Chimney inspection and repair service
Offer camera flue inspections, heater servicing and minor chimney repairs on top of sweeping.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A fuller service that combines sweeping with camera inspections of flues, written condition reports, and repairs such as new cowls, rain caps, flashing and flue liner fixes. Wood heater servicing can be added.
Your first three steps
- Check with your state's building and plumbing or gas licensing bodies which repairs you can do and which need a licensed tradie
- Buy an inspection camera and a vehicle setup for ladders, tools and materials, then get insurance that covers repair work
- Introduce yourself to real estate agents, building inspectors and fireplace retailers, and offer a simple flue condition report
Who pays
Homeowners, buyers and sellers who need a flue report, landlords, property managers and insurance-related jobs.
How it makes money
Charges per inspection report, per repair job (labour plus materials) and per sweep. Higher-value repair jobs lift the average income per customer.
Skills that help
- Practical building or trade know-how
- Clear written reports for customers
- Safe work at heights
- Quoting and basic business admin
Watch out for
- Licensing for repairs and installs differs by state, and gas flues or building work may need a licence (check before quoting)
- Public liability insurance, and ask your broker about cover for repair work and advice you give in reports
- Carbon monoxide and fire risks if a repair is done badly, so be clear about what you inspected and found
- Possible asbestos in older flues and cement sheeting
- Busy in cooler months, so plan other work or income for summer
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: chimney inspection and repair service
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a chimney inspection and repair business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on equipment such as inspection cameras and the repair services you offer. Your costs will vary with how fully you set up for repair work.
How much can a chimney inspection and repair service earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the mix of inspections, repairs and sweeping you win. Work is busiest in cooler months, so plan for summer. Estimates start from about 25 hours a week.
Do I need a licence to repair chimneys in Australia?
Check before quoting. Licensing for repairs and installs differs by state, and gas flues or building work may need a licence. Also check public liability cover for repair work and the advice in your reports, and be alert to possible asbestos in older flues.
Similar home services ideas
Pest control for local businesses
Win regular service contracts with cafes, restaurants, strata and small businesses.
- A$6k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Registered home help agency for funded clients
Supply domestic help to people whose home support is funded through aged care or disability programs, with a small team of workers.
- A$5k-25k
- Full-time
- From home
Sunroom and glass room kit installer
Install ready-made sunroom and enclosed patio kits for homeowners, working with suppliers and a small crew.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online heater and parts store
Sell heaters, flues and replacement parts online and point buyers to licensed installers in their area.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Online
Awning supply and installation
Measure up, supply and fit awnings for homes and small businesses, working from a ute or van and a home office.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Subcontract window and door installer
Fit uPVC windows and doors for suppliers, builders and renovators, who handle the sales and ordering.
- A$6k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about