Local supply and fit window installer

Homeowners, landlords and letting agents replacing old or damaged windows and doors.

You charge a price per job that covers the units, fitting, waste removal and your margin. Repeat work comes from landlords, referrals and local reputation.

• Surveying and accurate measuring
• Quoting and costing jobs
• Fitting windows and doors to a high standard
• Customer service and clear communication
• Basic bookkeeping

• In England and Wales, replacement windows and doors must comply with building regulations, usually through a competent person scheme or building control, so check the current requirements
• Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check with your local building control
• Public liability insurance, employer's liability once you hire, and van and tools cover
• Taking deposits: be clear on terms and consider how to protect customers' money, and check consumer law and guarantee requirements
• Cash flow, because you pay the fabricator before the customer pays you in full
• Heavy lifting, working at height and possible asbestos in older properties

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on your van, tools and how you set up quoting and ordering. Cash flow matters, because you pay the fabricator before the customer pays you in full.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on how many jobs you win and their size. The estimate assumes at least about 30 hours a week, including surveying, quoting and customer contact.

In England and Wales, replacement windows and doors must comply with building regulations, usually through a competent person scheme or building control, so check current requirements. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check with your local building control.