Mobile water damage drying and cleanup crew
Respond to floods and leaks with a van of drying gear, and dry out homes for owners and insurers.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
An on-call service that goes to homes and small buildings after burst pipes, leaks, basement floods or appliance failures. You remove standing water, set up dehumidifiers and air movers, monitor moisture levels and remove damaged materials until the property is dry.
Your first three steps
- Look into water damage restoration training and certification (for example IICRC courses) and talk to a local restoration company about what insurers expect
- Price out a starter kit: moisture meter, extractor, dehumidifiers, air movers, PPE and a van, and get quotes for commercial general liability insurance
- Introduce yourself to property managers, plumbers and insurance brokers in your area and ask to be on their call list
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers and condo boards, often through their home insurance claim.
How it makes money
Emergency call-out and extraction fees, daily equipment rental charges while drying, and labour for tear-out and cleanup. Jobs are often billed to the insurer, so cash flow depends on how quickly claims are paid.
Skills that help
- Practical, hands-on building knowledge
- Staying calm and organized under pressure
- Clear communication with stressed customers and adjusters
- Willingness to be on call evenings and weekends
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether you also need pollution or contractor's equipment cover
- Many insurers and adjusters prefer certified firms, so check what credentials they ask for
- Older buildings may contain asbestos or mould, and sewage water is a health hazard; check your provincial rules before disturbing materials
- WCB/WSIB registration once you hire, with rules that vary by province
- Payment from insurers can be slow, so keep enough cash to cover equipment and wages
- Check your municipality for any business licence requirements
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: mobile water damage drying and cleanup crew
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 water damage restoration business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the drying equipment you buy, the van you need and your insurance. Slow insurer payments mean you should keep cash in reserve.
How much can a mobile water damage crew earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many call-outs you take, the size of each job and how much work comes through insurance claims.
What rules should I check before starting water damage restoration?
Check commercial general liability insurance, plus any pollution or contractor's equipment cover. Check what credentials insurers ask for, provincial rules on asbestos, mould and sewage water, WCB/WSIB registration when you hire, and municipal business licence requirements.
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