Pergola and carport kit assembly

Assemble ready-made pergola and carport kits for homeowners who don't want to do it themselves.

A builder assembling a wooden pergola over a patio in a back garden.

Startup cost$500 to $3k

Monthly revenue$500 to $3.5k

Time needed6+ h/week

First incomeWeeks

$500-3k
Side hustle
Out and about

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

6,489 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year

NAICS 238190 “Other foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

Installing pre-made pergola, gazebo and carport kits bought by the customer, with basic site prep and anchoring. A lower-cost way in than building from scratch.

Your first three steps

Assemble a kit or two at a reduced rate to learn the common brands and get photos
Post your service in neighborhood groups and ask local home stores or landscapers about referrals
Check with your city or county whether kit structures need a permit and whether your state requires a license for this kind of work

Who pays

Homeowners who bought a kit online or from a home store and want it installed properly.

How it makes money

A flat fee or day rate per installation, usually based on kit size and site difficulty.

Skills that help

Confident with power tools
Following technical instructions
Working outdoors
Reliable communication with customers

Watch out for

Handyman and contractor license rules vary by state and job value, check your state's licensing board
General liability insurance to cover damage to property
Kits still may need permits or HOA approval, so ask customers to confirm first
Anchoring to concrete or decks needs care, so make sure you know when to refer out
Heavy lifting and ladder work, plan a helper for larger kits

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a pergola kit assembly business?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on the power tools and equipment you already have, plus insurance and marketing. Customers buy the kits, so you generally do not need to fund materials.

How much can I earn assembling pergola and carport kits?

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many installs you book, kit sizes and your pricing. It can work as a side hustle at about 6 or more hours a week. Plan a helper for larger kits.

What rules should I check before assembling pergola kits for customers?

Check handyman and contractor license rules in your state, which vary by job value. Also check general liability insurance, whether kits need permits or HOA approval, and when anchoring to concrete or decks means you should refer the job out.