Home studio painting restorer

Private collectors, families with inherited pieces, antique dealers, local framers and interior designers who refer clients.

A quote per item after an assessment, based on the damage, the size and the hours of work. Many restorers charge a fee for the initial condition report.

• Fine hand skills and patience
• Knowledge of paint, canvas and materials
• Honest condition reporting and record keeping
• Customer communication

• Check your municipality about home-based business licences and zoning
• Ask an insurer about cover for clients' artworks while in your care, as standard liability policies may not include it
• Solvents and varnishes need good ventilation and safe storage, so check workplace and fire safety guidance
• Damaging a valuable piece is a real risk, so decline work beyond your skill and put every agreement in writing
• Check how your province treats the title 'conservator' before using it in your marketing

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your workspace set-up, materials and insurance. Ventilation and safe storage for solvents and varnishes are worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on the number and type of jobs you take on. Treat these as estimates, as results vary with the work you accept.

Check your municipality's home-based business licence and zoning rules, and ask an insurer about cover for clients' artworks in your care. Also check ventilation and fire safety guidance, and how your province treats the title 'conservator'.