Self-employed double glazing fitter

Window and door companies, fabricators, building firms and sometimes landlords or housing contractors.

Usually a fixed price per window or door fitted, or a day rate. Steady work from two or three firms can fill your diary quickly.

• Accurate measuring and fitting
• Safe handling of heavy glass and frames
• Neat finishing and tidying up
• Reliable timekeeping

• Public liability insurance, and check what cover the firms you work for expect
• Check whether you need CSCS or similar cards for building sites
• Heavy lifting and working at height, so plan safe methods and use proper equipment
• Check employment status rules (self-employed or not) with HMRC so you are set up correctly
• Who is responsible for building regulations sign-off on each job, which the supplying firm usually handles but you should confirm
• Older buildings may contain asbestos or lead paint, so check before removing frames

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on the tools, van and equipment you already have. You leave selling to window firms, so there is no showroom to pay for.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how much work local window companies, fabricators and builders pass to you. The estimate assumes at least about 20 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance and what cover the firms you work for expect. Check whether you need CSCS or similar cards for building sites, and your employment status with HMRC. Also check for asbestos or lead paint before removing frames in older buildings.