Mobile window and glass repair
Drive to homes and shops to replace broken windows, patio door glass and glass panels.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based service that repairs and replaces broken window panes, sealed units (double or triple-pane glass), patio doors and glass panels at the customer's property. Many jobs can be measured, ordered from a glass supplier and fitted within days.
Your first three steps
- Learn the trade through a glazier apprenticeship, a course or a few months working for an established glazier
- Set up an account with a local glass supplier and price a basic set of tools, suction lifters and safety gear
- Tell property managers, landlords and local contractors you offer repairs and ask for referrals
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small businesses such as shops and restaurants.
How it makes money
A quote per job covering glass, materials and labour, plus a call-out fee. Emergency boarding-up and same-day repairs can be priced higher.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring
- Careful hands-on work with glass and sealants
- Clear quoting and customer service
- Safe lifting and handling
Watch out for
- Check whether your province requires glazier certification or a trade qualification for this work
- Commercial general liability insurance and cover for tools and your vehicle
- WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire help, with rules that vary by province
- Cutting and heavy-glass injuries, so use proper protective gear and lifting methods
- Cold weather can affect scheduling and sealant work, so plan for winter
- Check whether your municipality requires a business licence
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: mobile window and glass repair
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 mobile glass repair business in Canada?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your van, tools and insurance. Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many jobs you take and their size. These figures are estimates only.
Do I need a licence or certification to repair windows and glass?
Check whether your province requires glazier certification or a trade qualification for this work. Also check whether your municipality requires a business licence, and look into commercial general liability insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire help.
What skills and time do I need to start mobile glass repair?
You need accurate measuring, careful hands-on work with glass and sealants, clear quoting and customer service, and safe lifting. Estimates suggest at least around 20 hours a week, and cold weather can affect scheduling and sealant work.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Air compressor repair workshop
Run a small unit where customers bring or send compressors for repair, rebuilds and servicing.
- C$6k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Light steel framing subcontractor
Frame walls, partitions and small building structures in light gauge steel for builders and developers.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Mobile welder for gates, railings and frames
Build small metal pieces in a rented bay or shared shop, then install them on site for homeowners and builders.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Plastering subcontractor for builders
Work for builders and renovators, plastering new walls and ceilings on renovations and new builds.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Hardwood floor sanding and refinishing
Bring your own sanders to homes and small businesses and restore worn hardwood floors.
- C$8k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Septic inspection and maintenance visits
Inspect and maintain septic systems, and fix small problems, with little equipment.
- C$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about