Solo bathroom refit specialist
Refit bathrooms for homeowners: tiling, tubs, vanities and fixtures, with licensed trades brought in for plumbing and electrical.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You handle the hands-on refit work: removing old fixtures, waterproofing, tiling, installing tubs, showers, vanities and toilets, and finishing. Licensed plumbers and electricians are subcontracted for work that needs a ticket.
Your first three steps
- Check which parts of a bathroom job need a licensed plumber or electrician in your province, and line up two reliable subcontractors
- Price three typical jobs (small refit, tub-to-shower swap, full gut) using local supplier prices and write a simple quote template and contract
- Get commercial general liability insurance, then show photos of your work to neighbours, local realtors and landlords
Who pays
Homeowners updating older bathrooms, landlords refreshing rental units, and people preparing a home for sale.
How it makes money
A fixed quote per job, usually based on labour plus materials with a markup, often paid in stages (deposit, mid-job, completion).
Skills that help
- Tiling and waterproofing
- Basic carpentry and fitting
- Measuring and quoting accurately
- Clear communication with homeowners
Watch out for
- Plumbing, gas and electrical work usually must be done by licensed tradespeople, check your provincial rules
- Building permits may be needed for some changes, check with your municipality
- Older homes may contain asbestos, lead or mould, learn how to spot them and when to stop and call a specialist
- Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help (rules vary by province)
- Water damage from poor waterproofing is a major risk, so follow manufacturer instructions and keep photos of each stage
- Quebec and some other provinces have contractor licensing requirements, check with your provincial regulator
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: solo bathroom refit specialist
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 bathroom refit business in Canada?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and insurance. Keep in mind that materials cost money before final payment arrives, so plan your cash carefully.
Do I need licences to do bathroom refits in Canada?
Plumbing, gas and electrical work usually must be done by licensed tradespeople, so check your provincial rules. Also check whether building permits are needed with your municipality, and whether your province has contractor licensing requirements, including in Quebec.
How much can a solo bathroom fitter earn?
Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $4,000 to $16,000, depending on how many jobs you take on and their size. Expect at least about 20 hours a week, and keep photos of each stage to protect your work.
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