Custom Copper Maker from a Home Workshop

Homeowners, interior designers, custom kitchen builders, restaurants and craft shoppers online or at markets.

Price per piece or per commission, with larger custom jobs like hoods and sinks paid partly upfront. Repairs are charged by the job or by the hour.

• Metal shaping, cutting and soldering or brazing
• Design sense and measuring accurately
• Photographing your work and talking to customers

• Check zoning, home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules before running a workshop at home
• Fire, fumes and noise risks from torches, flux and solder; use proper ventilation and lead-free, cadmium-free materials
• Cookware or anything touching food or drink may need specific linings and materials; check FDA guidance and state rules
• General liability and product liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance covers business use
• Register your business with your state and ask about sales tax registration for items you sell

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, workspace setup, ventilation and the copper stock you buy. These are estimates, so price your own setup before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the pieces you make, your prices and whether you sell to homeowners, designers or at markets. You could start with about 10 hours a week.

Check zoning, home occupation permits and HOA or lease rules. Also check fire, fume and noise risks from torches, flux and solder, FDA guidance and state rules for cookware, insurance coverage for business use, and state and sales tax registration.