Landscape design and installation

Homeowners upgrading their yards, home sellers, property managers, builders and small commercial clients.

Quoted price per project covering labor, materials and a markup. Jobs typically run from a few days to a few weeks, and repeat and referral work builds the pipeline.

• Hardscape and fencing construction
• Reading plans and measuring accurately
• Estimating labor and materials
• Managing customers and subcontractors

• Many states require a contractor or landscape contractor license above certain job values, so check your state licensing board
• General liability insurance, a business bond if required, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities
• Check whether your city requires permits for fences, retaining walls or drainage work
• Underpricing jobs, weather delays and material cost swings can eat into profit

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your truck, trailer, tools and insurance. Underpricing jobs and material cost swings can eat into profit, so estimate labor and materials carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the size and number of projects you complete. Weather delays and material cost swings can affect profit, so build them into your quotes.

Many states require a contractor or landscape contractor license above certain job values, so check your state licensing board. Call 811 before digging, check city permits for fences, retaining walls or drainage work, and look into insurance and any required bond.