Shop and office interior fitter (subcontract work)

Shopfitters, main contractors, office refurbishment firms and property managers.

Day rate or price per task agreed with the main contractor, often with steady work if you are reliable and finish on time.

• Reading drawings and specifications
• Joinery or fitting experience
• Working to deadlines alongside other trades
• Reliable and safety-aware

• Public liability insurance, often with a higher limit required by contractors; check what they ask for
• Employment status and tax: check with HMRC whether you are self-employed for each contract, and how the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) applies
• Late payment risk; agree payment terms in writing before starting
• Working at height and on busy sites; check training and safe working requirements
• Contractors may want you to work to tight programmes, so be realistic when you commit to dates

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your tools, your transport and the insurance level contractors ask for. Check what contractors require before you commit to kit or cover.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £2,500 to £7,000, depending on how much contract work you win and the rates you agree. About 30 hours a week is the estimated minimum, so plan around the programmes you take on.

Check with HMRC whether you are self-employed for each contract and how the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) applies. Also check what public liability limit contractors ask for, and agree payment terms in writing to manage late payment risk.