Traditional building repair specialist

Owners of period and listed homes, churches and village halls, local trusts, and sometimes councils or main contractors who need a specialist.

Quoted price per job or day rate, plus materials. Specialist skills usually earn more per day than general building work, but jobs are fewer and need more time to quote.

• A building trade such as bricklaying, plastering, carpentry or stonemasonry
• Knowledge of traditional materials like lime
• Patience and attention to detail
• Writing clear quotes

• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability once you take on staff
• Listed building consent: it is usually the owner's responsibility, but check with the local council before starting work on any listed property
• Using the wrong materials, such as cement on old walls, can cause damage and disputes
• Working at height and handling lime safely: check current health and safety guidance
• Some larger jobs may be tendered by trusts or councils and ask for references or accreditations

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your tools, access equipment, vehicle needs and insurance. These are estimates, so price up your own kit and the materials you plan to work with.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many jobs you take, their size and the hours you work. This is an estimate of revenue rather than profit.

Listed building consent is usually the owner's responsibility, but check with the local council before starting work on any listed property. Also check public liability insurance, safe working at height and lime handling, and use the right materials.