Building services maintenance contractor

Letting agents, landlords with several properties, managing agents, small businesses, schools, care homes and housing groups.

Annual or monthly service contracts, call-out and repair charges, and quoted installs when equipment needs replacing.

• Qualified engineers (you or your team)
• Scheduling jobs and keeping records
• Building relationships with property managers

• Gas Safe registration for gas work in Great Britain, with different arrangements in Northern Ireland
• Other qualifications or registrations for refrigerant, oil or heat pump work, check what applies to your services
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff or subcontractors
• Larger clients may ask for health and safety documents, risk assessments and accreditations
• Cash flow, because clients may pay 30 days or more after invoice
• Responsibility for safety records, keep accurate certificates and reports

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on vans, tools, insurance and staffing. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at £3,000 to £14,000, depending on the contracts you win.

Things to check include Gas Safe registration for gas work in Great Britain, with different arrangements in Northern Ireland, and other qualifications or registrations for refrigerant, oil or heat pump work. Larger clients may also ask for health and safety documents and accreditations.

Cash flow needs careful planning, because clients may pay 30 days or more after invoice. Also check public liability and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff or subcontractors, and keep accurate certificates and reports.