33 Business Ideas For Builders [2024]

Updated: July 23rd, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a builder in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a builder could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Builders?

We put together 33 of some of the best builder business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other builder businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a woodworking business ($15.8K/month)

As a Builder, you could leverage your existing skills and tools to start a profitable woodworking business. This side hustle allows you to work from home, offering you flexibility while supplementing your income. You could easily scale the business and enjoy unlimited earning potential by creating custom wood pieces, flipping furniture, or even teaching others about woodworking.

Woodworking is not just a hobby; it's a blue-collar business with substantial growth potential. Your practical know-how and passion for craftsmanship could set you on a path to entrepreneurial success. Plus, starting a woodworking blog could position you as an expert in your field and attract more customers to your business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $40,001/month

How long does it take to build: 204 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Took My Woodworking Hobby Full Time To Build A Successful Brand

Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.

Read by 59,583 founders

2. Start a junk removal business ($69.2K/month)

Starting a junk removal business could be a lucrative side venture or even a full-time business for you as a Builder. You’re already familiar with clearing job sites and handling materials, so you could capitalize on this skill by helping households and businesses haul away broken furniture, trash, and other unwanted items. With the demand for junk removal services being consistently high, especially during property foreclosures, you could find plenty of opportunities to supplement your income.

To get started, you would need to perform some market research in your area to gauge demand and identify your competition. With a box truck at your disposal, you would also need to secure the necessary permits or licenses. Building a professional website and marketing your services effectively could help attract a steady stream of clients, making this a practical and profitable extension of your existing skills.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $230,000/month

How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)

How I Started A $18K/Month Junk Removal Company Before Graduating From College

23-year-old Sam Evans founded You Call We Haul Junk Removal which brings in around $20,000 in revenue per month with a profit of 65% per job, servicing any individuals who have unneeded junk, and aims to franchise the business in the long-term.

Read by 50,708 founders

3. Start a fitness equipment company ($327K/month)

Starting a fitness equipment company could be an excellent opportunity for a Builder looking to supplement their income or venture into a new side business. Leveraging your hands-on skills, you could produce or assemble high-quality fitness equipment, catering to gyms, schools, or even personal use. Your in-depth understanding of materials and construction techniques would provide you with an edge in creating durable and reliable products.

Additionally, you could explore running this business either through a physical storefront or an online service to reach a broader audience. Engaging in this business allows you to tap into the booming fitness industry, bringing your expertise in building and craftsmanship to a market that values quality and reliability. For entrepreneurial Builders, this could be a perfect fusion of your current skills and a new, profitable business venture.

How much you can make: $9,300 — $1,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Created A $14K/Month Women's Fitness Brand

Serena Jenkins-Hannah created a fitness brand, Serena Hannah Athletics, that has generated over $100,000 in sales over a year and a half, with $70,000 of those sales coming during COVID-19, through selling their #1 item, the Hannah Booty Band System, on Amazon, and has now expanded to Shopify to add cash flow.

Read by 7,718 founders

4. Start a furniture business ($207K/month)

As a Builder, leveraging your skills and experience to start a furniture business could be a lucrative and rewarding venture. You could design and manufacture various types of furniture, capitalizing on the growing demand driven by flexible workspaces and the booming real estate market. Transitioning to this business requires minimal initial investment, making it a feasible side business or a full-time endeavor.

Identifying your niche—whether it's office furniture, home essentials, or luxury items—will be crucial, and your craftsmanship can give you a competitive edge. Taking business classes and understanding your local market will prepare you to create products that stand out and meet customer demand. If your pieces are unique and high-quality, customers will be willing to pay premium prices, including shipping costs.

By combining your existing building skills with targeted business knowledge, you could successfully diversify your income through a well-planned and executed furniture business.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $999,999/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Took My Woodworking Hobby Full Time To Build A Successful Brand

Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.

Read by 59,574 founders

5. Start a DIY business ($220K/month)

As a builder, you've already honed the essential skills needed to succeed in a DIY business, such as precision, creativity, and a strong work ethic. By channeling these abilities into crafting handmade, unique products, you could supplement your income or even establish a new side business. Imagine selling custom furniture, home decor, or personalized gifts online through platforms like Etsy or at local market stalls; the possibilities are endless.

Starting a DIY business requires minimal initial investment since you can often use existing tools and materials or source them affordably. This kind of business grants you the flexibility to work from home and set your own schedule, allowing you to balance it with your current responsibilities. Take this opportunity to explore the rewarding world of DIY entrepreneurship and transform your craftsmanship into a profitable venture.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $1,100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How We Created The Perfect Cooking Kits And Made $860K In Sales In One Year

Cooking Gift Set Co. generated $866,000 in sales in 2020, with 70% on Amazon, 26% Wholesale, and 4% e-commerce, using their strengths in design to create cooking kits with beautiful packaging, customized instructions, and high-quality lifestyle photos to differentiate from copycats.

Read by 11,402 founders

6. Start a dog treat business ($635K/month)

As an entrepreneurial-minded Builder, diversifying your income with a dog treat business is a practical opportunity. If you have a knack for baking and a love for dogs, you could channel that passion into creating healthy, natural, and tasty treats for furry friends. This side business would allow you to tap into the ever-growing dog food market while leveraging your hands-on skills in a new way.

You could ensure your dog treats are nutritious and safe, even introducing specialty items like custom birthday cakes and holiday gift boxes to carve out a unique niche. By leveraging both local and online markets, you could seamlessly transform your homemade dog treats into a rewarding and thriving enterprise, complementing your primary career while opening the door to additional revenue streams.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,833,333/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How This Couple Started A Healthy Dog Treat Business

Toronto-based Treats Happen saw a gap in the market for healthy dog treats, and now makes roughly $15K per month. Their biggest lesson? As a brand, they don't just sell on their website but want to be available on as many profitable channels as possible.

Read by 15,449 founders

7. Start a dropshipping business ($453K/month)

If you're a builder looking to supplement your income or start a side business, consider launching a dropshipping business. This model allows you to sell construction-related products—such as tools, safety gear, or home improvement accessories—without holding any inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, you simply buy the product from a third-party supplier who ships it directly to the customer.

To get started on a budget, you could set up an online store on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and list products from reliable suppliers on AliExpress. This allows you to leverage your industry knowledge to select high-demand items that can appeal to your construction-savvy clientele.

Focus on effective marketing and excellent customer service to drive sales and build your reputation. Additionally, closely monitor your expenses and profit margins to ensure your dropshipping venture remains profitable.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

Read by 25,638 founders

8. Start a logistics business ($381K/month)

As a builder, starting a logistics business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even establish a new revenue stream. With your industry expertise, you already understand the critical importance of efficient transportation and warehousing for the timely delivery of materials and tools. This knowledge positions you ideally to run a logistics business that ensures reliable and streamlined operations.

You could leverage your existing network within the construction industry to connect manufacturers with storage warehouses and transportation companies. Additionally, your familiarity with project timelines and material management will be invaluable in meeting client needs effectively. By managing the logistics side of supply chains, you can provide a vital service that helps other builders complete their projects successfully.

How much you can make: $5,800 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $20K/Month Auto Shipping Broker Business

Nationwide Auto Transportation ships approximately 4,000 vehicles per month and has served more than 50,000 customers, offering custom services such as help for clients who cannot find suitable carriers for their vehicle.

Read by 30,601 founders

9. Start a cleaning business ($175K/month)

Starting a cleaning business could be a great opportunity for builders looking to supplement their income or build a profitable side venture. Given the nature of your work, you already possess an eye for detail and a commitment to quality, which are essential for a successful cleaning business. The entry costs for professional cleaning are relatively low, requiring just some fundamental equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning products.

You could target residential or commercial properties, offering specialized services such as post-construction clean-ups, a niche with prime potential given your background. As you're setting your hours and services, think about client needs and schedule flexibility, enabling you to balance your primary job while the business gains traction. In essence, leveraging your existing skill set to offer a cleaning service can diversify your income streams and provide a viable path to entrepreneurial success.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $708,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $100K+/Month Home Cleaning Service For Busy Individuals And Airbnb Hosts

MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.

Read by 21,741 founders

10. Start a healthy snack food business ($438K/month)

Starting a healthy snack food business could be a lucrative side venture for builders who are already versed in managing projects and logistics. The increasing popularity of healthy snacks means there's a huge demand for wholesome, tasty food options, giving you an opportunity to tap into this thriving market. Knowing how to handle materials, schedules, and budgets could translate well into sourcing high-quality ingredients and managing production schedules for your snack line.

Given the robust growth expected in the global healthy snacks market, which is projected to reach $152 billion by 2030, you could capitalize on this trend by offering unique, health-conscious alternatives. Consider specializing in snacks that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or protein-packed options, to attract niche health-focused customers. This venture not only diversifies your income sources but leverages your existing skills in project management and attention to detail, making it a seamless extension of what you already do well.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)

How We Started A Caffeine Gum Product, Sold 12 Million Pieces, And Landed A Deal With CVS

Neuro co-founders Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen developed their functional gum and mint products to offer a portable, healthy, and efficient alternative to energy drinks and supplements, hitting 12M pieces sold and generating ~$500k in monthly revenue with over 25% repeat customer rate and retail presence in over 6,500 locations including 5,000 CVS stores.

Read by 19,891 founders

11. Start an e-commerce order fulfillment business ($4.68M/month)

As a builder, you could diversify your income by starting an e-commerce order fulfillment business. This venture involves warehousing, packaging, and shipping products for online retailers, leveraging your organizational skills and logistical know-how.

By utilizing your experience in project management and hands-on tasks, you could create a dependable fulfillment infrastructure that seamlessly integrates with popular e-commerce platforms. This would enable you to provide a vital service for businesses looking to maximize sales without the logistical hassle of product delivery, all while generating additional income or even transitioning to a full-time entrepreneurial endeavor.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $25,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How This Immigrant Entrepreneur Built A $60M/Year Fulfillment Business

ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center, went from $130K in revenue in 2014 to nearly $30M in 2018 and was named America's Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center, with projected revenue of $60M for 2019.

Read by 18,157 founders

12. Start an ecommerce management services ($597K/month)

If you're a builder looking to diversify your income, consider starting an ecommerce management service. This business involves offering comprehensive support to online stores by handling tasks like inventory management, customer service, marketing, and order fulfillment. Essentially, you become the backbone of an ecommerce operation, ensuring these businesses run smoothly and grow efficiently.

With your strong organizational skills and practical problem-solving abilities, you could excel in managing these operational tasks. Imagine how grateful overwhelmed entrepreneurs would be to have an expert like you streamlining their processes and boosting their sales, allowing them to focus on innovation. It’s a challenging yet rewarding venture that blends your knack for structure and efficiency with the dynamic world of online retail—making it a lucrative opportunity for an entrepreneurial builder.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $30M/Year Warehouse Management Software And Outsourced Ecommerce Fulfillment Business

ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.

Read by 9,340 founders

13. Start a newsletter ($213K/month)

Starting a newsletter could be a smart move for builders looking to supplement their income or even create a new business avenue. With a more than 50% increase in newsletter readership over the past five years, a well-crafted newsletter can position you as a trusted expert in your field.

You could use your newsletter to share valuable insights, tips, and trends in construction and remodeling, educating your subscribers while building strong connections. This could not only help you maintain relationships with existing clients but also attract potential customers by showcasing your expertise and reliability.

In essence, a newsletter serves as a powerful tool to inform, persuade, and sell, allowing you to market your services more effectively and providing a consistent stream of engagement with your audience.

How much you can make: $160 — $4,100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $36M/Year Stock Market Research Newsletter

Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.

Read by 28,525 founders

14. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)

Starting an online fitness business could be an excellent way for builders to diversify their income and capitalize on the growing demand for convenient and affordable fitness solutions. As a builder, you already possess a strong understanding of physical fitness and labor-intensive work, making you uniquely qualified to offer practical and effective fitness advice.

In addition, this venture requires minimal overhead costs—just a computer and an internet connection—so you could get started from the comfort of your own home. By creating workout programs, instructional videos, or even personalized fitness coaching, you could reach a broad audience and make a positive impact on people's lives, all while supplementing your current income.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $48K/Month Business With An Online Fitness Training Service

This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.

Read by 26,218 founders

15. Start a meal prep business ($185K/month)

As a Builder, you could leverage your organizational skills and efficiency to start a meal prep business, helping clients save time while earning extra income. Given the rising demand for food delivery services, driven by increasingly busy lifestyles, this business offers significant profit potential.

Your ability to stick to schedules and ensure timely delivery would be a crucial asset, helping to satisfy and retain customers. Additionally, your hands-on experience and attention to detail can translate into high-quality, meticulously prepared meals that attract repeat business.

By starting small, you could easily manage this venture alongside your building projects, gradually expanding as demand grows. This side business could supplement your income and potentially become a main source of revenue over time.

How much you can make: $50,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 6 days (?)

How We Started A Meal Prep Delivery Business And Did $1.8M In Sales

Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.

Read by 40,085 founders

16. Start a product photography business ($27.2K/month)

If you're a Builder with a knack for photography, starting a product photography business could provide a profitable side income. As eCommerce continues to grow, online traders are in constant need of professional photographers to capture high-quality images of their products. These images not only showcase product quality but also help establish transparency and trust with customers.

You could use your attention to detail and creative eye, honed from your building projects, to take stunning product photos. With some basic photo editing skills, you could enhance these images further, giving online traders the polished, high-end photos they need to attract customers. This side business could easily complement your building career, allowing you to work with flexible hours and diverse clients.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $84,239/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

Read by 15,358 founders

17. Start a payment app ($716K/month)

As a Builder, starting a payment app could be a lucrative side business that complements your primary profession. You could develop an app that allows clients and subcontractors to make quick, seamless payments for services and materials. This could streamline your payment processes, reduce paperwork, and enhance cash flow, making it easier to manage your building projects and finances.

In addition, a payment app could serve other builders and contractors in similar scenarios, creating a niche market for your business. By offering a simple, reliable payment solution tailored to the construction industry, you could capture a share of the growing digital payment market. This venture requires minimal initial investment but has the potential to generate significant revenue over time.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How I Created A $60K/Month App That Collects In-Person Payments Through Stripe

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

Read by 23,408 founders

18. Start an online coworking platform ($85.6K/month)

Starting an online coworking platform could be a fantastic venture for a Builder looking to supplement their income or even create a full-fledged side business. As a Builder, you already possess a robust skill set in managing projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring that various components come together seamlessly—skills that are essential for running a successful online coworking platform. You could leverage your expertise to create a virtual space that caters specifically to the needs of remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs in the construction and building sector.

Imagine offering a digital environment where professionals can collaborate on projects, share blueprints, and discuss industry-specific challenges in real-time. By starting with a user-friendly website or app, you could attract a dedicated community of users through free trials or affordable memberships. This could not only provide an additional revenue stream via paid memberships and premium features but also forge valuable partnerships with other businesses, thereby enhancing the platform’s utility and reach.

In essence, an online coworking platform could serve as a unique and lucrative extension of your existing expertise, tapping into the increasing demand for virtual workspaces in today's digital age.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $3K/Month Online Coworking For Freelance And Entrepreneurs

SinOficina is an online coworking space for Spanish-speaking freelancers and entrepreneurs that generates $3,000 per month in revenue, which founder Bosco Soler built by sharing his journey with his audience, delegating tasks, collaborating with formidable people and using WordPress, Slack, Mailchimp, Airtable, Crowdcast, Zapier and Notion.

Read by 8,938 founders

19. Become a freelance web developer ($55.2K/month)

As a builder, you could supplement your income and leverage your passion for technology by becoming a freelance web developer. This field is highly sought-after in every industry and offers a higher pay rate compared to other freelance professions such as writing or graphic design, placing you in a high-value position.

To get started, you would need to learn fundamental programming languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Beyond the financial benefits, you could create a personal brand and portfolio by finding a niche and developing a range of projects, showcasing your ability to potential clients. This side venture could evolve into a full-fledged business, allowing you to work on your terms while broadening your professional skill set.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $148,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $750K/Year Web Development Agency

Cantilever Web Design and Development, with clients including IBM and small businesses, reached a revenue of over $750k last year with a gross margin of 50% by prioritizing Digital Hospitality, fostering high-quality relationships, and constantly improving their process and philosophy.

Read by 42,546 founders

20. Start a saas product developer business ($202K/month)

Starting a SaaS product developer business could be an innovative and lucrative opportunity for builders looking to supplement their income or pivot to a high-growth industry. With your strong project management and practical problem-solving skills, you could develop software tools that streamline construction processes, improve project collaboration, or manage workflows, thereby filling a niche need in the construction industry.

Modern users recognize the cost-saving benefits of SaaS solutions, and the shift towards cloud computing makes this a low-barrier and scalable business idea. By leveraging your knowledge of the construction field alongside learning some essential tech skills, such as database management, programming, and cloud computing, you could create highly valuable products tailored to meet industry demands.

Before diving in, thorough market research and competition analysis will be crucial to identify gaps that your SaaS product could fill. With the right app monetization model and technology stack, this side business could potentially grow into a significant revenue stream, making it a smart entrepreneurial move for innovative builders.

How much you can make: $40 — $4,160,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,166 founders

21. Start a rent management business

Starting a rent management business could be a lucrative side venture for builders looking to diversify their income streams. With your expertise in construction and property maintenance, you could offer comprehensive property management services, ensuring that rental properties are well-maintained and meet quality standards. Your skills in repairs and renovations would be a significant selling point to landlords and property owners who want to keep their investments in top condition.

Moreover, your industry connections and knowledge could streamline finding reliable contractors for any necessary work, making you a one-stop solution for property owners. This business could allow you to leverage your existing network and skills while providing a steady source of additional income.

22. Start a personal safety products

As a builder, you could leverage your industry knowledge to start a side business in personal safety products. With firsthand experience on construction sites, you’re well-aware of the need for high-quality safety gear such as helmets, gloves, and harnesses. Developing and selling superior safety products could not only create an additional revenue stream but also enhance safety standards within your own projects.

Additionally, you could offer specialized products tailored to specific construction tasks, setting you apart in the market. By providing top-notch safety solutions, you would cater to a crucial need in the industry, potentially increasing your credibility and network.

23. Start a photo editing business ($90.8K/month)

For entrepreneurial Builders, starting a photo editing business could offer a lucrative side income while leveraging your keen attention to detail and project management skills. You could offer services such as cleaning up image blemishes and fixing lighting issues, appealing to a wide range of clients—from real estate agents needing enhanced property photos to small businesses looking to boost their online presence.

By conducting market research and setting competitive rates, you could attract a steady stream of customers, making this a rewarding venture with a promising profit margin. Combining your building expertise with photo editing could also open unique niche markets, like offering specialized editing services for construction project photos or home renovation portfolios.

How much you can make: $24,998 — $220,000/month

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A $27K/Month Business Creating Custom Handcrafted Photo Albums

CandidShutters co-founder Pranjal started an online-only, profitable business in 2018 creating custom-designed handcrafted photo albums that currently averages over 100 albums per month, serving couples and families seeking to create memorable keepsakes.

Read by 4,750 founders

24. Start a business growth service ($151K/month)

As a builder with hands-on experience in overseeing projects and managing teams, you could leverage your strategic skills by starting a business growth service. This would involve offering your expertise to help other companies scale efficiently and map out growth strategies tailored to their unique needs. By analyzing their current operations, you could identify areas for improvement and implement changes that boost their market presence and overall revenue.

Given the increasing complexities of today's business environment, there is a high demand for specialized growth services. Your practical knowledge of project management and operational efficiency could be invaluable to firms looking to streamline their processes and enhance their performance. If you have a knack for strategic thinking and a passion for driving success, this entrepreneurial venture could provide a lucrative and fulfilling opportunity to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 45,986 founders

25. Start an order management app ($3.6M/month)

For builders looking to supplement their income or start a side business, developing an order management app could be a game-changer. Managing orders can be a logistical headache, but this app provides an efficient solution to streamline all aspects of order processing, from creation to fulfillment on a centralized platform.

By integrating features that monitor inventory levels, manage returns, and automate customer notifications about order status, you could significantly reduce errors and enhance customer satisfaction. Simplifying the order management process means you'll spend less time on administrative tasks and more on growing your business or taking on additional projects. Imagine leveraging this app not only to better manage your own work but to help other builders and contractors, creating an additional revenue stream while solving a common industry pain point.

How much you can make: $117 — $25,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 110 days (?)

How This Immigrant Entrepreneur Built A $60M/Year Fulfillment Business

ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center, went from $130K in revenue in 2014 to nearly $30M in 2018 and was named America's Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center, with projected revenue of $60M for 2019.

Read by 18,157 founders

26. Start a drug testing business

Starting a drug testing business could be a lucrative opportunity for a builder due to the ever-growing demand for drug testing services in various industries, including ports of entry and the sporting sector. By leveraging your project management skills and eye for detail, you could set up a fully equipped laboratory that specializes in analyzing urine, saliva, hair, or sweat for illegal or prescription drugs.

Additionally, as a builder, you could use your extensive network and marketing acumen to reach relevant customers and businesses in need of these services. This side business could not only supplement your income but also provide valuable service in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.

27. Start a sales automation platform ($171K/month)

As a Builder, you could harness your industry insights to develop a sales automation platform that streamlines sales tasks. Imagine creating a software solution that automates lead generation, follow-ups, and administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time for you and your clients to focus on closing deals and project management.

With a strong understanding of construction sales processes, you could tailor the platform to address specific needs within the building industry, enhancing efficiency and minimizing errors. In today’s fast-paced, digital-focused business world, such a tool could be a game-changer, offering builders an edge by optimizing their sales operations and driving growth.

By diving into this venture, you could transform your industry experience into a profitable business, meeting the growing demand for efficient, automated sales solutions.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,666,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 11,984 founders

28. Start a gym equipment supplier ($675K/month)

As a Builder, your skills in project management and procurement make you uniquely positioned to thrive as a gym equipment supplier. You could leverage your industry connections and negotiation capabilities to source high-quality, cost-effective gym equipment and sell them to fitness centers, personal trainers, and home gym enthusiasts.

Given your experience in handling logistics and managing timelines, overseeing inventory and ensuring timely deliveries would be second nature. This business route provides a steady demand, as gyms frequently update their equipment and new fitness centers regularly open.

Not only could this venture supplement your income, but it also has potential for growth through recurring orders and an expanding client base. If you’re entrepreneurial-minded and see the value in promoting health and wellness, becoming a gym equipment supplier could be a rewarding move.

How much you can make: $150,000 — $1,200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,025 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How An Olympic Athlete Developed A $150K/Month Gym Equipment Line

Gym and Fitness is one of the largest online retailers of home gym equipment in Australia and New Zealand, servicing 450 customers a week and generating $150k/month in revenue, and founder Dave Barnes shares tips for aspiring founders.

Read by 9,099 founders

29. Start an ecommerce image creation business

As a Builder, you could easily leverage your keen eye for detail and craftsmanship into an ecommerce image creation business. Your ability to capture the nuances of building materials, structures, and tools can be invaluable to online retailers who need high-quality, realistic images to showcase their products effectively.

By starting this side business, you could supplement your income while utilizing skills you already possess. With the proliferation of online shopping, the demand for professional and engaging ecommerce images is higher than ever, making this a lucrative opportunity to explore.

30. Start a safety boots production business

As a Builder, you could leverage your industry knowledge to start a safety boots production business. With firsthand experience of the importance of durable, high-quality safety footwear on construction sites, you can design products that meet the specific needs of your peers. By addressing common pain points such as comfort, protection, and durability, your products could stand out in the market.

Furthermore, tapping into your professional network could provide a robust initial customer base, ensuring steady demand. You could even expand your business by offering customized safety boots tailored for different construction tasks, thereby differentiating your brand. This side venture not only supplements your income but also aligns seamlessly with your existing expertise and passion for building.

31. Start a furniture flipping business

As a Builder, starting a furniture flipping business could be an excellent way to supplement your income and capitalize on your existing skills. With your expertise in construction and design, you could transform old kitchen tables, dressers, and armoires into masterpieces that people are willing to pay top dollar for. This side business could be managed in a few hours per week, making it a feasible option alongside your current building projects.

Not only could you enjoy the creative process of restoring and updating furniture, but you could also achieve significant profits—some furniture flippers earn a 6-figure profit annually. By leveraging your knowledge of materials and craftsmanship, you could create unique, high-quality pieces that stand out in the market.

How much does it cost to start: $50 (?)

32. Start a weather stripping service

Starting a weather stripping service could be a sensible and lucrative side business for builders. Homeowners are always in need of professionals to seal leaks around movable components such as doors and windows, which aligns well with your existing skills and knowledge. By offering weather stripping services, you could ensure homes remain comfortable year-round, making you a valuable asset to your clients.

To launch this business, you could enrol in a prerequisite training program to gain the specific skills needed. Afterward, getting your business registered would be a straightforward next step. This not only supplements your income but also leverages your existing expertise, helping you build a sustainable, profitable venture.

33. Start a product marketing advisor

As a builder with hands-on experience and deep knowledge of construction materials and techniques, you could leverage your expertise to transition into a product marketing advisor role. With your unique insights into the industry's needs and demands, you would be well-positioned to advise companies on how to tailor their products for maximum appeal and efficiency within the construction market.

This side business would allow you to supplement your income by consulting on product development, marketing strategies, and sales tactics specifically geared towards builders and contractors. Your real-world experiences would give you an edge in understanding the practical challenges and opportunities, making your advisory services highly valuable to clients.

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.