14 Profitable Construction Business Ideas

Updated: July 24th, 2023

Like any other sector of the economy, construction has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. However, this situation has brought new opportunities to a traditional sector that was already immersed in a process of modernization, adopting a wider use of technology.

It may take a bit of time to recover normal activity, but these new changes in regulations and behaviors will bring opportunities.

Have a construction-related business and want to get added to this list? Submit to share your story here.

Below we have listed the stories of some entrepreneurs that have thrived in the construction industry and have been kind enough to share their stories so future entrepreneurs can learn from their stories. Check them out:

1. Start a CRM business

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software keeps track of prospects, clients and their contacts and also helps you monitor your sales pipeline as well as to create reports for business intelligence.

The CRM market is a $50B and growing industry.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $2,100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 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.

About
Lars started GreenRope almost 16 years ago
Revenue
Lars grew the business to $160K/month
Read by 11,063 founders

2. Start a woodworking business

While many see woodworking as a hobby to pass the time, it is a profitable blue-collar business with growth potential. If you are skilled, passionate, and looking for a blue-collar side hustle, consider starting a woodworking business.

Starting a woodworking business allows you to work from home. Besides, you can scale the business easily and enjoy unlimited earning potential. Some opportunities you can go for include building custom wood pieces, teaching others about woodworking, starting a woodworking blog, and flip furniture.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/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.

About
Sasha started Timber Grove Studios almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Sasha grew the business to $6.5K/month
Read by 58,317 founders

3. Start a home building company

The global construction industry is expected to maintain steady growth over the next years. Estimates show that the sector will reach 14.4 trillion in the next decade.

With the increasing population, demand for building new homes continues to grow steadily. With more jobs available, starting a construction company can be a lucrative business. To start a construction company, register the company and acquire all permits and licenses to run a construction company.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)

How I Started A $500K/Month Custom Home Building Company

A General Contracting firm founder who grew his company to over $500K a month revenue found his unhealthy obsession on scaling his business by constantly landing new projects and hiring new team members a mistake, and reduced his staff down to four, and shifted to a new target audience while implementing SEO and advertising campaigns.

About
Michael started MPC Builders almost 12 years ago
Revenue
Michael grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Michael $15000 to start the business
Read by 33,738 founders

4. Create an online course

An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.

As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.

With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.

For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.

How much you can make: $350 — $3,735,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,850 (?)

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

How This 28-Year-Old Couple Quit Their Jobs And Make $20K/Month Running A Blog

Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.

About
Kelan started The Savvy Couple over 7 years ago
Revenue
Kelan grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Kelan $500 to start the business
Read by 27,277 founders

5. Start a pool installation service

A pool installation service specializes in building and constructing new swimming pools for both residential and commercial clients.

This process involves obtaining necessary permits, preparing the site, installing plumbing and drainage, constructing the pool shell, adding finishes such as tiles and coping, installing equipment like pumps and filters, and completing landscaping and fencing around the pool area.

To run a successful pool installation service, it is essential to have skilled contractors with experience in excavation, masonry, plumbing, and working with pool materials.

Starting a pool installation service can be a profitable venture, as there is a high demand for new backyard pools and water features.

How much you can make: $8,000/month

How I Started A $8K/Month Pool Service And Installation Business

Learn how a third generation business owner started a profitable pool service and installation business in Southern Ontario, earning an average of $8000/month net revenue during peak season and growing from servicing 0 to 350+ pools since May 2016 by doing things that don't scale, such as manually talking to customers and focusing on the ideal customer.

About
Dan started Dundas Valley Pools almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Dan grew the business to $8K/month
Read by 15,113 founders

6. Start a remodelling business

A home remodeling business focuses on renovating or making additions to one's home. Architects oversee the home remodeling process and are responsible for coordinating with other home remodeling professionals to ensure their client's needs are met.

If you are an architect looking for a side income or even a primary income opportunity, consider starting a home & office renovation business.

How much you can make: $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

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

Growing An Exterior Remodeling Company From $3.5K To $9M/Year

Carolina Exteriors is a residential home improvement service that generates $4,000,000 in revenue annually, with 12 full-time employees and over 50 trade partners, developed in response to the previous housing crisis and their founders' belief that contractors needed to be more customer-focused.

About
Clifton started Carolina Exteriors over 13 years ago
Revenue
Clifton grew the business to $350K/month
Costs
It cost Clifton $3500 to start the business
Read by 10,260 founders

7. Start a DIY business

How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 560 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.

About
Kim started Cooking Gift Set Co. almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Kim grew the business to $72.2K/month
Costs
It cost Kim $12000 to start the business
Read by 10,261 founders

8. Start a time tracking app

A time tracking app is a tool used allows its user to clock in/out via an internet-connected device or to use a stopwatch to record the start and end of tasks. The time tracker apps also have analytics and reporting features that consolidate the data so that users can gain insights into time spent on different tasks, projects, and clients.

The growing need among managers and enterprises to improve employee productivity and adopt a remote work culture contribute to the high demand for time-tracking apps.

Therefore, if you are looking for the best App-based business, you may consider developing a time tracker application. Here is a high-level overview of some steps to get you started working on your business idea of the time tracker App

  • Define the project scope
  • Choose a software development methodology
  • Formulate the approach for your development project
  • Create a project team
  • Develop the project plan with timelines
  • Test the prototypes
  • Find suitable API solutions
  • Publish the Apps

How much you can make: $350 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

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

How I Launched A $185K/Month Employee Time & GPS Tracking App

Labor Sync is a mobile application that provides business owners with the ability to track the time and GPS location of their mobile workforce and after just one year of use, they saved $104,000 across 45 employees despite starting off with no funds for advertising or marketing.

About
Dean started Labor Sync over 14 years ago
Revenue
Dean grew the business to $185K/month
Read by 7,487 founders

9. Start an etsy business

If you are an artist looking for ways to turn your skills into revenue, Etsy is your platform.

Etsy is a marketplace for artists and can bring in extra income or even replace your current job.

You can create art pieces and create a successful Etsy shop. Once your Etsy shop is online, consider joining a team to help you learn Etsy’s basics and how to market stuff on Etsy.

How much you can make: $100 — $135,000/month

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 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.

About
Sasha started Timber Grove Studios almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Sasha grew the business to $6.5K/month
Read by 58,317 founders

10. Start a bathroom appliance business

Bathroom appliances include bathtubs, toilets, sinks, taps, toilet seats, wall cabinets, and other wired fixtures like showers.

Homeowners often install bathroom appliances for functional and aesthetic reasons. High-quality bathroom appliances also improve the property's value and make the house livable.

To start a bathroom appliances business, research the market and understand consumer preferences. You can offer sales and installation services or partner with a professional appliance installer to help install the appliances.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 540 days (?)

How I Designed A $150K/Month Portable Pressurized Shower And Went On Shark Tank

Founder of RinseKit shares how he designed a portable pressurized shower that generates over $1.5M in sales per year and achieved great success with Kickstarter and appearing on Shark Tank, while providing advice on designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.

About
Chris started RinseKit over 9 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $150K/month
Read by 12,017 founders

11. Start a junk removal business

Households and businesses need help hauling away broken furniture, clearing out trash, and even emptying properties during a foreclosure. Therefore, the demand for junk removal services is high. Starting a junk removal business can be profitable if you own a box truck and are looking for self-employment opportunities.

To begin, perform market research in your area, and apply for the necessary regulatory permits or licenses. Build a website and market your services.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $37,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 20 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.

About
Sam started You Call We Haul Junk Removal almost 8 years ago
Revenue
Sam grew the business to $25K/month
Costs
It cost Sam $1700 to start the business
Read by 49,609 founders

12. Start an ecommerce store

An eCommerce business is a company that sells products or services online. Ecommerce businesses have many advantages over brick-and-mortar businesses, including lower overhead costs, increased flexibility and reach, and the ability to reach a wider audience.

eCommerce is booming right now because of the convenience and efficiency it offers consumers. Consumers can buy products from their favorite brands on a platform that makes the whole process easier than ever. They don't have to leave their homes or go out in public, they can just sit down at their computer, tablet or smartphone and browse through all of the options available to them.

To start an ecommerce business, you'll need to set up a website where customers can browse your inventory and purchase items, as well as payment processing software that allows you to accept credit card payments. You'll also need to choose a shopping cart software and manage inventory tracking software.

How much you can make: $450 — $62,500,000/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $20K/Month Southern Inspired Candle Business

Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.

About
DShawn started Southern Elegance Candle Company over 8 years ago
Revenue
DShawn grew the business to $140K/month
Read by 70,351 founders

13. Start a time tracking app

A time tracking app is a tool used allows its user to clock in/out via an internet-connected device or to use a stopwatch to record the start and end of tasks. The time tracker apps also have analytics and reporting features that consolidate the data so that users can gain insights into time spent on different tasks, projects, and clients.

The growing need among managers and enterprises to improve employee productivity and adopt a remote work culture contribute to the high demand for time-tracking apps.

Therefore, if you are looking for the best App-based business, you may consider developing a time tracker application. Here is a high-level overview of some steps to get you started working on your business idea of the time tracker App

  • Define the project scope
  • Choose a software development methodology
  • Formulate the approach for your development project
  • Create a project team
  • Develop the project plan with timelines
  • Test the prototypes
  • Find suitable API solutions
  • Publish the Apps

How much you can make: $350 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

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

How I Launched A $185K/Month Employee Time & GPS Tracking App

Labor Sync is a mobile application that provides business owners with the ability to track the time and GPS location of their mobile workforce and after just one year of use, they saved $104,000 across 45 employees despite starting off with no funds for advertising or marketing.

About
Dean started Labor Sync over 14 years ago
Revenue
Dean grew the business to $185K/month
Read by 7,487 founders

14. Start a bathroom appliance business

Bathroom appliances include bathtubs, toilets, sinks, taps, toilet seats, wall cabinets, and other wired fixtures like showers.

Homeowners often install bathroom appliances for functional and aesthetic reasons. High-quality bathroom appliances also improve the property's value and make the house livable.

To start a bathroom appliances business, research the market and understand consumer preferences. You can offer sales and installation services or partner with a professional appliance installer to help install the appliances.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 540 days (?)

How I Designed A $150K/Month Portable Pressurized Shower And Went On Shark Tank

Founder of RinseKit shares how he designed a portable pressurized shower that generates over $1.5M in sales per year and achieved great success with Kickstarter and appearing on Shark Tank, while providing advice on designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.

About
Chris started RinseKit over 9 years ago
Revenue
Chris grew the business to $150K/month
Read by 12,017 founders

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.