Custom doors and built-ins from a home workshop

Homeowners doing renovations, small builders and remodelers, interior designers and landlords who need non-standard sizes or matching older woodwork.

Fixed quote per piece or project, based on materials, your hours and a margin. Repeat work from builders and remodelers can fill quiet periods.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Using table saws, routers and joinery techniques
• Reading plans and quoting jobs
• Dealing with clients and builders

• Check zoning rules, any home occupation permit and HOA or lease limits on running a workshop at home
• General liability insurance, plus coverage for your tools and stock; check what your homeowner's policy excludes
• Dust, noise and machine safety, including dust extraction and fire risk from finishes
• If you install as well as build, check your state's contractor licensing rules and any dollar thresholds
• Register for sales tax with your state if you sell taxable goods; check how it applies to custom work

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the machines and tools you already own, your stock of lumber, dust extraction and insurance. Your own figure will vary with the kind of work you plan to take on.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the size and type of jobs, your pricing and how many hours you work. Revenue is not profit, so account for materials and equipment costs.

Check zoning rules, any home occupation permit and HOA or lease limits. Also check general liability and tool coverage, since your homeowner's policy may exclude it, and sales tax registration. If you install, check your state's contractor licensing rules and thresholds.