Patio cover and sunroom installer

Homeowners who want more usable outdoor space, including in areas with bugs, rain or snow.

A fixed quote per job covering kit, labour and a margin on the materials. Larger jobs usually take a deposit up front and the balance on completion.

• Comfortable with tools and working at height
• Reading plans and measuring accurately
• Clear quoting and customer communication

• Building permits and engineered drawings, which vary by municipality and are often needed for roofs and enclosures
• Snow load and wind requirements in your area; check the kit is rated for them
• Electrical work (lights, fans, heaters) usually has to be done by a licensed electrician
• Contractor licensing differs by province, and Quebec has its own rules, so check your provincial regulator
• Commercial general liability insurance and WCB/WSIB once you hire
• Winter slows installations in much of Canada, so plan cash flow for the off-season

Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your tools, how many kits you order or stock, and the size of the jobs you take on. These are estimates, so build your own budget from real supplier quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many jobs you complete and how large they are. Winter slows installations in much of Canada, so plan your cash flow for the off-season.

Check building permit and engineered drawing requirements with your municipality, snow load and wind ratings for your area, and whether electrical work needs a licensed electrician. Also check contractor licensing with your provincial regulator, including Quebec's own rules.