Mobile chimney sweep and inspection business
Sweep and inspect chimneys and flues for homeowners before and during the heating season.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Visiting homes to sweep wood-burning fireplaces, stoves and flues, check for creosote build-up, blockages and damage, and give a clear report on what you find.
Your first three steps
- Look into sweep training and certification, such as through the WETT program or similar courses offered in your province
- Buy a starter kit (rods, brushes, vacuum, inspection camera) and a ladder suited to roof work
- Offer early-booking discounts to neighbours, realtors and cottage communities for the fall season
Who pays
Homeowners with wood stoves or fireplaces, cottage and cabin owners, landlords and property managers.
How it makes money
Fixed price per sweep or inspection, plus extras such as cap installation or minor repairs. Work peaks in late summer and fall, so many sweeps book a season ahead.
Skills that help
- Comfortable working on roofs and in tight spaces
- Attention to detail when inspecting
- Clear, honest customer communication
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and check what your insurer requires for roof work
- Check whether your province or municipality requires a business licence or specific certification
- Falls from height and exposure to soot and dust: plan safe equipment and protective gear
- Seasonal demand: plan for a slower winter and spring, or add other services
- Home insurers sometimes ask for a certified report, so check what paperwork customers need
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: mobile chimney sweep and inspection
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 chimney sweep business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your equipment, protective gear and vehicle set-up. Plan for safe equipment and protective gear because of the risk of falls and exposure to soot and dust.
How much can a chimney sweep earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many homes you visit and the season. Demand is seasonal, so plan for a slower winter and spring, or consider adding other services.
What licences or rules should I check before sweeping chimneys in Canada?
Check whether your province or municipality requires a business licence or specific certification. Also check commercial general liability insurance and what your insurer requires for roof work, and what paperwork home insurers ask customers for, such as a certified report.
Other ways to run this business
Similar home services ideas
Office plant care route
Supply, set up and look after indoor plants for local offices and shops on a regular visit schedule.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Junk and debris removal with a pickup or trailer
Haul away unwanted items, yard waste and household rubbish for homeowners and landlords in your area.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile commercial microwave repair
Visit cafés, restaurants and offices to repair heavy-use microwaves on site so they avoid downtime.
- C$2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile chimney sweep
Clean and inspect chimneys, wood stoves and flues at homes and rental properties each year.
- C$2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Stucco repair and patching specialist
Fix cracked, damaged or water-stained stucco on homes, with low start-up costs and no crew to manage.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Skylight repair and leak fixing service
Fix leaking skylights, reseal flashing and replace cracked glazing without full replacement jobs.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about