Home services business ideas that run from your own premises
18 ideas
These 18 home services ideas all need a dedicated space, whether that is a small storefront, a workshop, a showroom or a yard. They suit people who want a visible local business, have a trade or repair skill, or are comfortable holding stock and serving walk-in customers.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Wood stove and fireplace showroom
Open a small showroom selling wood stoves and accessories, with installation by certified fitters.
- C$30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighbourhood electrical repair shop
Open a small storefront repairing household appliances and equipment for locals and nearby businesses.
- C$12k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Lamp restoration for antique dealers and shops
Restore and rewire vintage and antique lamps for dealers, so they can sell them safely.
- C$1k-5k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Local furnace and parts shop
Sell furnaces, parts and filters from a small shop, with licensed installers fitting them for homeowners.
- C$25k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Lawn and garden equipment rental shop
Run a small rental unit with a wider range of lawn and garden machines for homeowners and landscapers.
- C$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Countertop workshop and supplier
Run a small workshop that cuts, finishes and fits countertops for homeowners and builders.
- C$25k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighbourhood tool and equipment rental shop
Open a small rental shop serving homeowners and local trades with a wide range of tools and equipment.
- C$50k-200k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Landscape supply yard
Run a small yard selling soil, gravel, mulch and paving stone to landscapers, builders and homeowners.
- C$60k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Examples include a vacuum repair shop with a small storefront, a furniture repair and upholstery studio, and a neighbourhood tool and equipment rental shop. Before anything else, think about location and lease costs, because rent often shapes your whole budget. Check local zoning, parking and storage needs, and work out how much stock, tooling or insurance you would need before opening your doors. Visit similar shops nearby to see what customers ask for.
Questions
What should I check before leasing premises for a home services business in Canada?
Check that the zoning in your municipality allows your type of business, what the lease terms and renewal options are, and whether parking, loading and storage suit your needs. It is also worth asking your insurer and landlord about any restrictions on equipment or materials.
Do I need a licence or permit to open a repair shop or showroom?
Requirements vary by province and municipality, so check with your city or town about business licences and signage rules. Some trades, such as electrical or gas work, may need specific certification, so confirm what applies to the services you plan to offer.
How do I decide between a shop, workshop or yard?
Consider how customers will reach you and what you need to store. Walk-in repair and rental businesses benefit from street visibility, while bulky supplies or workshop services may suit cheaper industrial space. Compare rent, access and the cost of fitting out each option.