Home cinema installer

Homeowners with a basement media room or living room setup, plus renovators and interior designers who need a specialist for the AV side.

Fixed price per installation or an hourly rate, plus a margin on equipment you supply and optional paid help with setup, remote programming or later upgrades.

• Comfortable with tools and working at heights
• Understanding of AV equipment and cabling
• Clear communication with homeowners
• Neat, careful workmanship

• Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for damage to customers' walls and equipment
• Electrical work such as new outlets or in-wall power usually needs a licensed electrician; check your provincial rules
• In-wall cabling may need to meet building and fire code rules; check with your municipality
• Check whether you need a municipal business licence and GST/HST registration once revenue grows
• Winter driving and carrying heavy equipment, so plan your vehicle and your back

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and insurance. Commercial general liability insurance, including cover for damage to customers' walls and equipment, is worth checking.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many installs you book and your pricing. Winter driving and carrying heavy equipment are worth planning for.

Check your provincial rules, as electrical work such as new outlets or in-wall power usually needs a licensed electrician. Also check building and fire code rules for in-wall cabling with your municipality, and whether you need a business licence.