Freelance home cinema installer

Homeowners who have bought kit and want it fitted properly, plus interior designers and builders who need a specialist.

A fixed price per job or a day rate for installation and setup. Some installers also earn a margin on equipment they supply.

• Comfortable with tools and drilling
• Understanding of AV kit and cabling
• Tidy, careful work in people's homes
• Clear explanations for customers

• Public liability insurance, and consider cover for damage to customers' equipment
• Fixed electrical work such as new sockets may need a qualified electrician and Building Regulations compliance, check what you can legally do
• Working at height and drilling into walls, check for hidden pipes and cables
• Check any vehicle insurance covers business use and carrying tools

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on the tools, test equipment and vehicle set-up you need. Treat this as a guide and budget for your own kit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000 as an estimate, depending on how many installs you take on and the hours you work. Many people start part-time, from around 8 hours a week.

Check that fixed electrical work, such as new sockets, may need a qualified electrician and Building Regulations compliance, so know what you can legally do. Also check public liability cover, risks when drilling walls or working at height, and that vehicle insurance covers business use.