Solo flooring installer for homes and rentals

Homeowners doing renovations, landlords turning over units, property managers and small renovation firms that need extra hands.

Price per square foot for labour, plus a margin on materials if you supply them. Repeat work from landlords and property managers helps keep your calendar full.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Physical fitness for kneeling and lifting
• Clear quotes and customer communication

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether you need WCB/WSIB coverage in your province
• Check whether your province or municipality requires a business licence or trade registration for flooring work
• Poor subfloor prep can cause failures that you pay to fix, so build in time and a warranty policy
• Dust, adhesives and heavy lifting: check safety guidance and use proper protection
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on your tools, vehicle needs and insurance. Costs vary with the equipment you already own.

Check whether your province or municipality requires a business licence or trade registration for flooring work, plus commercial general liability insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage and GST/HST registration. Also check safety guidance for dust, adhesives and heavy lifting.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many jobs you take and your pricing. The estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week.