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
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Visiting homes to brush out soot and creosote from chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves and flues, and doing a basic visual check for damage, blockages or animal nests. Work is busiest in late summer and fall, before heating season.
Your first three steps
- Take a chimney sweep training or certification course (check what is offered in your province, such as through WETT-related training for wood-burning systems)
- Price out a rotary or rod-and-brush kit, a HEPA vacuum, drop sheets, ladders and fall protection
- Get insurance, then offer discounted first sweeps to neighbours and ask local fireplace and stove shops for referrals
Who pays
Homeowners with wood stoves or fireplaces, cottage owners, landlords and property managers.
How it makes money
Fixed price per chimney or appliance, with extra charges for camera inspections, caps and screens, and minor repairs. Many customers rebook every year.
Skills that help
- Comfortable working at height on roofs
- Careful and tidy in customers' homes
- Basic knowledge of wood-burning appliances and fire safety
- Customer service and clear explanations
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, since you work inside homes and on roofs
- Fall protection and roof safety rules, and check your provincial workplace safety rules and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help
- Insurers and some municipalities may expect inspections from certified technicians, so check what certification customers' insurers accept
- Business licence requirements vary by municipality, check with yours
- Strongly seasonal work, so plan for slower winter and spring months and cash flow
- Soot and creosote are messy and a health risk, use proper respiratory protection
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a chimney sweep business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your brushes, rods, vacuum, safety gear, vehicle needs and insurance. Any certification you choose to pursue would add to this.
How much can a chimney sweep earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many jobs you book and your prices. Work is strongly seasonal, so expect slower winter and spring months.
What rules should I check before sweeping chimneys?
Check liability insurance for working in homes and on roofs, fall protection and provincial workplace safety rules, and WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire. Also check which certifications customers' insurers accept and whether your municipality requires a business licence.
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