Floor sanding for builders and flooring firms

Builders, property developers, flooring companies, carpenters and letting agents who want a reliable sander without employing one.

Usually a day rate or an agreed price per job or per square metre. Repeat work from a few trade contacts can keep your diary steady with less marketing.

• Basic sanding experience or willingness to train
• Reliability and turning up on time
• Working to a contractor's schedule
• Building trade relationships

• Public liability insurance, as contractors often ask to see proof before giving work
• Check your tax status, as HMRC may treat you differently if you work only for one firm, and check whether the Construction Industry Scheme applies
• Dust control and safety rules on shared building sites
• Late payment from contractors, so agree terms and keep written confirmation of the work

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the sanding equipment you buy to begin with, any training you need and your insurance. These are estimates, and you can add kit as you earn.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £4,500, depending on how much work builders and flooring firms send you and what you charge. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check public liability insurance, as contractors often want proof. Also check your tax status, since HMRC may treat you differently if you work for only one firm, whether the Construction Industry Scheme applies, and dust control and safety rules on shared sites.