Start a mobile chimney sweep business

Homeowners with wood heaters or fireplaces, landlords, property managers and holiday rental owners.

Fixed price per chimney or heater, often with a callout fee. Many customers book once a year, so repeat clients and referrals matter.

• Comfortable working on roofs and in dusty spaces
• Careful and tidy around customers' homes
• Basic knowledge of heaters and flues
• Customer service and booking

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your insurer covers work at height
• Safe roof access and fall protection, check your state's work health and safety rules
• Demand is seasonal in many areas, so plan your cash flow for summer
• Check whether your state or council requires any licence or has rules on solid fuel heaters
• Dust and soot exposure, wear a proper respirator

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the equipment, safety gear and vehicle setup you need. These are estimates only, so check prices for your own situation before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many jobs you book and your local demand. These are estimates, not guarantees. Demand is seasonal in many areas, so plan your cash flow for summer.

Check public liability insurance and whether your insurer covers work at height. Check your state's work health and safety rules on roof access and fall protection, and whether your state or council requires a licence or has solid fuel heater rules.