Trades business ideas you run out and about in Canada

192 ideas

These 194 trades ideas have one thing in common: the work happens at your customers' homes, job sites and yards, not in a shop. That suits people who already have hands-on skills, enjoy variety and don't mind a day in a truck.

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1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOwn premisesOnline
Carpenter fitting timber deck boards into a frame in a garden.

Part-time deck builder

Build and repair small timber decks for homeowners on weekends and evenings during the warm months.

  • C$2.5k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Full-time design-build deck company

Design and build timber and composite decks for homeowners with a small crew and a truck.

  • C$15k-50k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
A construction crew working on the exterior of a house under renovation.

Home renovation contractor

Take on kitchen, bathroom, basement and repair jobs for homeowners, using trusted subtrades for specialist work.

  • C$15k-60k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Pallets of cement bags being unloaded from a delivery lorry at a building site.

Cement and mortar delivery service

Deliver bagged cement and masonry materials straight to job sites, with no shop and low overheads.

  • C$20k-60k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Workers assembling a new play structure in a school playground.

Playground supply and install crew

Supply and fit play equipment for schools, councils and daycares, working directly with customers and as a subcontractor for dealers.

  • C$8k-40k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
A bricklayer laying bricks with mortar on a wall at a building site.

Brick repair and chimney restoration

Fix cracked brickwork, repoint mortar and rebuild chimneys for homeowners in your area.

  • C$3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Subcontract bricklaying crew for builders

Lay brick on new builds and extensions as a subcontractor with a small crew.

  • C$8k-35k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
Workers installing steel structural frames and railings on a building site.

Mobile welder for gates, railings and frames

Build small metal pieces in a rented bay or shared shop, then install them on site for homeowners and builders.

  • C$5k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Arborist working at height in a tree using ropes and a harness.

Tree trimming and removal crew

Climb, prune and safely take down trees for homeowners and property managers.

  • C$8k-35k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about

Roof and eavestrough upkeep

Clear eavestroughs, moss and roof snow, and do light roof access jobs for local homes.

  • C$1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Gas engineer checking a wall-mounted boiler in a kitchen.

Mobile gas fitter for homes and landlords

Install, repair and service furnaces, water heaters and gas lines for homeowners and landlords in your area.

  • C$8k-40k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about

Subcontract gas fitter for builders and HVAC firms

Take gas installs and hookups from renovators, builders and heating companies, without chasing homeowners yourself.

  • C$4k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
A builder assembling a wooden pergola over a patio in a back garden.

Pergola and carport builder

Design and build pergolas, carports and other garden structures for homeowners in your area.

  • C$3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Pergola and carport kit installer

Assemble and install ready-made pergola and carport kits for homeowners who don't want to do it themselves.

  • C$800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
A locksmith cutting a copy of a house key on a machine at a counter.

Mobile key cutting service

Bring a portable key cutter to homes, offices and apartment buildings and copy keys on the spot.

  • C$5k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Carpenter building a wooden garden shed in a back garden.

On-site shed and backyard outbuilding builder

Build custom sheds, garden shelters and small outbuildings in homeowners' yards, from foundation to finish.

  • C$3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Bins of bolts, screws and nails stacked in a supplier warehouse.

Fastener delivery to job sites and workshops

Stock a van with fasteners and deliver bulk orders to builders and workshops so they skip the trip to the supplier.

  • C$8k-40k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Floor sander removing old finish from wooden floorboards in an empty room.

Hardwood floor sanding and refinishing

Bring your own sanders to homes and small businesses and restore worn hardwood floors.

  • C$8k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Floor sanding for renovators and flooring installers

Start lean by sanding floors for contractors and installers, renting equipment until work is steady.

  • C$1.5k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Electrician mounting a wall-mounted electric vehicle charging point on a house driveway.

Home EV charger installer

Fit Level 2 chargers in garages and driveways for homeowners, as a licensed electrician.

  • C$6k-30k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Workplace and condo EV charging installer

Install multi-unit charging for condos, workplaces and fleets with a small licensed team.

  • C$20k-80k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
Builder renovating a kitchen with new cabinets in a house under refurbishment.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeller

Renovate kitchens and bathrooms for homeowners, managing the job and hiring trades as needed.

  • C$3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Whole-home remodelling company

Lead a small crew handling basements, extensions and full-room renovations for homeowners.

  • C$15k-75k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
Workers laying block paving on a new driveway outside a house.

Interlocking paver patios, walkways and driveways

Build patios, walkways and driveways from interlocking pavers for homeowners with a small crew in the warmer months.

  • C$8k-30k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

About these ideas

You might start with something narrow like a mobile countertop installer, take on subcontract work as a window and door installer, or build up to owner-operator excavation and site prep. Before choosing, think about the tools and vehicle you'd need, how you'd find your first few clients, and whether builders and renovators already hire subcontractors in your area. Also check which licences, trade certifications, insurance and permits apply in your province or municipality, since these vary widely.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a trade certification to start a mobile trades business in Canada?

It depends on the trade and your province. Some trades are compulsory-certified, while others are not. Check with your provincial apprenticeship or trades authority, and ask your insurer what proof of training they expect before you take on paid work.

What should I check about insurance and vehicles before starting?

Look into general liability cover, commercial vehicle insurance, and workers' compensation requirements in your province. Ask whether your personal auto policy covers tools and business use. Some clients and general contractors also ask for proof of coverage before hiring you.

How can I find my first customers for work on the road?

Start with contractors, renovators and property managers who often need subcontractors, then add local homeowners through word of mouth and online listings. Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, and keep photos of finished jobs to show prospective clients.