Drywall repair and finishing for homeowners

Patch, hang and finish drywall for homeowners, from water damage repairs to basement and room renovations.

Startup costC$3k to C$12k
Monthly revenueC$2k to C$9k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • C$3k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

Solo drywall (plasterboard) work in people's homes: patching holes and water damage, hanging board in small renovations, taping, mudding, sanding and getting walls ready for paint.

Your first three steps

  1. Practise on a spare room or a friend's basement, then photograph before-and-after results for a simple portfolio
  2. Get the core tools (knives, hawk, pole sander, stilts, dust extraction) and price a few local jobs to set your minimum charge
  3. Tell local painters, property managers and neighbourhood social media groups you take drywall repair work, and ask for reviews after each job
Who pays

Homeowners, landlords, property managers, painters and renovators who need a drywall specialist for smaller jobs.

How it makes money

Fixed quote per job or per room, or an hourly rate for repairs. Quote a minimum call-out price so very small patches are still worth the trip.

Skills that help
  • Hanging, taping and sanding to a smooth finish
  • Measuring and pricing jobs accurately
  • Tidy, dust-conscious work in occupied homes
Watch out for
  • Commercial general liability insurance, since most clients and property managers will ask for it
  • Older homes may have asbestos in joint compound or textured ceilings, so check your province's rules on testing before disturbing them
  • Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, and register for GST/HST when you pass the small supplier threshold
  • Drywall dust and heavy sheets are hard on lungs and backs, so use a proper respirator and lifting aids
  • Mud needs heat to dry, so winter jobs need a heated space and plenty of drying time

Deep research report · Canada

Everything you need to start: drywall repair and finishing for homeowners

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a drywall repair business in Canada?

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and insurance. Winter jobs may also need a heated space and plenty of drying time, which is worth budgeting for.

How much can a solo drywall repairer earn?

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many jobs you take and their size. Winter work can be slower because joint compound needs heat to dry.

What should I check before starting a drywall business in Canada?

Check commercial general liability insurance, your province's rules on asbestos testing in older homes before disturbing joint compound or textured ceilings, municipal business licensing, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.

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