Site prep subcontractor with rented equipment

Landscapers, fence and deck companies, pool installers, general contractors and homeowners with small projects.

Fixed price per job or day rate, with equipment rental, delivery and fuel built into the quote. You keep the margin once those costs are paid.

• Operating compact equipment safely
• Quoting jobs including rental costs
• Building relationships with local contractors
• Scheduling and organizing job days

• Call 811 before every dig to have underground utilities marked
• Contractor license rules vary by state and job value, check with your state licensing board
• Rental companies may require proof of insurance or a deposit, and you pay for damage to rented machines
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
• Rental costs run whether or not the job goes smoothly, so build delays and weather into your pricing
• Late-paying clients can strain cash flow, consider deposits and written agreements

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on insurance, rental deposits and the tools you need. Renting machines only for booked jobs keeps the upfront spend lower than buying equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you book, your pricing, rental costs and how quickly clients pay. The estimate assumes at least about 12 hours a week.

Call 811 before every dig. Check contractor license rules with your state licensing board, since they vary by state and job value. Ask rental companies about insurance proof and deposits, remember you pay for damage, and check liability insurance and workers' compensation once you hire.