Household energy-saving advisor

Homeowners, landlords and renters who are worried about high bills, plus small community groups and body corporates.

Fixed fee per home assessment and written plan, with optional follow-up check-ins or bill reviews. Some advisers also charge for workshops.

• Understanding energy bills and tariffs
• Clear explaining and report writing
• Practical knowledge of home heating, cooling and appliances

• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, check what covers advice you give
• Do not recommend products or tariffs you cannot justify; check whether you need an Australian Financial Services Licence or similar if you go near financial products
• Check rules on being paid commissions by retailers or installers, and disclose any link clearly to clients
• Check council rules for running a home-based business

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how you set up your home checks, reports and insurance. Check what each part involves before you budget.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many households you advise and what you charge for each visit or online session.

Things to check include public liability and professional indemnity insurance, whether you need an Australian Financial Services Licence if you go near financial products, rules on commissions from retailers or installers (disclose any link), and council rules for home businesses.