Concrete patios, walkways and small slabs

Homeowners, landlords and small property managers who want a new or replacement slab.

Quoted price per square foot or per job, covering materials, ready-mix delivery, labor and a margin. Deposits help cover materials upfront.

• Forming, pouring and finishing concrete
• Measuring and pricing jobs accurately
• Physical stamina and good timing on pour days

• Contractor licensing: many states and some counties require a license or registration, sometimes with a dollar limit on job size, so check your state licensing board
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire anyone or use helpers (check your state's rules)
• Building permits and inspections for driveways, slabs and anything structural, check with your city or county
• Weather, cracking and warranty callbacks can eat into profit, so price in a buffer
• Heavy physical work with a tight window once the concrete arrives

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, forms, finishing equipment, vehicle and insurance. Costs vary with how much you buy new and whether you hire helpers for pour days.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many jobs you book and their size. Weather, cracking and warranty callbacks can eat into profit, so price in a buffer.

Check your state licensing board, because many states and some counties require a contractor license or registration, sometimes with a dollar limit on job size. Also check permits and inspections with your city or county, and insurance, including workers' compensation if you use helpers.