Mobile countertop installer
Measure and fit laminate and wood countertops for homeowners, renovators and kitchen retailers.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You measure, cut, scribe and fit kitchen and bathroom countertops, mostly laminate, butcher block and solid wood. You also cut sink and cooktop openings and seal joins. You work from a van or truck and buy materials from suppliers, or install what the client has bought.
Your first three steps
- Practise on offcuts and get experience with a renovator or kitchen installer if you are new to fitting
- Price your tools (router, jigsaw, clamps, scribing kit) and a way to carry full sheets safely
- Introduce yourself to local renovators, kitchen showrooms and cabinet installers and offer a trial job
Who pays
Homeowners doing renovations, general contractors, small renovation firms, kitchen retailers and property managers.
How it makes money
A quote per job or per linear foot for installation, plus a markup if you supply the materials. Repeat work from contractors and retailers helps fill your calendar.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and cutting
- Carpentry or cabinet-fitting experience
- Clear quoting and customer service
- Physical strength for lifting and carrying
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, since mistakes can damage expensive cabinets and floors
- Check whether your province or municipality requires a business licence or any trade certification
- Check WCB/WSIB coverage rules before hiring a helper
- Costly errors from a mis-cut sheet, so measure twice and agree who pays for materials
- Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold
- Winter road conditions and heavy lifting add risk, so plan deliveries and your back
🔒 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 countertop installation business?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and whether you buy materials from suppliers or install what clients have already bought.
How much can a mobile countertop installer earn?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you take, whether you supply materials, and the mix of homeowners, contractors and retailers you work for.
What licences and rules should I check before starting?
Check whether your province or municipality requires a business licence or any trade certification. Also check WCB/WSIB coverage before hiring a helper, GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, and commercial general liability insurance.
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