Plasterboard repairs and small renovations
Fix holes, water damage and cracked ceilings, and plaster small rooms for homeowners.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Smaller residential jobs such as patching holes, repairing water-damaged ceilings, fixing cracks and lining a single room or garage. You deal directly with homeowners and landlords.
Your first three steps
- Check your state's licensing rules, as the dollar limit for unlicensed minor work varies and often applies to plastering
- Set up a van or ute with dust sheets, a vacuum sander and a basic tool kit, and arrange public liability insurance
- Create a simple local listing with before-and-after photos and ask property managers about repair work
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers and strata managers.
How it makes money
Quoted price per job or hourly rate with a minimum call-out fee, plus materials. Word of mouth and local listings feed repeat work.
Skills that help
- Patching and smooth finishing
- Clear quoting and customer service
- Tidy, dust-aware working in occupied homes
Watch out for
- Licence thresholds and contract rules for residential work vary by state, check your state's licensing body
- Older homes may contain asbestos in walls, ceilings or sheeting, so stop and check the rules before cutting or sanding
- Public liability insurance and possibly home warranty insurance for larger jobs, check requirements in your state
- Accurate quotes, as hidden damage can blow out time and cost
- Written agreements and deposits rules for domestic work differ by state
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a plasterboard repair business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and insurance. These are estimates only, so get real quotes for equipment and cover before you begin.
What rules should I check before doing plasterboard repairs?
Check licence thresholds and contract rules for residential work in your state, plus deposit and written agreement rules. Older homes may contain asbestos, so stop and check the rules before cutting or sanding. Check insurance requirements too.
How much can a plasterboard repair business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how many jobs you take and their size. Accurate quotes matter, as hidden damage can blow out time and cost.
Other ways to run this business
Plasterboard fixer and stopper (subcontract)
Hang and set plasterboard walls and ceilings as a subcontractor for builders and renovators.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Plasterboard crew for new builds and fit-outs
Run a small crew that lines homes and commercial fit-outs for builders on a contract basis.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
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