Seasonal chimney sweeping side hustle

Homeowners with wood stoves or fireplaces, especially in rural areas and cottage communities.

Fixed price per chimney, with repeat customers booking again the following year. Income is concentrated in the fall.

• Comfortable on ladders and low roofs
• Careful and tidy work
• Reliable scheduling around another job

• Commercial general liability insurance before taking any jobs
• Roof and ladder safety, only take jobs you can do safely and refer complex ones on
• Customers' insurers may require certified inspections, so be clear about what you do and do not certify
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence
• Income from side work may need to be reported, and GST/HST registration applies once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $800 to $3,000, depending on your rod-and-brush kit, vacuum, ladder, safety gear and insurance. Starting small keeps costs near the lower end.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on how many jobs you book on evenings and weekends and your prices. Estimates assume at least about 5 hours a week in season.

Check commercial general liability insurance before taking jobs, and whether your municipality requires a business licence. Also check that customers' insurers may require certified inspections, ladder and roof safety, reporting side income, and GST/HST registration past the small supplier threshold.