Start a stair installation business for builders and remodelers

Home builders, remodeling contractors, framers and homeowners doing a renovation.

Fixed price per staircase or per job, plus extra for railings, newel posts and repairs. Repeat work from a few builders can keep you busy.

• Carpentry and finish work
• Accurate measuring and stair layout
• Knowing local stair code basics
• Reliable scheduling with builders

• State or local contractor license, which may be needed above certain job values, check your state licensing board
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
• Building code rules for rise, run, handrails and guards, check with your local building department
• Mistakes in measuring can be costly, so double check before cutting
• Heavy lifting and work at height, plan for safety

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and insurance. Measuring mistakes can be costly, so double check measurements before cutting.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many jobs you take from builders, remodelers and homeowners. Reliable scheduling with builders helps keep work steady.

A state or local contractor license may be needed above certain job values, so check your state licensing board. Also check building code rules for rise, run, handrails and guards with your local building department, plus general liability and workers' compensation insurance.