Renovation adviser for homeowners

Homeowners, owner-builders and people buying or renovating a home who want an expert on their side.

Hourly rate or fixed fee per job, such as a quote review, a plan check or a site visit. Ongoing project monitoring can be charged as a monthly or staged fee.

• Solid building or trade background
• Reading plans, specifications and quotes
• Explaining technical things simply
• Honest, independent advice

• Check your state's building licensing or registration body to see what advice you can give without being registered
• Professional indemnity insurance, as bad advice can lead to claims
• Avoid presenting yourself as a certifier, surveyor or inspector unless you hold the right qualification
• Conflicts of interest if you take referral fees from builders
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on things like insurance, software, tools and how you promote the business. Get quotes for professional indemnity insurance early, as it is something to plan for.

Rules vary by state, so check your state's building licensing or registration body to see what advice you can give without being registered. Also avoid presenting yourself as a certifier, surveyor or inspector unless you hold the right qualification.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on and how many hours you work. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.