Solo flooring installer for builders and agents

Builders, renovators, real estate agents, property managers and landlords who need floors fitted quickly between tenants or during a renovation.

Charge per square metre laid, plus extras for removing old flooring and levelling the subfloor. Repeat work from a few builders or agents can keep you busy.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Hands-on fitting experience or a trade background
• Reliable and tidy on site
• Basic quoting and invoicing

• Licensing for flooring and minor building work differs by state and territory, so check with your state's licensing body
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire anyone
• Heavy lifting and knee strain, so plan your workload and use proper knee protection
• Moisture or uneven subfloors can cause failures, so check and document the base before laying
• Register for an ABN, and for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the tools, vehicle setup and insurance you already have. Many installers work from a ute with their own tools.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many jobs you take from builders, renovators and property managers. Expect to work at least about 20 hours a week.

Check licensing for flooring and minor building work with your state or territory licensing body, as it differs by state. Also check public liability insurance, workers compensation if you hire, ABN registration and the GST turnover threshold.