Basement and room interior finishing crew

Homeowners, landlords, and small property owners adding rooms or rental suites.

Fixed quotes per project or a rate per square foot, with a margin on materials. Larger jobs bring bigger payments, usually in stages.

• Quoting and estimating jobs
• Framing, drywall and ceiling work
• Managing clients and helpers

• Check whether your municipality requires building permits for the work and who must apply for them
• Check whether your province or city requires a general contractor or home renovation licence or registration, as rules vary across Canada
• Electrical and plumbing work usually needs licensed trades, so plan to subcontract these
• Check WCB/WSIB rules as soon as you hire anyone, as they vary by province
• Commercial general liability insurance and a written contract for every job
• Check rules on deposits and consumer protection in your province
• Winter slowdowns and material price changes can squeeze margins, so build in a buffer

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $35,000 CAD, depending on your tools, vehicle needs, insurance and how many helpers you bring on. Build in a buffer in case material prices change.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on how many jobs you take on, the size of each job and your crew. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week, and winter slowdowns can affect income.

Check whether your municipality requires building permits and who must apply, and whether your province or city requires a contractor or home renovation licence, as rules vary. Also check WCB/WSIB when you hire, liability insurance, and deposit and consumer protection rules.