For 10 years I did sheetmetal work out of my little hobby shop... then one day a "customer" wasn't happy. I bent over backwards to make the guy happy and by happy I mean about $2500.00 real dollars out of my pocket to a "real" body shop (that never finished the work). Then the township showed up, seems they had a concern I was running an automotive repair shop in my backyard. THEN the IRS sent me a letter... I don't do anything anymore for anyone but really close friends and I MISS IT! I loved doing side work for people, good service for a good price made me feel good. I know countless people will have all kinds of advice on how to "avoid" this type of situation, but there isn't any advice that is correct, even from me. Just so you know, escrow accounts offer more protection for the person depositing than the person withdrawing. They will have to approve every withdrawal. $30 an hour does sound cheap though, but if you're doing time AND materials $30 and hour isn't bad. I normally gave a firm labor price and had them buy most of the material. Have Fun and keep it simple.