Finish carpenter: fit doors, trim and stairs

Homeowners, general contractors, remodelers, flooring and kitchen companies and property managers.

Per job or per door/room, or an hourly or day rate when subcontracting to builders. Materials are either billed to the client or marked up.

• Precise fitting and scribing to uneven walls
• Using miter saws, nailers and hand tools
• Estimating time and materials
• Working neatly in occupied homes

• Many states require a contractor license above a certain job value; check your state licensing board and city or county rules
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help; some builders will ask for a certificate of insurance
• Lead paint rules (such as the EPA RRP rule) can apply when disturbing paint in older homes; check if you need certification
• Damage to customers' property, take care and photograph the site before and after
• Physical work with risk of injury, so plan safe lifting and use proper protective gear

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the tools you already own, your vehicle setup, insurance and initial materials. Your own figure will vary with the kinds of jobs you want to take on.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how many jobs you take, their size and your pricing. Revenue is not profit, so account for materials, fuel, tools and insurance.

Many states require a contractor license above a certain job value, so check your state licensing board and city or county rules. Also check liability insurance and workers' compensation once you hire, and whether EPA lead paint (RRP) rules apply in older homes.