Home renovation contractor
Take on kitchen, bathroom, basement and repair jobs for homeowners, using trusted subtrades for specialist work.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small contracting business that plans, prices and carries out home renovations such as basement finishing, bathrooms, decks and general repairs. You do the carpentry and manage electricians, plumbers and others where needed.
Your first three steps
- Check what your province and municipality require for contractors, including any trade certification, business licence and building permit rules
- Get commercial general liability insurance and a written contract template that covers scope, payment stages and changes
- Line up a few reliable subtrades and offer a small job to people you know, then ask for reviews and photos
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords and small property owners who want one person to manage a renovation from quote to finish.
How it makes money
Fixed-price quotes or cost-plus contracts per job, with a deposit and staged payments. You earn from your own labour and a margin on materials and subtrades.
Skills that help
- Solid hands-on building or carpentry experience
- Accurate estimating and quoting
- Clear communication with clients
- Scheduling jobs and subtrades
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, check your province's rules
- Building permits and inspections for structural, electrical, plumbing and gas work, which differ by municipality
- Some trades such as electrical, plumbing and gas must be done by certified people, check your provincial regulator
- Some provinces have renovation or new home rules and consumer protection laws for contracts and deposits
- Cost overruns on fixed-price jobs, so build in a buffer and put changes in writing
- Winter slowdowns for exterior work, so plan for interior jobs in colder months
- Startup costs depend on what you already own: insurance, a reliable work vehicle, tools and a materials float can add up quickly
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: home renovation contractor
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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a home renovation business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on what you already own. Insurance, a reliable work vehicle, tools and a materials float can add up quickly, so price each one before you begin.
How much can a home renovation contractor earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the size and number of jobs you take on. The estimate assumes at least about 20 hours a week. Cost overruns on fixed-price jobs can cut into what you keep.
What permits and licences should I check before taking renovation jobs?
Check building permits and inspections for structural, electrical, plumbing and gas work, which differ by municipality. Electrical, plumbing and gas work must be done by certified people, so check your provincial regulator. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB if you hire, and consumer protection rules for contracts and deposits.
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