Restored cast-iron radiators sold online
Source old radiators, clean, test and repaint them in a garage or workshop, then sell them locally and online.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You collect used cast-iron and other classic radiators from renovations and salvage, strip, pressure-test and repaint them, then sell them ready to install. You can also restore a customer's own radiators.
Your first three steps
- Find sources such as demolition and renovation jobs, salvage yards and online classifieds, and restore one or two radiators to test the process
- Set up a space with good ventilation, a pressure-test setup and a safe way to move heavy units
- Photograph the finished radiators and list them on local marketplaces and a simple website, with pickup and local delivery
Who pays
Owners of older homes, renovators, heritage property owners and heating contractors looking for matching or period radiators.
How it makes money
Profit on each restored radiator, plus fees for restoring customers' own units. Local pickup avoids high freight costs.
Skills that help
- Hands-on restoration and painting
- Basic pressure testing
- Online listings and photography
- Safe handling of heavy items
Watch out for
- Old paint can contain lead, so check provincial rules on testing, removal and waste disposal before stripping
- Home-based business licence and zoning rules in your municipality
- Product and general liability insurance, since a leaking radiator can cause damage
- Sell the radiators as items to be installed by a qualified tradesperson, and check provincial rules on installation
- Shipping heavy items is costly and can lead to damage
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: restored cast-iron radiators sold online
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 radiator restoration business in Canada?
Estimates are typically around $2,000 to $10,000 to start, depending on your workshop setup, testing and painting equipment, and how many radiators you source. Shipping heavy items is costly, so factor that in.
How much can I earn restoring and selling radiators?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many radiators you restore and sell and your prices. Estimates start at about 10 hours a week. Shipping costs and damage can reduce profit.
What rules should I check before restoring and selling radiators in Canada?
Things to check: provincial rules on testing, removing and disposing of lead-containing old paint; home-based business licence and zoning; product and general liability insurance; and provincial rules on installation, as radiators should be fitted by a qualified tradesperson.
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Photo: ri on Pixabay