Railing and Balustrade Installer

Homeowners, landlords, renovators, deck builders and small general contractors who sub out railing work.

Quote per job or per linear foot, covering materials plus labour. Repairs and small fixes can be charged by the hour or as a call-out fee.

• Accurate measuring and basic carpentry
• Drilling, cutting and fastening into wood, concrete and steel
• Reading building code requirements for guard height and spacing
• Quoting clearly and dealing with customers

• Commercial general liability insurance, since a failed railing can cause serious injury
• Railings must meet building code (height, spacing, load), so check with your municipality whether a permit or inspection applies
• Some provinces regulate trades or contractor registration, so check your provincial regulator and any home renovation licence rules, especially in Quebec
• Outdoor work slows in winter, so plan for seasonal gaps and interior stair jobs
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check WCB/WSIB rules before hiring a helper

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000 CAD, depending on your tools, vehicle setup, insurance and initial materials. These are estimates, so price your own kit and cover before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you take and their size. Plan for at least 15 hours a week. Outdoor work slows in winter, so plan for seasonal gaps.

Railings must meet building code for height, spacing and load, so check whether your municipality requires a permit or inspection. Also check provincial trade or contractor rules, Quebec renovation licensing, liability insurance, GST/HST registration, and WCB/WSIB before hiring.