Gas piping and install crew

Builders, general contractors, landlords with several units, property management companies and small commercial owners.

Quoted project prices or contract rates per job, plus ongoing maintenance and replacement work from repeat clients.

• Licensed gas fitting experience
• Estimating and quoting larger jobs
• Scheduling and supervising helpers

• State licensing rules for the business owner, the qualifying license holder and employees vary a lot, so verify before hiring
• Workers' compensation insurance is usually needed once you have employees, and commercial jobs often require proof of insurance and sometimes a bond
• Commercial and multi-unit work often needs permits, inspections and sometimes plan review, so check local requirements
• Slow-paying clients can strain cash flow, so agree payment terms in writing
• Renting or buying a shop or yard may be affected by zoning, so check with your city or county first

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on your shop or yard, vehicles, tools and insurance. These are estimates, so get local quotes before you commit to a lease or equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the size and number of jobs, your crew and your hours. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit once you pay wages, materials and overheads.

State licensing rules for the owner, the qualifying license holder and employees vary a lot, so verify before hiring. Also check permits, inspections and plan review for commercial work, workers' compensation, bond requirements and zoning for your shop or yard.