Kitchen and bathroom remodeller

Homeowners updating older homes, people preparing to sell, and landlords refreshing rental units.

A quoted price per project, or cost plus a margin on labour and materials. Most jobs are paid in stages, such as a deposit, a mid-job payment and a final payment.

• Solid general carpentry and finishing skills
• Estimating costs and quoting accurately
• Scheduling trades and managing clients
• Reading plans and measuring

• Check whether your province or municipality requires a contractor or builder licence, or a business licence
• Plumbing and electrical work usually must be done by certified tradespeople, and permits are often needed, so check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, with rules varying by province
• Written contracts, deposit limits and consumer protection rules differ by province, so check your provincial regulator
• Cost overruns and hidden problems such as old wiring or mould, so build a contingency into quotes
• Winter and busy seasons can affect the job pipeline

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and insurance. Build a contingency into quotes, since hidden problems such as old wiring or mould can cause cost overruns.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many jobs you take and their size. Winter and busy seasons can affect your pipeline, so plan accordingly.

Check whether your province or municipality requires a contractor, builder or business licence. Plumbing and electrical work usually must be done by certified tradespeople and permits are often needed. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB, and provincial contract and deposit rules.