Office refresh: painting, flooring and light repairs

Small business owners, landlords, property managers and commercial real estate agents preparing units for new tenants.

Fixed quote per job or per square foot, plus materials. Part-time, you might complete one or two small jobs a month; full-time or with a second person, more. Repeat work from landlords and property managers is often the steadiest source.

• Painting and flooring installation
• Measuring and quoting accurately
• Reliable, tidy work around people's business hours

• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire help (rules vary by province)
• Older buildings may contain asbestos or lead paint, check before sanding or removing anything
• Quebec contractors may need an RBQ licence, and other provinces and municipalities may have their own rules, so check locally
• Jobs that need electrical or plumbing work require certified tradespeople, so don't take them on yourself
• Late-paying commercial clients, so agree a deposit and payment terms in writing

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on your tools, flooring equipment, insurance and vehicle needs. Many jobs can be done in evenings or weekends, which helps you start part-time.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $9,000 CAD, depending on how many jobs you take and their size. Late-paying commercial clients are common, so agree deposits and payment terms in writing.

Things to check: commercial general liability insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire help, asbestos or lead paint in older buildings, and whether an RBQ licence in Quebec or local rules elsewhere apply. Electrical or plumbing work needs certified tradespeople.