Smart home camera and lock installer

Homeowners, condo owners, landlords and older people who want security gear but don't want to install it themselves.

A fixed fee or hourly rate per install, plus a margin on equipment if you supply it. Repeat work comes from referrals, landlords with several units and add-on visits.

• Comfortable with tools and drilling into different wall types
• Good with Wi-Fi, apps and basic networking
• Clear, patient explaining to non-technical customers

• Some provinces (for example British Columbia and Quebec) license security alarm installers, so check your provincial regulator before you start
• Mains-powered wiring may need a certified electrician, so check what you can do yourself in your province
• Commercial general liability insurance, since you are drilling into walls and working in people's homes
• Privacy rules about where cameras can point, especially toward neighbours or shared areas in condos
• Check landlord and condo board approval is in place before fitting anything in a rental or shared building
• Winter weather can make outdoor installs harder and slow your schedule

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your tools, insurance and how you set up your service. Compare these estimates with your own quotes before you commit any money.

Check before you start. Some provinces, for example British Columbia and Quebec, license security alarm installers, so ask your provincial regulator. Also check what mains-powered wiring you can do yourself, and look into liability insurance and privacy rules on where cameras can point.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many installs you book. The idea is estimated at a minimum of about 10 hours a week, so it can start part-time.