Patio cover and screen room installer

Homeowners who want shade, bug-free outdoor space or extra living room, plus some small landlords and HOAs.

A fixed price per project that covers materials, labor and your margin. Larger jobs such as glass sunrooms bring higher tickets, while screen rooms and covers can be done in a day or two.

• Basic construction and carpentry
• Measuring and quoting accurately
• Customer service and sales
• Managing permits and schedules

• Contractor license requirements, which vary by state and sometimes by project value
• Building permits and HOA approval, which are often needed for attached structures
• General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire helpers
• Deposits and material costs: don't order kits before you have a signed contract
• Wind and snow load requirements in your area, check that the product meets local code

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your tools, vehicle, insurance and how you handle kit orders. Avoid ordering kits before you have a signed contract and deposit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the number of installs, the products you sell and your pricing. Materials, labor and other costs come out of that.

Things to check: contractor license requirements in your state (sometimes tied to project value), building permits and HOA approval for attached structures, wind and snow load requirements under local code, and liability and workers' compensation insurance.