Small building firm for home projects

Homeowners, landlords and sometimes small property investors, usually under a written contract with staged payments.

Fixed-price quotes or a day rate plus materials, paid in stages as the job progresses. Profit comes from accurate pricing, good project planning and a small margin on materials and subcontractors.

• Hands-on building or site management experience
• Accurate estimating and quoting
• Managing subcontractors and timelines
• Clear communication with clients

• Public liability and contract works insurance, plus employer's liability once you take on employees
• Building regulations approval and, for some work, planning permission, check with your local council
• Registering for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) with HMRC if you work as or hire subcontractors
• Gas, electrical and similar work usually needs registered tradespeople, check the current requirements
• Cash flow, late payments and underpriced quotes are common causes of trouble
• Party wall rules may apply to some jobs, check before starting

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your tools, vehicle, insurance and how much you subcontract. These are estimates, so get quotes for cover and equipment before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on the size and number of jobs you take on. These are estimates, and late payments or underpriced quotes can squeeze what you keep.

Check building regulations approval and, for some work, planning permission with your local council. Check Construction Industry Scheme registration with HMRC if you work as or hire subcontractors, and whether party wall rules or registered gas and electrical trades apply.