Mobile carpenter and fitter

Homeowners, landlords, letting agents and small builders who need a reliable carpenter for jobs they cannot or will not do themselves.

Day rate, hourly rate or fixed quote per job, with materials charged on top. Repeat work and recommendations from landlords and builders keep the diary full.

• Carpentry and joinery skills, ideally with a recognised qualification or solid site experience
• Accurate measuring and quoting
• Reliable and tidy in customers' homes

• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance if you take on staff
• Tools are expensive and often stolen from vans, so check your tool and van cover
• Work on older buildings may involve asbestos or dust, so check the safety rules and use proper protection
• Some work, such as structural changes or stairs, may need Building Regulations approval, so check with the local council
• Gas, electrics and plumbing are separate regulated trades, so do not take them on without the right qualifications

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your van, tools and insurance. These are estimates, and tools are expensive, so check your tool and van cover.

Check public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you take on staff. Structural changes or stairs may need Building Regulations approval, older buildings may involve asbestos or dust, and gas, electrics and plumbing are separate regulated trades.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many jobs you take on. This is an estimate, and you would typically need at least about 15 hours a week.