Outdoor Lighting Design Service (Design-Only, From Home)

Homeowners who want a professional plan, and landscapers, builders and electricians who want design help but don't do it themselves.

A flat fee per design, or a fee per hour. Some designers also earn a commission when suppliers sell the fixtures you specify, so check how suppliers handle this.

• Lighting design knowledge
• Drawing plans or using design software
• Clear communication with contractors

• Professional liability or errors and omissions insurance, and commercial general liability: check what you need
• Make clear in writing that a licensed installer does the electrical work, and check your province's rules
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Fewer site visits happen in deep winter, so use that time for planning and marketing

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on the design software, equipment and marketing you choose. Because you hand installation to others, this is estimated to be a lower-cost way into outdoor lighting.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many plans you sell and what you charge. Expect roughly 8 hours a week at the minimum. Fewer site visits happen in deep winter, so use that time for planning and marketing.

Check what professional liability or errors and omissions insurance and commercial general liability cover you need. Make clear in writing that a licensed installer does the electrical work, and check your province's rules. Also check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence.