Prefab shed builder with a small workshop

Homeowners who want a ready-made shed without a long build, and sometimes local garden centers, landscapers or hardware stores that take orders.

Fixed prices for a range of standard sizes, plus delivery and installation fees and optional upgrades. You can also sell unassembled kits to handy customers at a lower price.

• Carpentry and accurate cutting
• Using power tools safely
• Planning materials and production
• Towing and delivery

• Zoning, noise and lease rules for running a workshop, especially at home or in an HOA area
• Contractor licensing for the on-site installation, check your state board
• Permits and size limits for sheds vary by city and county, so customers may need them
• General liability and commercial property insurance for tools and stock
• Dust and machinery safety, plus the cost of lumber prices changing between quote and build

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on workshop rent, tools, your lumber stock and insurance. Lumber prices can change between quote and build, so allow some room in your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many sheds you build, the sizes you offer and your pricing. Materials, rent and other costs come out of that.

Things to check: zoning, noise and lease rules for your workshop (especially at home or in an HOA area), state contractor licensing for on-site installation, local permits and size limits, and liability and property insurance.