Staircase installer and renovator

Homeowners renovating, general contractors and builders who need a reliable stair installer, and small renovation firms.

Fixed quote per staircase or per job, with extra for railings, finishing and removing old stairs. Repeat work often comes from builders you do a good job for.

• Carpentry and accurate measuring
• Reading plans and building code basics
• Working neatly in people's homes
• Quoting jobs accurately

• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (check your province)
• Building code rules for rise, run, headroom and guards, which vary by province and municipality; check with your local building department
• Whether your province requires trade certification or a contractor licence for this work
• Whether you need a municipal business licence, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Errors in measuring can be costly, so confirm dimensions before ordering parts
• Winter slows renovation work in many areas, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are typically estimated around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools and the parts you stock. You leave heavy workshop work to a supplier, which keeps setup costs lower.

Check building code rules for rise, run, headroom and guards, which vary by province and municipality, and whether your province requires trade certification or a contractor licence. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB if you hire, and municipal licensing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you take and their size. It can start from about 15 hours a week, and winter often slows renovation work.