Aluminum window assembly and fitting, lean start
Order pre-cut profiles from a supplier, assemble and glaze windows in a garage or small unit, and install them.
- C$8k-30k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A lower-cost way in. A system supplier or distributor cuts the aluminum profiles to your sizes, and you assemble, glaze and install the windows with simpler tools. It suits a one- or two-person operation working from a garage or small rented bay.
Your first three steps
- Ask suppliers whether they offer cut-to-size profiles, assembly training and a trade account for new fabricators
- Make one sample window and photograph it to show on a simple website and local listings
- Contact local renovators, property managers and glaziers to offer quotes on small or awkward jobs
Who pays
Homeowners, small contractors, landlords and shop owners who need a few custom windows or replacements.
How it makes money
A quoted price per window or per job covering profiles, glass, hardware, your labour and installation. Margins improve as you add more of the work in-house.
Skills that help
- Reading drawings and taking accurate measurements
- Careful hands-on assembly
- Basic installation and sealing
- Clear quoting and communication
Watch out for
- Check which building code and performance standards your windows must meet in your province before selling them
- Check whether your municipality allows a home-based business or workshop use of a garage
- Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB once you hire
- Supplier lead times can delay jobs, so quote realistic dates
- Winter can slow installs, so plan for seasonal gaps in outdoor work
- Installer certification rules vary by province, so check with your provincial regulator
🔒 Full research report for Canada
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 an aluminum window assembly business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your tools, glazing equipment, vehicle needs and whether you work from a garage or rent a small bay.
How much can an aluminum window assembly and fitting business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many windows you assemble and install, the size of each job and how seasonal outdoor work affects your schedule.
What rules should I check before assembling and selling windows in Canada?
Check which building code and performance standards your windows must meet in your province, whether your municipality allows garage workshop use, and installer certification rules with your provincial regulator. Also arrange liability and product liability insurance.
Other ways to run this business
Similar making and manufacturing ideas
Embossing workshop for leather, card and metal
Rent a small unit and stamp branding onto leather goods, packaging and metal tags for local makers and companies.
- C$6k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Prototype and short-run mould maker
Make 3D-printed, silicone and soft tooling moulds for inventors and small manufacturers needing small batches.
- C$5k-30k
- Side hustle
- From home
Stone sourcing and wholesale from home
Source natural stone from quarries and exporters, then sell it to fabricators and contractors without holding a big stock.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- From home
Custom turnery for furniture and trade
Make table legs, stair spindles and replacement parts to order for furniture makers and renovators.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Home workshop for small machined parts
Use a garage or outbuilding with a small lathe and mill to make and repair parts in your spare hours.
- C$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile food equipment service technician
Repair, maintain and install mixers, slicers, ovens and packing lines at food producers' sites.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about