Plastering repairs and small room jobs

Homeowners, landlords, property managers and renovation contractors who need a tidy finish on a small job.

Quoted price per job or per room, sometimes a day rate. Small repairs can be booked several in a week, with larger rooms priced by area.

• Plastering and finishing technique
• Measuring and quoting jobs
• Tidy, careful work in people's homes

• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help (rules differ by province)
• Whether your province or municipality requires a trade licence or certification for plastering, check with your provincial regulator
• Older homes may contain asbestos in plaster or textured finishes, so check testing and safe handling rules before disturbing old material
• Dust, heavy bags and ladder work, so plan for safe working and proper dust protection
• Winter work needs heated, dry rooms for plaster to set properly

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on tools, materials and vehicle needs. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many jobs you take on.

Check whether your province or municipality requires a trade licence or certification for plastering, and ask your provincial regulator. Also check asbestos testing and safe handling rules for older plaster, commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB if you hire help.

Estimates suggest at least about 10 hours a week. You need plastering and finishing technique, the ability to measure and quote jobs, and tidy, careful work in people's homes. Plan for dust protection and ladder safety.