Floor sanding and refinishing business

Homeowners, landlords, builders and renovators, estate agents, and small businesses such as cafes, shops and studios.

Price per square metre or per room, depending on the floor condition and finish. Extras include gap filling, stairs, stain or colour work and repairs to damaged boards.

• Confident with heavy machinery
• Attention to detail for an even finish
• Quoting and measuring jobs accurately
• Customer service and tidiness in people's homes

• Public liability insurance, and check your policy covers damage to customers' floors
• Wood dust is a health hazard and a fire risk, so check dust extraction, respiratory protection and safe disposal
• Old floors may hide nails, or contain lead paint or other hazards, so check before sanding
• Sanding too deep can ruin a floor, so practise first and be clear about limits when quoting
• Check noise and working hour rules, especially in flats

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on the machines, finishes and van you need. Treat this as a guide only, and get quotes for equipment, dust extraction, protective gear and insurance before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many jobs you take, the size of the floors and the hours you work. That is revenue before your costs. The estimates assume at least 15 hours a week.

Check that your public liability insurance covers damage to customers' floors, and check dust extraction, respiratory protection and safe disposal. Also check old floors for nails or lead paint, and check noise and working hour rules, especially in flats.