Bathroom and kitchen tiling contractor
Tile floors, shower surrounds and backsplashes for homeowners planning renovations.
- C$2.5k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Solo tiling for homes: preparing surfaces, waterproofing, laying and grouting floor and wall tile in bathrooms, kitchens and entryways.
Your first three steps
- Build a small portfolio by tiling a family member's backsplash or bathroom floor and photographing the work
- Buy a core tool kit (wet saw, trowels, spacers, levels) and get commercial general liability insurance
- Introduce yourself to local renovators, general contractors and building supply stores, and offer a free quote on their next job
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, and renovation contractors who need a reliable tiler for their jobs.
How it makes money
Quote per job or per square foot for labour, with the client or you supplying materials. Add charges for prep work, removal of old tile and specialty patterns.
Skills that help
- Precise measuring and layout
- Surface preparation and waterproofing
- Quoting jobs accurately
- Physical stamina for kneeling and lifting
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help (rules differ by province)
- Check whether your province or municipality requires a licence or trade certification for tiling work
- Waterproofing mistakes in showers can cause costly leaks, so learn proper methods and check building code requirements
- Winter and slow renovation periods can mean uneven income
- Check if a home-based business licence is needed for your municipality
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: bathroom and kitchen tiling contractor
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 tiling business in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the tools and equipment you buy, your vehicle needs and insurance. Costs vary with whether you already own cutting and surface preparation gear.
How much can a residential tiler earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many jobs you take on and their size. Winter and slow renovation periods can mean uneven income, so plan for quieter months.
Do I need a licence or certification to tile in Canada?
Check whether your province or municipality requires a licence or trade certification for tiling work, and whether a home-based business licence is needed. Also check commercial general liability insurance, WCB/WSIB if you hire help, and building code requirements for shower waterproofing.
Other ways to run this business
Similar home services ideas
Bark and mulch delivery by trailer
Buy bark mulch in bulk and deliver it by truck and trailer to local gardeners and small landscapers.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Landscape designer with project management
Design gardens and patios, then coordinate trades and suppliers to build them for homeowners and small businesses.
- C$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Carpet fitter for flooring stores and builders
Fit carpet as a subcontractor for flooring retailers, builders and property managers, with jobs sent to you.
- C$2.5k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
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
Online flooring supplier (drop-ship)
Sell wood and laminate flooring to homeowners and installers online, with the supplier shipping direct to the job.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile washer and dryer repair
Visit homes and rentals to diagnose and fix washers and dryers, charging per callout plus parts.
- C$2.5k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Photo: jarmoluk on Pixabay