Basement crack repair and sealing business
Fix leaking foundation cracks and seal basements from the inside for local homeowners.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Smaller waterproofing jobs done by one person: injecting epoxy or polyurethane into leaking foundation cracks, sealing wall-floor joints, applying interior sealants and checking grading and downspouts. You leave large excavation jobs to others.
Your first three steps
- Check with your province or territory and your municipality whether you need a contractor licence, business licence or registration before taking paid jobs (in Quebec, check with the RBQ whether your work requires a licence)
- Take a short course or train with a contractor on crack injection, and practise on your own or a friend's basement
- Buy an injection kit, basic tools and a moisture meter, and get commercial general liability insurance quotes
Who pays
Homeowners with damp or leaking basements, landlords, real estate agents preparing a sale and property managers.
How it makes money
Fixed price per crack or per job after an inspection, plus extra for sealant coatings. Referrals from home inspectors and agents can bring repeat work.
Skills that help
- Comfortable with hands-on repair work
- Understanding how water gets into a basement
- Clear, honest quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Licensing rules vary by province and municipality. In Quebec, the RBQ may require a contractor licence for foundation and waterproofing work, so confirm before you quote
- Commercial general liability insurance, and whether you need WCB/WSIB coverage (or the equivalent in your province) if you hire help
- Offering warranties you cannot back up: be clear about what a repair does and does not cover
- Mould or asbestos in older homes, so know when to stop and refer to a specialist
- Work slows in some areas in deep winter, and spring thaw can be your busiest time
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: basement crack repair and sealing
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a basement crack repair business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your equipment, materials and vehicle. Costs vary with what you already own and how many repair methods you plan to offer.
Do you need a licence to repair basement cracks in Canada?
Check your province and municipality, as licensing rules vary. In Quebec, the RBQ may require a contractor licence for foundation and waterproofing work, so confirm before you quote. Also check insurance and whether you need WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help.
How much can a basement crack repair business earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you complete and your local demand. Work can slow in deep winter, and spring thaw can be your busiest time.
Other ways to run this business
Similar home services ideas
Home-run carpet supplier with low stock
Supply flooring shops and fitters from sample books, ordering from mills and distributors with little stock of your own.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- From home
Mobile appliance repair technician
Visit homes to diagnose and fix washers, dryers, fridges and ovens, so people avoid the cost of replacing them.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile hot tub service and water care
Visit homeowners to balance water, clean filters, winterize and repair hot tubs, and sell chemicals and covers.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile radiator repair and replacement service
Visit homes and rental properties to supply, repair and swap radiators, working with a licensed heating trade.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Wood stove sales without a showroom
Sell stoves and accessories online and by home visit, ordering from suppliers and booking certified installers.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Gutter cleaning with vacuum pole system
Clean gutters from the ground with a vacuum pole kit, serving homes and small commercial buildings.
- C$4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about