Remote AV design and advice

Small businesses, churches, schools, restaurants, installers and venue managers without in-house AV knowledge.

Fixed fee per design or audit, or an hourly rate for advice. Some consultants also earn referral fees from installers, which should be disclosed to clients.

• Strong knowledge of AV products and room acoustics
• Reading floor plans and drawing simple layouts
• Clear written reports
• Remote client communication

• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, since your advice drives purchases
• Make clear who is responsible for installation and for meeting local electrical and building codes
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Disclose any commissions or supplier deals to clients
• Collect and remit GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the computer, drawing software and insurance you choose. Because the work is done from home and clients handle installation, costs can stay modest.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and how many hours you work. The estimates start from about six hours a week.

Check professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, make clear who is responsible for installation and local electrical and building codes, confirm any home-based business licence, disclose commissions or supplier deals, and look at GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold.