Gazebo and pergola kit installer

Homeowners who bought a kit online or at a big-box store, plus landscapers, patio sellers and property managers who need help with installs.

Flat fee per install based on size and difficulty, with add-ons for site prep, anchoring, staining or hauling away packaging.

• Reading assembly plans
• Confident with power tools
• Basic carpentry and measuring
• Reliable and tidy with customers

• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
• Check whether your state or city requires a contractor license, as limits on job value vary a lot
• Check with the city or county whether a permit is needed for structures over a certain size or attached to a house
• Check HOA rules and utility line locations (call 811 before digging footings)
• Heavy lifting and ladder work, plan for a helper on larger kits

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on the tools you already own, a vehicle, insurance and basic marketing. These are estimates. A helper may be worth planning for on larger kits.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many installs you book and the size of the kits. This is an estimate. You could start with about 8 hours a week and build from there.

Check whether your state or city requires a contractor license, as limits on job value vary a lot. Also check permits for larger or house-attached structures, HOA rules, and call 811 before digging footings. Get general liability insurance.