Wooden floor sanding and refinishing

Homeowners, landlords, letting agents, and builders or decorators who need floors done as part of a renovation.

Price per square metre, or a fixed quote per room or job, with extras for repairs, staining and stair work.

• Careful, steady manual work
• Eye for detail and a smooth finish
• Measuring and quoting jobs accurately

• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you take on staff
• Wood dust and finishing fumes: check what dust extraction, face masks and ventilation you need
• Oil-soaked rags can heat up and catch fire, so check how to dispose of them safely
• Sanding can damage floors if done badly, so quote carefully and check nails and thickness first
• A van is usually needed to carry heavy machines

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on whether you hire or buy machines and what vehicle you need. These are estimates, so check them against your own plans.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many jobs you take and how you price them. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for materials, machines and travel.

Check public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you take on staff. Also check what dust extraction, face masks and ventilation you need, how to dispose of oil-soaked rags safely, and quote carefully after checking nails and floor thickness.