Window and door supply-and-install business

Homeowners replacing old or drafty windows, landlords and property managers, and small builders who want a single supplier.

Priced per window or door or per whole-house job, with a margin on the units you supply plus your labour. Deposits at order help cover supplier costs.

• Installation and carpentry skills
• Measuring and quoting accurately
• Selling and explaining options such as glazing types and energy ratings
• Managing suppliers, deposits and lead times

• Commercial general liability insurance, plus WCB or WSIB registration once you hire staff or subcontractors
• Whether your province or municipality requires a contractor licence or building permit for window replacement (Quebec has its own construction licensing, check with the RBQ)
• Product warranties and who is responsible if a unit fails, so put it in writing
• Check which energy-efficiency ratings and rebate programs apply in your province, and don't promise savings or rebates you can't confirm
• Customer deposits and cash flow, as long lead times can leave you carrying costs
• Winter and shoulder seasons can slow installs, so plan your work and cash around them
• GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your tools, vehicle, insurance, samples and marketing. Costs also depend on your province and whether you carry any stock.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many jobs you complete, the products you sell and your pricing. Long lead times and seasonal slowdowns can affect cash flow.

Check commercial general liability insurance and WCB or WSIB registration once you hire. Ask about contractor licences or permits in your province, with Quebec having its own licensing through the RBQ. Put warranties in writing, and confirm any rebate or energy rating before mentioning it.