Mobile glazier for glass repairs
Replace broken panes, misted double glazing units and damaged glass at homes and small businesses from your van.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
7,568 UK companies in this field, 19% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 43342 “Glazing”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A van-based glazing service replacing cracked or smashed glass, failed double glazed units, and glass in doors, windows and conservatories. You measure on site, order made-to-measure glass and return to fit it.
Your first three steps
- Get trade experience or training, for example by working for a glazing firm or taking a glazing course
- Open a trade account with a local glass merchant and price up common unit sizes
- Get insured, then promote yourself to letting agents, landlords and local community groups
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, letting agents, shops and small businesses needing a quick, local repair.
How it makes money
Charge a call-out fee or fixed price per job, covering glass, materials and labour. Emergency boarding-up and same-day repairs can be priced higher.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring
- Careful, safe handling of glass
- Basic carpentry or window fitting
- Clear quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you take on staff
- Window and door replacement may need to meet Building Regulations, check whether you need to join a competent person scheme such as FENSA or Certass
- Safe lifting and carrying of glass, use suitable equipment and protective gear
- Safety glass rules for doors and low-level panes, check the requirements before fitting
- A van fitted with a safe glass rack, and cover for tools and stock
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile glazing business?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your van, glass racking, tools and opening stock. Insurance and cover for tools and stock are further costs to check.
How much can a mobile glazier earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the number of jobs, their size and your pricing. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week.
What rules should I check before working as a glazier?
Check whether window and door replacement must meet Building Regulations, and whether you need to join a competent person scheme such as FENSA or Certass. Also check safety glass requirements, safe lifting of glass, and public liability insurance.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Traditional building repair specialist
Repair old brick, stone, lime plaster and timber windows for owners of period and listed homes.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Heating engineer: boilers, servicing and repairs
Service, repair and fit boilers and heating systems for local homes and landlords, working from your van.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Aluminium window supply and fit
Measure, order and fit made-to-measure aluminium windows for homeowners and small builders, without running your own factory.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Domestic electrician for local homes
Fix, upgrade and install electrics for homeowners and landlords in your area, working from your van.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small ground testing consultancy
Sample and test ground for small builds and land projects, then supply a lab-backed report for planning or building control.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Water softener supply and fitting
Sell and fit water softeners in hard water homes, then earn from yearly servicing and salt top-ups.
- £3k-12k
- Full-time
- Out and about