Solo electrical installer for homes

Homeowners, landlords, renovators and general contractors who need a reliable licensed electrician for small and mid-sized jobs.

Hourly rate or fixed quote per job, plus markup on materials. Repeat work from builders, property managers and referrals tends to fill the calendar.

• Journeyperson-level electrical skills
• Reading plans and the Canadian Electrical Code
• Clear quoting and customer communication
• Scheduling and basic bookkeeping

• Electrical work generally must be done by a certified electrician, and many provinces also license contractors separately. Check your provincial regulator
• Electrical permits and inspections are handled by different bodies in each province, so check who you apply to
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, with rules that vary by province
• Quebec has its own licensing (RBQ) and French-language requirements
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Home-based business licence from your municipality if you run the office from home
• Winter can slow exterior and new-build work, so plan cash flow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your van, tools, test equipment, insurance and licensing fees. Your own quotes will give a more accurate figure.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $18,000, depending on the jobs you take and your hours. Winter can slow exterior and new-build work, so plan cash flow.

Check your provincial regulator, since electrical work generally must be done by a certified electrician and many provinces license contractors separately. Also check who handles permits and inspections, insurance, WCB or WSIB if you hire, GST/HST registration, and Quebec's RBQ licensing.