Solo small-jobs contractor business

Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small businesses.

Hourly rate or fixed price per job, plus materials. Repeat work from landlords and property managers can fill your calendar.

• Hands-on carpentry and repair skills
• Accurate quoting
• Reliability and tidy work
• Basic bookkeeping

• Many states cap job size for unlicensed work, and electrical, plumbing and HVAC usually need a separate license
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation if you hire help
• Permits for structural or larger work, check with your city or county
• Physical strain and injury risk, plan for time off
• Local business license and sales tax rules on materials, check with your state

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on the tools and vehicle you already own, plus insurance and any local licensing. Workers' compensation is something to check if you hire help.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the size and number of jobs you take on. The estimate assumes about 12 or more hours a week. Physical strain and injury risk mean you should plan for time off.

Many states cap job size for unlicensed work, and electrical, plumbing and HVAC usually need a separate license. Check permit rules for structural or larger work with your city or county, plus local business license and sales tax rules on materials.