Starting a CAD Drafting Service Step-by-Step Guide

Start a CAD Drafting Service for Design Professionals

Starting a CAD drafting service can be a practical way to work for yourself. You use software, a workstation, and your technical skills instead of stocking shelves or running a retail shop. You can often start from a home office and grow as your workload grows.

Before you look at software and equipment, you need to decide if business ownership is right for you. You are trading steady paychecks for uncertainty and full responsibility. You will deal with deadlines, demanding clients, and technical detail every day.

Take time to think this through, not just for this business but for any business idea. You can use a guide like Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business to walk through the bigger questions.

Is This the Right Business for You?

CAD drafting is detailed, technical work. You spend long hours at a computer, working with plans and models, following standards, and handling revisions. If you like precision, structure, and working with design professionals, this can fit you well.

Passion matters here. When projects pile up and clients push for changes, you will need more than the idea of being “your own boss” to keep going. If you only want out of your current job or a quick fix for money problems, that pressure may break you.

So ask yourself if you are moving toward something you enjoy, or just running away from something you dislike. Read through How Passion Affects Your Business and be honest about why you want to start this service.

What a CAD Drafting Service Actually Does

A CAD drafting service prepares technical drawings and models for architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and designers. You turn sketches, concepts, and markups into clear plans that others can build, fabricate, or install from.

You usually do not act as the architect or engineer of record. Licensed professionals keep responsibility for design decisions and for signing and sealing drawings where needed. You support their work with accurate drawings and models.

Your service can focus on one type of drafting or cover several. For example, you might handle architectural floor plans, structural details, mechanical parts, or MEP layouts. Later you can adjust, but you need an initial focus to plan your startup.

Decide Your Role, Scale, and Business Model

This type of business can start small. Many CAD drafting services begin as solo operations from a home office. You handle every project yourself, then add subcontractors or staff drafters when work grows.

Decide early if you plan to stay solo for a while or build a small team. Your choice affects how you structure the business, how much space you need, and how much funding you look for. It also shapes how many projects you can accept at once.

Think about whether you will keep the business owner-operated, bring in a partner, or seek investors later. For most new CAD drafting services, starting as a small, owner-run business and growing from there is easier to control.

Research Demand and Profit Potential

Before you invest in software and hardware, you need to know if people will pay for your work. Research the firms in your region that use CAD drawings: architects, engineers, design-build companies, contractors, and manufacturers. See who might outsource drafting.

Look at project listings, job boards, and local firm websites. Check how often they mention outsourcing, remote drafting, or external design support. Compare what they need to what you plan to offer. You want clear signs of demand and room for another provider.

Use a guide like supply and demand basics to judge whether the market can support a new provider at the rates you need to cover expenses and pay yourself.

Talk to Non-Competing Owners and Get an Inside Look

You can save months of trial and error by talking to people already in this field. The key is to speak with owners who do not see you as competition. Look for CAD drafting services or related firms in other cities or states.

Prepare good questions about their projects, common problems, software choices, and what they would do differently if they were starting over. Respect their time and privacy. You are not asking for client lists or secrets, only insight.

For ideas on how to approach these conversations, review the guide on getting an inside look at a business before you start. That approach works well for CAD drafting owners too.

Define Your Services, Packages, and Pricing

Once you understand the market, clarify exactly what you will offer. This step shapes your pricing, your equipment list, and the skills you must have before you launch. It also helps future clients see if you are a good fit for their projects.

You might focus on 2D drafting for architectural projects, or add 3D modeling, BIM collaboration, shop drawings, and as-built drawings. You can also offer conversion of paper drawings or old CAD files into clean, updated formats.

Decide if you will charge by the hour, by the drawing, by the project, or on a retainer for regular clients. For help thinking through pricing methods, study the guide on pricing your products and services.

Hourly billing for custom or unclear scopes.
Fixed fees for standard drawing sets or repeat tasks.
Retainer or monthly agreements with firms that send ongoing work.
White-label work where your drawings go out under the client’s name.

Plan Your Startup Costs

CAD drafting is not as expensive to start as some industrial businesses, but it still has real costs. You need a capable workstation, licensed software, reliable backup, and a basic office setup. You also have registration fees and professional help to consider.

Start by listing everything you must have on day one. Add what you can add later, such as extra monitors, upgraded software modules, or more comfortable furniture. Be realistic. Underestimating costs is a common cause of early stress.

To organize and estimate these costs, use a resource such as the guide on estimating startup costs. Adjust the examples to fit a service-based, office-based business like this one.

Business registration and licensing fees.
Workstation and peripherals.
CAD and related software licenses.
Office furniture and supplies.
Website, domain, and initial branding.
Professional services such as legal and accounting help.

List of Essential Equipment and Software

A CAD drafting service depends on reliable equipment and software. Cutting corners here can hurt productivity and accuracy. You do not need the most expensive setup, but you do need tools that handle your workload smoothly.

Make your list based on the services you plan to offer. A specialist in architectural drafting may choose different software than someone focused on mechanical parts. You can start with one core platform and expand later as needed.

Use this list as a starting point, then refine it with input from experienced drafters, vendors, or a trusted advisor.

Computers and hardware
- High-performance workstation or laptop with a strong processor, ample memory, and capable graphics card.
- At least one large monitor; many drafters prefer dual monitors.
- Uninterruptible power supply to protect against outages.
- External drives or network storage for backups.
Input devices
- Standard keyboard and precise mouse.
- Optional 3D navigation device for modeling work.
- Optional pen display or graphics tablet for sketching and markups.
CAD and related software
- Main CAD platform(s) based on your niche (for example, software focused on architectural, mechanical, or general drafting).
- 3D modeling or BIM software if you plan to offer modeling and coordination services.
- PDF creation and editing tools for sharing and marking up drawings.
- File compression tools for sending large drawing sets.
- Cloud storage for sharing and backing up files.
- Security and antivirus software.
Printing and scanning
- Standard printer and scanner, or a multi-function device.
- Access to a large-format plotter in-house or through a local reprographics shop.
Office furniture and setup
- Desk with enough space for your monitors and reference drawings.
- Adjustable chair with good back support.
- Shelving, drawers, or flat files for storing plans and project files.
Communication and coordination
- Business phone line or voice service.
- Webcam and headset for online project meetings.
- Basic project tracking or task management tool.
- Online meeting software if not built into other tools.

Skills You Need and How to Cover the Gaps

You need solid drafting skills before you launch. That includes comfort with your chosen CAD platform, understanding of drawing standards, and the ability to read plans and technical sketches. You also need basic business skills to handle quotes, invoices, and client communication.

If you are missing some skills, that does not mean you must give up. It means you need a plan. You can take courses, work through tutorials, practice on sample projects, or work part-time in the field before opening your own service.

For business skills you do not enjoy or do well, you can bring in help. You can hire staff, use outside services, or work with a bookkeeper, designer, or virtual assistant. You do not have to do everything yourself, especially for tasks outside your strengths.

Technical drafting and modeling skills.
Understanding of plans, sections, details, and schedules.
Basic knowledge of building or product standards in your niche.
Time management and deadline control.
Clear written and verbal communication with clients.

Choose a Business Structure and Register

You must operate under a legal business structure. Many small service businesses start as sole proprietorships because they are simple to set up. Others choose a limited liability company to create a separate legal entity and a more formal structure.

The right choice depends on your risk, tax situation, and long-term plans. An accountant or attorney can help you weigh the options. Whatever you choose, follow your state’s rules for formation and registration.

For an overview of common structures and registration steps, see the guide on how to register a business. You can also build a team of advisors to help you handle this correctly.

Decide between sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.
Register your chosen structure with your state if required.
Apply for an Employer Identification Number if your situation calls for it.

Handle Local Licenses, Zoning, and Home-Based Rules

Even a home-based CAD drafting service may need local approvals. Many cities and counties require a basic business license or tax registration. Zoning rules may also limit certain kinds of business activity in residential areas.

If you plan to work from home, check your city’s rules on home-based businesses. Look for limits on client visits, parking, signage, and how much of your home you can use. If you lease office space, you may need a Certificate of Occupancy to confirm the space is approved for office use.

These rules vary widely, so you must look them up for your location. Your city or county website usually has a page for business licensing and planning.

Check city and county websites for business license requirements.
Review zoning and home-occupation rules if you work from home.
Confirm if your office space needs a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

Choose a Business Name, Domain, and Social Handles

Your business name should be clear, easy to say, and easy to spell. It should hint at what you do and not sound like dozens of other firms in your area. It also needs to be available for registration, domain, and social accounts.

Brainstorm several names. Check your state’s business name search, your domain registrar, and social platforms. Avoid names that are too narrow if you might expand your services later.

For more help choosing a strong name, review the guide on selecting a business name. Take your time here. Changing names later can be costly and confusing.

Plan Your Location and Office Setup

A CAD drafting service usually does not need a retail storefront. Many start from a home office or a small professional office. The key is a quiet, comfortable space with reliable internet and enough room for your workstation and reference materials.

Think about privacy and focus. You will often deal with client plans and deadlines. A cramped corner in a busy kitchen may not work long term. You may also want space for occasional client meetings, either in person or online.

Use the ideas in the guide on choosing a business location and adjust them for a service-based, appointment-driven business like CAD drafting.

Home office with clear boundaries and minimal interruptions.
Small rented office in a professional building if you prefer a separate space.
Comfortable layout for your desk, monitors, and storage.

Create Your Business Plan

A written plan helps you stay focused. It does not have to be long or fancy. It should show what you will offer, who you will serve, what you will charge, and how you expect the money to work.

Even if you never show it to a bank, you can use your plan as a reference. When you feel overwhelmed, you can look back and see what you agreed to do and what you decided not to do yet.

For a step-by-step approach, follow the guide on how to write a business plan and adjust each section to this type of service.

Describe your services and niche.
Outline your target clients and market research.
List your startup costs and monthly expenses.
Set clear income and cash flow goals.

Arrange Funding and Set Up Banking

Once you know your costs, decide how you will pay for them. Many CAD drafting services start with savings, part-time work, or a small line of credit. Others seek loans if they need more cash for equipment or office space.

Be realistic about what you can afford. Borrowing money without a clear plan to repay it creates a new problem. Think about how long it will take before you can cover both business costs and personal needs.

If you plan to apply for financing, review the guide on how to get a business loan. When you are ready, open a business checking account so you can keep your business and personal money separate.

Confirm your total startup cost and a cushion for the first few months.
Choose funding sources you understand and can manage.
Open business accounts at a financial institution you trust.

Protect Yourself With Insurance and Advisors

Even a small drafting service faces risk. A client might claim your drawings contributed to a delay or extra cost. Someone could trip in your office. A fire or surge could damage your equipment and data.

Common coverages to explore include general liability, professional liability, and property coverage for your equipment. Requirements vary, and some clients may insist on certain coverage before working with you.

Use the guide on business insurance as a starting point. Then speak with a licensed insurance broker in your area and consider building a team of professional advisors to guide you on legal, tax, and risk issues.

Build Your Brand, Corporate Identity, and Website

Your brand is how clients recognize and remember you. It includes your logo, colors, style of communication, and how your business looks online and on paper. Even a small service benefits from a clear and consistent identity.

Start with the basics. Design a simple logo, choose a color scheme, and apply it to your website, email signature, and documents. Create a clean layout for your proposals, invoices, and drawing title blocks.

To think through your materials, look at guides on corporate identity packages, business cards, business signs if you use exterior signage, and planning a small business website.

Logo and basic color scheme.
Business cards for networking and local meetings.
Simple information website with services, background, and contact details.
Optional sign at an office location, if allowed by local rules.

Set Your Pricing and Terms

Pricing is more than a number. It needs to cover your time, overhead, and risk, and still remain fair for your clients. You will likely adjust as you gain experience, but you need a starting structure before you open.

Look at what similar services charge in your region and online. Then build your own rate based on your costs and your desired pay. Be careful not to undercharge just to win work. That pattern is hard to escape later.

Use the guidance in pricing your products and services to test your numbers against reality.

Base hourly rate or baseline project fee.
Minimum charges for small jobs.
Extra charges for rush work or weekend work if you choose to offer it.
Clear payment terms and late payment rules.

Plan Your Workflow, Templates, and Contracts

Before you take on your first client, set up your workflow. Decide how you will receive project information, how you will organize files, and how you will track deadlines. Doing this early will save you trouble later.

Create standard drawing templates with your title block, layers, text styles, and dimension styles. Set up file naming rules and folder structures so you can find things quickly. Plan how you will back up files to protect your work.

Draft a basic service agreement that covers scope, revisions, timelines, and ownership of drawings. If you are unsure, ask a lawyer to review your agreement. It is easier to set clear expectations upfront than to argue later.

Drawing templates for each type of project you expect.
Checklist for information you need before starting a job.
Standard contract or letter of agreement.
Simple system for tracking time and project status.

A Day in the Life Before You Launch

Before you open your doors, walk through a “test day” in your mind. Picture how you will handle common tasks. This helps you see what is missing in your setup and where you may need better systems.

You wake up, check messages from clients, and review your project list. You confirm which drawings you must work on today and what questions you need to send out for clarification. You then spend several hours drafting, updating models, and handling markups.

Later in the day, you attend an online meeting with an architect, revise plans based on feedback, and prepare files for delivery. You log your time, send invoices, and back up your work before you shut down. If this day feels acceptable to you, you are closer to being ready.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not every project is a good fit. Some requests can put your reputation or even your legal position at risk. You need to recognize those early and either adjust the scope or say no.

Watch for people who want you to act like a licensed professional if you are not one. Be careful with vague projects where no one defines what a “finished” job looks like. Pay attention to how potential clients handle agreements and payments.

If something feels off, slow down. Ask questions. A small project is not worth serious risk.

Requests to sign or seal drawings without proper licenses.
Pressure to ignore codes, standards, or safety requirements.
No written scope, deadlines, or revision limits.
Clients who resist signing agreements or paying deposits.

Pre-Launch Checklist for Your CAD Drafting Service

By this point, you should have a clear plan. Before you announce your service, take one more pass through your setup. Make sure you did not skip key steps and that you can handle a small project from start to finish.

Test your workflow with a sample project. Send yourself drawings, process them through your system, and “deliver” them as if you were sending them to a client. Note where you feel confusion or delay and fix those points.

If you want extra help spotting common issues new owners face, read the guide on mistakes to avoid when starting a small business. It will help you tighten your plan.

Business structure chosen and registered where required.
Local licenses and zoning checks completed.
Equipment, software, and backups in place and tested.
Bank accounts, basic bookkeeping, and insurance arranged.
Website, email, and phone ready for client contact.
Pricing, contracts, and workflow tested on sample jobs.

Final Self-Check Before You Commit

Starting a CAD drafting service is a serious move. It can give you independence, but it also brings risk and responsibility. You have looked at the work, the skills, the costs, and the legal side.

Ask yourself a few final questions. Are you ready to put in the time to build skill and trust? Have you been honest about your motivation and your family’s support? Do you have at least a basic plan for money, clients, and daily work?

If your answers are mostly yes, then you can move forward with more confidence. If not, pause and strengthen the weak areas. Running a business is hard enough. Give yourself the best start you can.

101 Tips to Improve and Grow Your CAD Drafting Service

These tips draw from many sides of running a CAD drafting service and give you practical choices to work with.

Some will fit your situation right now, others will matter later, so keep this list close and revisit it as your business changes.

Pick one tip, apply it until it feels natural, then come back for another when you are ready.

What to Do Before Starting

Clarify whether you want to focus on architectural, engineering, product, or mixed drafting, because your niche shapes the software, standards, and clients you will work with.
List the skills you already have in your chosen niche and the ones you lack, then set a deadline to close the most important gaps through courses, practice, or employment before going out on your own.
Talk with at least three non-competing drafting or design business owners to learn what work actually looks like day to day and which project types they avoid.
Do basic market research in your region and online to confirm there are enough firms that outsource drafting rather than keeping it all in-house.
Roughly calculate how many billable hours per month you need at realistic rates to cover expenses and pay yourself, and decide if that target feels achievable.
Build a small portfolio of sample or practice projects that show you can handle the types of drawings you plan to offer, even if you created them on your own time.
Decide whether you will start part-time while employed elsewhere or full-time from day one, since that choice affects both risk and how quickly you must win clients.
Identify professionals you can call on for legal, tax, and insurance questions so you are not guessing about critical decisions when you open.

What Successful CAD Drafting Service Owners Do

Maintain clear drawing standards for layers, line weights, text, and symbols so every project from their office looks consistent.
Start each new project with a well-built template file instead of reusing old drawings, reducing errors and setup time.
Track time by project and task so they know which services are profitable and which ones drain hours without fair pay.
Review a sample of finished drawings every month against a quality checklist to catch recurring errors and refine standards.
Build strong relationships with a small core group of architects, engineers, or contractors who send steady work instead of chasing every opportunity.
Schedule blocks of focused drafting time with phones and notifications silenced to protect concentration on complex work.
Keep their portfolio fresh by adding new project examples and retiring old ones that no longer represent their best skills.
Say no to projects that fall outside their expertise or that have unclear scope, protecting both quality and reputation.
Reinvest a portion of profits each year in upgraded hardware, software, and training instead of waiting until tools fail.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Create a simple project startup checklist that lists the drawings, models, and reference documents needed before you begin drafting.
Standardize file naming for projects, drawings, and revisions so you and any helpers can locate the right version quickly.
Use a shared folder structure for every project, with predictable locations for references, working files, and issued documents.
Run regular automated backups of all project files to both local storage and secure cloud storage so a single device failure does not stop the business.
Document how you set up a new drawing, from opening the template to setting scales and viewports, so anyone helping you can follow the same sequence.
Build a short checklist for outgoing drawings that covers coordinates, scales, title blocks, revision notes, and plot settings before you send files to clients.
Use basic project management software or a simple board to track each job from quote to final issue, so no small task gets lost.
Block time each week for invoicing, bookkeeping, and follow-up on unpaid bills, instead of waiting until cash flow becomes a crisis.
Separate your business bank account from your personal account to simplify bookkeeping and avoid confusion at tax time.
Create standard quote templates with fields for scope, deliverables, revisions, schedule, and price so you do not forget important terms.
When you bring in subcontractors, confirm in writing who owns the work product, how revisions are handled, and when they get paid.
Set internal deadlines a little earlier than client deadlines so you have margin to fix errors or handle last-minute changes.
Decide which tasks you will eventually delegate, such as bookkeeping or basic drafting, and start documenting those tasks now.
Schedule short internal project reviews at milestones to confirm that your work still matches client expectations and original scope.
Keep a simple log of client change requests during each project so you can justify added fees when scope expands.
Use a basic client onboarding script to explain your process, typical timelines, and how you handle questions and revisions.
Review your software license agreements and renewal dates at least once a year so your tools stay legal and current.
Create a reference folder of common details, notes, and title blocks that are approved for reuse so you do not recreate the same content from scratch.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Understand that in most states only licensed architects or engineers can sign and seal drawings for permitting, so your firm should position itself as a drafting support service rather than a design authority unless you hold those licenses.
Learn the common standards used in your segment, such as national layering and drawing conventions, so your files match what larger firms expect.
Remember that construction and development cycles can affect your workload, with slower periods when fewer projects are approved and busy stretches when many jobs move at once.
Recognize that many firms now expect coordination across disciplines, so you need to understand how architectural, structural, and building systems drawings work together.
Be aware of confidentiality and data security expectations, especially for industrial or product work where drawings describe proprietary designs.
Know that some clients will test new drafters on small projects before trusting them with more complex jobs, so early performance matters a lot.
Watch for changes in software licensing models and file formats, since these shifts can affect how you share work and what tools your clients expect you to use.
Keep an eye on local economic signals in construction, manufacturing, and real estate so you can anticipate changes in demand for drafting services.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Clearly describe your niche on your website and profiles so visitors can see in seconds whether you handle the type of work they need.
Show a small but strong set of project examples rather than a long list, and focus each example on the problem solved and the drawings delivered.
Write a short overview of your process from first contact to final drawings so potential clients understand how working with you will feel.
Make sure your contact information is easy to find, and respond quickly to inquiries so you do not lose leads to faster competitors.
Ask satisfied clients if you may mention their project and company name in your marketing, and respect confidentiality when they prefer to stay anonymous.
Use professional networks where architects, engineers, and contractors gather, and share helpful insights rather than only asking for work.
Attend local design or construction events and introduce yourself to decision-makers who regularly need drafting support.
Prepare a concise capabilities sheet you can send by email that lists your services, software, and sectors served.
Develop a simple referral plan by telling existing clients exactly what type of projects you are looking for and thanking them when they introduce you to others.
Track which marketing efforts actually produce work so you can stop spending time on channels that never bring paying clients.
Keep your portfolio and description consistent across your website and any profiles so you present one clear message everywhere.
Offer to review a small pilot project for a new client at your normal rate, but with extra care on communication and follow-through to build early trust.
Build relationships with local print shops and related service providers who can recommend you when their customers ask for drafting help.
Consider writing short articles or posts that explain drafting topics in plain language to show your expertise to non-technical clients.
Make it easy for clients to schedule a quick introductory call or meeting without long back-and-forth exchanges.
Use testimonials that speak to accuracy, reliability, and communication, since those are key concerns for firms that outsource drafting.
Maintain a simple contact database with notes about each lead, so you can follow up politely after a reasonable time without sounding random.
Review your marketing message once or twice a year to ensure it still reflects the services you offer and the types of projects you want.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

Explain early what you can and cannot do, including whether you provide design input or only document designs supplied by licensed professionals.
Ask new clients about their internal standards and file preferences so you can match their expectations on the first project.
Confirm scope, deliverables, and deadlines in writing even for small jobs, so everyone has the same understanding.
Break complex projects into clear stages with review points, so clients know when they will see draft sets and when final files will arrive.
Be honest when you spot potential issues in the information provided, and ask for clarification instead of guessing.
When a client adds new requirements, pause to discuss how that change affects schedule and price, rather than silently absorbing extra work.
Give clients a brief summary when you deliver drawings, noting what changed since the last issue and what you still need from them.
Treat long-term clients as partners by occasionally asking what you could change to make their work easier.
Keep records of client preferences, such as title block notes or standard details, so you do not have to ask the same questions on every job.
After a project finishes, thank the client and, when appropriate, ask whether they know anyone else who struggles with drafting workload.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

Set clear response time goals for emails and calls, and mention those expectations in your agreements so clients know when they will hear back.
Create a simple policy for handling revisions, including what counts as included adjustments and what requires a new fee.
Decide how you will handle urgent requests, including any premium rates or limits, so you can respond consistently under pressure.
Develop a standard approach for handling complaints that starts with listening, then restating the issue, and proposing specific fixes.
Ask select clients for structured feedback once or twice a year to learn where your service is smooth and where it feels difficult for them.
Document your customer service policies and keep them short enough that you and any future staff can actually follow them.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

Reduce unnecessary printing by sharing digital drawings and only plotting on paper when clients or authorities require it.
Choose energy-efficient computers and monitors when you replace equipment to cut power use over time.
Schedule regular maintenance and cleaning for your hardware so it runs efficiently and lasts longer.
Use digital archiving instead of stacks of printed plans, keeping physical copies only when contracts or regulations demand it.
Consider remote meetings instead of driving to every discussion, saving time, fuel, and wear on your vehicle.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

Follow a small number of trusted sources on design and drafting technology instead of trying to follow everything at once.
Set a recurring time on your calendar to review updates in your primary software so new features do not catch you by surprise.
Join at least one professional group related to architecture, engineering, or drafting where members discuss practical problems and solutions.
Take part in occasional training sessions or online courses to deepen skills in your main niche rather than hopping between unrelated topics.
Once a year, review whether your services still match where the industry is heading, and adjust your learning plan based on what you see.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Track your workload over time to spot busy and slow seasons, then plan marketing and training during quieter periods.
Build a client list that spans several sectors, such as residential, commercial, and light industrial, so you are not dependent on one market.
Keep a simple continuity plan that covers what happens to projects and clients if your main workstation fails or you cannot work for a short time.
When new competitors appear, study the services they promote and adjust your own positioning instead of reacting emotionally.
Experiment with new tools or features in controlled test projects before rolling them into live work.
Be willing to adjust your service menu when certain offerings consistently lose money or no longer match client needs.
Review your contracts and policies after any major disruption, such as supply chain issues or sudden changes in client schedules, to see whether you need stronger protections.

What Not to Do

Do not base your prices solely on what others charge without checking whether those rates cover your actual costs and time.
Do not accept projects that require professional licenses you do not hold or suggest that your drawings can replace work by qualified architects or engineers.
Do not run projects without written agreements, because verbal promises are easy to forget and hard to enforce.
Do not rely on a single client for most of your revenue, since losing that client can threaten the entire business.
Do not skip backups or rely on a single copy of project files, as a hardware failure or accidental deletion can erase weeks of work.
Do not use unlicensed or pirated software, since it can expose you to legal trouble and sudden loss of access.
Do not ignore your own limits; taking on more work than you can handle leads to errors, missed deadlines, and damaged relationships.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, USA.gov, Autodesk, United States National CAD Standard, CAD Crowd, Shalin Designs, TEK4S, CADCAM, AutoCADContent, Internal Revenue Service, Bricsys, Noble Desktop