Become a renovation project manager

Homeowners, landlords and small property investors who want one person responsible for the whole project.

You quote a fixed price or a cost-plus fee for the whole job. You pay subcontractors and suppliers, and keep a margin or management fee on top, usually with stage payments.

• Project planning and scheduling
• Reading drawings and pricing jobs accurately
• Managing people and settling disputes calmly
• Clear communication with clients

• Public liability and contract works insurance, and employer's liability if you hire anyone directly
• Building Regulations approval and planning permission: check who is responsible on each job
• CDM 2015 duties on construction projects, check what applies to you as the contractor
• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) rules for paying subcontractors, and VAT rules including the domestic reverse charge
• Cash flow: you may pay suppliers and subcontractors before the client pays you
• Check that gas and electrical work is done by people on the relevant registers
• Use a written contract and agree changes in writing to avoid disputes

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the insurance, tools and office set-up you choose. This is an estimate. Cash flow also matters, as you may pay suppliers and subcontractors before the client pays you.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the number and size of projects and what you charge. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit, so allow for costs along the way.

Check who is responsible for Building Regulations approval and planning permission on each job, your CDM 2015 duties, CIS rules and VAT including the domestic reverse charge. Also check insurance, and that gas and electrical work is done by people on the relevant registers.