Made-to-order furniture from a home workshop

Local households wanting pieces that fit their space, plus buyers who find your work on social media or at craft fairs.

A quoted price per piece, covering materials, your time and finishing. A deposit up front, usually part of the price, pays for the wood.

• Woodworking and joinery
• Reading plans and sketching designs
• Accurate quoting and time estimates
• Clear communication with customers

• Home occupation permit or zoning rules for running a workshop at home, check with your city or county
• HOA or lease restrictions on noise, dust and deliveries
• General liability insurance and homeowner's policy coverage for tools and business use
• Dust collection and fire safety for sawdust and finishes
• Sales tax registration with your state, since furniture is usually taxable

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the tools you already own, the materials you buy and how you set up your workshop. These are estimates, so list your own tool and material needs first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many commissions you take and what you charge. This is an estimate. Hours start at around 10 per week, so it can begin as a weekend side hustle.

Check whether you need a home occupation permit or must follow zoning rules in your city or county, plus any HOA or lease limits on noise, dust and deliveries. Also check insurance coverage, dust and fire safety, and state sales tax registration.