety guidance for dust, finishes and solvents
• Moving pianos is dangerous: use trained piano movers rather than lifting them yourself
• Check business rates, planning use and fire safety for your unit

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the workshop unit, tools, materials and insurance. These are estimates, so get quotes for your premises and equipment before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on the number and size of restoration jobs, your pricing and how quickly you complete them. These are estimates, and restoration work can take many hours per instrument.

Check the current UK ivory laws before buying, selling or restoring old keyboards. Check health and safety guidance for lead paint, woodworm, dust, finishes and solvents. Arrange insurance covering customers' pianos, use trained piano movers, and check business rates, planning and fire safety.