Garage metal fabrication for small custom jobs

Homeowners, hobbyists, farmers and ranchers, contractors, truck and trailer owners, and small local businesses that need a custom part.

Quote per job based on materials plus your hourly shop rate, with a minimum charge for small items. Repeat work from contractors and local shops can fill slow weeks.

• Welding (MIG, TIG or stick)
• Reading drawings and measuring accurately
• Cutting and bending metal safely
• Quoting jobs fairly

• Check zoning rules, any home occupation permit, and HOA or lease limits on noise, sparks and customer visits
• Check with your insurance agent: homeowner's policies often exclude business activity, so you may need general liability coverage
• Fire risk and fumes: keep extinguishers handy, ventilate well and wear proper eye, lung and hearing protection
• Structural or load-bearing work (railings, trailer hitches) may carry liability and code requirements, check before taking it on
• Check your state and city for a business license and sales tax registration

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the welder, cutting and bending equipment, safety gear and how much of your garage needs setting up. These are estimates, so price your own equipment list.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on the jobs you take, your pricing and the hours you put in. Starting part-time and building a repeat customer base is a common approach.

Check zoning, any home occupation permit, and HOA or lease limits on noise, sparks and customer visits. Ask your insurance agent about business coverage, check your state and city for a business license and sales tax, and review liability for structural work.