Small renovation contractor

Homeowners, landlords and small property owners in your area.

Fixed-price quotes or cost-plus contracts per job, with a margin on labour and materials and a fee for managing the project.

• General carpentry or building knowledge
• Accurate quoting and budgeting
• Scheduling and managing subcontractors
• Clear communication with clients

• Licensing and trade certification rules vary by province and municipality; some work like electrical, plumbing and gas must be done by certified tradespeople
• Building permits and inspections for most structural work, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire workers (rules differ by province)
• Check whether new home or renovation warranty or consumer protection rules apply in your province
• Cost overruns and payment delays, use written contracts and staged payments
• Winter slows exterior work in many regions, plan your year around it

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your tools, vehicle, insurance and how much work you subcontract. Costs can also vary by province.

Check licensing and trade certification rules in your province and municipality, since work like electrical, plumbing and gas must be done by certified tradespeople. Also check building permits, insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage when hiring, and warranty or consumer protection rules.

As an estimate, monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the jobs you win and your pricing. The estimate assumes about 30 hours a week or more, and winter can slow exterior work in many regions.