Project-Managing general contractor

Homeowners doing larger renovations, small businesses fitting out premises, and small property developers or landlords.

A contract price or cost-plus fee on each project, with a margin on subcontractor and material costs. Fewer, larger jobs mean bigger payments but longer waits between projects.

• Project planning and scheduling
• Reading plans and understanding building codes
• Negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors
• Budgeting and tracking costs

• Licensing varies: Quebec requires an RBQ licence for most construction work, and some provinces regulate new-home builders, so check your provincial regulator
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether clients or lenders expect higher limits or bonding on larger jobs
• WCB/WSIB coverage for workers, and what happens if an uninsured subcontractor is hurt on your site
• Permits, inspections and local lien or holdback rules, which affect when you get paid
• Cash flow risk when you pay subcontractors before the client pays you
• Responsibility for subcontractors' mistakes and delays, so use clear written contracts

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on insurance, software, vehicle and early project costs. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the size of your projects.

Check your provincial regulator, since Quebec requires an RBQ licence for most construction work and some provinces regulate new-home builders. Also check liability insurance limits or bonding clients may expect, WCB/WSIB coverage, permits, inspections and holdback rules.

You need project planning and scheduling, reading plans and understanding building codes, negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors, and budgeting. Estimates suggest at least 30 hours a week. Use clear written contracts and plan for cash flow gaps.