Home service business ideas with startup costs over $20,000
43 ideas
These 43 home service ideas suit people who have savings, a partner or access to financing and want a business with real equipment, vehicles or premises. Examples include a small fire damage restoration company, a mobile water damage drying and cleanup crew, and garden build and hardscape projects.
Awnings for cafés and shops
Supply and fit storefront and patio awnings for cafés, restaurants and shops, often with your branding on them.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Bark and mulch supply yard
Run a small yard selling bulk bark and mulch to landscapers, garden centres and homeowners.
- C$25k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local carpet and underlay warehouse supplier
Stock carpet rolls and underlay in a small unit and supply flooring shops and fitters in your region.
- C$30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Full-house cladding and siding crew
Lead a small crew that strips and re-clads whole houses and small buildings with siding.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Furniture repair and upholstery studio
Rent a small unit to repair, restore and re-cover furniture for homes, businesses and retailers.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Grounds care for small businesses and landlords
Keep lawns and planting tidy for small commercial sites, condos and rental properties with a small crew.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Local radiator shop and repair counter
Sell, repair and swap home radiators from a small unit for homeowners, landlords and heating contractors.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Renovation and construction site cleanup
Clear rubble, offcuts and packaging from job sites for renovators and small builders on a regular basis.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local flooring showroom and trade supplier
Run a small showroom and stockroom supplying wood and laminate flooring to local installers, builders and homeowners.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Alarm and security shop with installation service
Run a small storefront selling alarm kits and cameras, with a fitting team for bigger jobs.
- C$25k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Full-time handyman service with a van
Run a busy handyman business serving homeowners, landlords and property managers.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Kitchen design and install service
Offer a full kitchen refit: plan the layout, supply the units and manage the install with trusted trades.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Commercial parking lot snow clearing
Plough and salt small car parks and paths for shops, offices and condo buildings under seasonal contracts.
- C$8k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Alarm and CCTV installer for small businesses
Design and fit alarms, access control and CCTV for shops, offices and workshops, and take on subcontract work.
- C$8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Watch and clock repair shop
Open a small repair counter or kiosk for walk-in batteries, straps and full servicing of watches and clocks.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Commercial lawn maintenance contracts
Maintain lawns for small businesses, condos and offices on seasonal contracts with a small crew.
- C$8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Property upkeep for multi-unit buildings
Win ongoing upkeep contracts for small apartment buildings, including seasonal tasks and repairs.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Full-service home stager with furniture inventory
Furnish empty or dated listings with your own rented-out furniture and décor to help them sell or rent faster.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Blinds and shutters showroom
Open a small shop with displays so customers can see, touch and order blinds, with fitting included.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Garden build and hardscape projects
Build patios, walkways, fences, sod lawns and planted beds as project work for homeowners.
- C$8k-40k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Custom home cinema design and install
Plan and build dedicated media rooms for homeowners, from layout and acoustics to final calibration.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Basement waterproofing contractor
Run a small crew doing exterior and interior waterproofing, drainage and sump pump installs.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Small appliance repair shop
Open a small street-front shop where locals bring kettles, vacuums and other appliances to be fixed.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Vacuum repair shop with a small storefront
Run a small shop that repairs, services and sells parts and refurbished vacuums to walk-in customers.
- C$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Higher budgets usually pay for trucks, specialized tools, inventory or a lease, so start by listing what you must buy before your first paying job. Think about trade experience, certifications, insurance and whether your province requires licences or permits for the work. Also consider how seasonal the demand is, since landscaping and outdoor jobs slow down over a Canadian winter. Comparing the full cost against the work you can realistically win in your first year will help you choose.
More ideas
- Mobile water softener dealer and installer
- Supply-and-fit vinyl windows and doors
- Wood stove and fireplace showroom
- Neighbourhood electrical repair shop
- Commercial bird control contracts
- Local furnace and parts shop
- Custom sunroom design and build
- Lawn and garden equipment rental shop
- Small fire damage restoration company
- Stucco and EIFS installation crew
- Countertop workshop and supplier
- Skylight installation and replacement contractor
- Mobile water damage drying and cleanup crew
- Neighbourhood tool and equipment rental shop
- Landscape supply yard
- Bulk landscape materials delivery
- Chimney repair and cap installation
- Patio cover and sunroom installer
- Mobile water treatment dealer for homes and farms
Questions
Why do some home service businesses cost over $20,000 to start?
Costs often come from vehicles, specialized equipment, inventory, a yard or a storefront lease. Restoration, landscaping supply and flooring showrooms tend to need several of these at once. Check quotes for each item and keep a cash buffer for the slow early months.
Do I need licences or certifications for home service work in Canada?
It depends on the trade and the province or municipality. Work involving electrical, gas, water systems, security or restoration may need qualifications, permits or specific insurance. Check with your provincial regulator, your city and your insurer before buying equipment or taking jobs.
How can I fund a home service business costing over $20,000?
Common options include personal savings, equipment financing, a small business loan or a partner investing alongside you. Check lender requirements, interest costs and whether the equipment can be leased instead of bought. Build a realistic budget and repayment plan before committing.