Floor refinishing for landlords and property managers

Refresh floors between tenants for landlords, property managers and realtors on a repeat basis.

Startup costC$8k to C$30k
Monthly revenueC$4k to C$18k
Time needed25+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • C$8k-30k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

A refinishing service focused on rental units, condos and small commercial spaces. You sand, buff and recoat floors quickly between tenancies or before a sale, working to tight turnaround times.

Your first three steps

  1. Make a simple one-page price list and before-and-after photo sheet for rental units
  2. Contact local property managers, realtors and landlord associations to introduce your service and fast turnaround
  3. Offer a discounted first unit and agree a standing rate for repeat jobs
Who pays

Landlords with several units, property management companies, realtors, condo owners and small office landlords.

How it makes money

Fixed price per unit or per square foot, with repeat work from the same managers. Quick, reliable turnaround is what earns the repeat jobs.

Skills that help
  • Efficient, reliable scheduling
  • Quoting jobs accurately
  • Machine sanding and finishing
  • Professional communication with property managers
Watch out for
  • Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether larger clients ask for proof of coverage or WCB/WSIB clearance
  • Fast-drying finishes still need cure time, plan around move-in dates to avoid damage claims
  • Payment terms: agree invoicing and deposits in writing, as larger clients may pay on 30-day terms
  • Check dust, fumes and noise rules in condos and apartment buildings
  • GST/HST registration is needed once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, check with the CRA

Deep research report · Canada

Everything you need to start: floor refinishing for landlords and property managers

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 floor refinishing business for landlords?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the machines, finishing supplies and transport you need. Use this as a guide only and price your own equipment list before you start.

How much can you earn refinishing floors for property managers?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on how many units and clients you secure. The estimate assumes at least about 25 hours a week. Revenue is not the same as profit.

What should I check before taking landlord and property manager clients?

Check commercial general liability insurance and whether larger clients want proof of cover or WCB/WSIB clearance. Also check dust, fumes and noise rules in condos and apartments, and GST/HST registration with the CRA once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.

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