Drain repair and installation contractor

Homeowners, landlords, small builders, extension and groundwork firms, and commercial property owners.

Quoted prices per job, from small repairs to larger installations, often with a deposit and stage payments. Regular subcontract work for builders can fill the diary.

• Drainage and groundworks knowledge
• Quoting and job costing
• Operating small plant machinery
• Managing customers, builders and subcontractors

• Public liability and employer's liability insurance, and cover for hired or owned plant
• Building Regulations approval or notification may apply to new or altered drainage; check with your local council building control
• Work on or near public sewers may need permission from the water company; check before starting
• Waste carrying registration may be needed when removing soil or waste, and disposal rules apply
• Trench and excavation safety, and checking for buried services before digging
• Cash flow, as materials, plant hire and wages are paid before customers pay you

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the plant, equipment and vehicle you buy or hire. A small digger and survey kit add to the cost compared with unblocking alone. These figures are estimates.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on the jobs you win and the size of your team. Materials, plant hire and wages are paid before customers pay you, so watch your cash flow.

Check Building Regulations approval or notification for new or altered drainage with your council's building control. Check whether work near public sewers needs water company permission, and whether you need waste carrying registration. Also check insurance and excavation safety.