Concrete crew for driveways and foundations

Homeowners, home builders, remodelers and general contractors who subcontract concrete work.

Bid per job or per square foot, covering materials, crew wages, equipment and overhead. Repeat work from builders can fill the schedule.

• Reading plans and estimating materials
• Leading a crew and scheduling pours
• Finishing, rebar placement and grading
• Dealing with builders and inspectors

• State contractor licensing, which is often required for larger jobs and structural work, so check your state licensing board
• Workers' compensation insurance once you have employees, plus rules on classifying helpers as employees or contractors
• Permits, engineering requirements and inspections for foundations, check with your city or county building department
• Cash flow: you pay for materials and wages before clients pay you, so use deposits and clear payment terms
• Equipment costs, injury risk and liability for defects, so keep good records and photos of each job

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your equipment, vehicles, insurance and how much prep work such as excavation and rebar you handle yourself. You also pay for materials and wages before clients pay you.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on crew size, job types and how steadily you book work with homeowners and builders. Deposits and clear payment terms help manage cash flow.

Check your state contractor licensing board, since a license is often required for larger jobs and structural work. Check permits, engineering requirements and inspections with your city or county building department, and workers' compensation rules for employees and helpers.