Local Insulation Supply Store

Insulation and renovation contractors, small builders, and homeowners doing their own upgrades.

You buy from manufacturers or distributors and sell at a markup. Trade accounts bring repeat orders, and walk-in DIY customers bring higher margins on smaller baskets.

• Product knowledge, or willingness to learn it
• Customer service and clear advice
• Stock control and ordering
• Handling bulky materials safely

• Stock is a big upfront cost and slow sales leave cash tied up, so start with fast-moving lines
• Check zoning and any business licence with your municipality
• Some products, such as spray foam kits, may have storage, fire safety and WHMIS requirements, so check with your provincial regulator
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Building activity is seasonal in many regions, so plan cash for the winter months
• Check whether customers can claim provincial or federal energy efficiency programs, as rules change and can shape demand

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on premises and how much stock you carry. Stock is a big upfront cost and slow sales tie up cash, so starting with fast-moving lines is worth considering.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, product range and contractor customers. Building activity is seasonal in many regions, so plan cash for the winter months.

Check zoning and any business licence with your municipality. Some products, such as spray foam kits, may have storage, fire safety and WHMIS requirements, so check with your provincial regulator. Also check insurance and WCB/WSIB once you hire.