Solo interior trim and door fitter
Install interior doors, baseboards, casing and shelving for homeowners, landlords and renovators.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Fitting the finishing pieces inside a building: interior doors, baseboards, window and door casing, panelling and built-in shelving. You work from a van or truck with your own tools, one job at a time.
Your first three steps
- Price a basic set of tools (mitre saw, nail gun, level, compressor) and decide what to buy new, used or rent
- Make a small portfolio by doing a few jobs for friends, family or neighbours and photographing the results
- Contact local renovators, property managers and general contractors to offer reliable sub-contract finishing work
Who pays
Homeowners doing renovations, landlords, property managers, and general contractors who sub out finishing work.
How it makes money
Fixed quote per job or per door/linear foot, or an hourly rate for smaller repairs. Materials are either supplied by the client or billed with a small markup.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and cutting
- Using mitre saws, nailers and hand tools
- Neat finishing and attention to detail
- Quoting and scheduling jobs
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, which many contractors and clients ask to see
- Whether your province or municipality requires a business licence, and whether carpentry needs any certification (rules vary by province)
- WCB/WSIB registration rules for yourself and any helpers, which differ by province
- Older homes may contain lead paint or asbestos, so check safe working rules before cutting or removing trim
- Write clear quotes and agree who supplies materials to avoid disputes
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
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