Solo heating and plumbing engineer

Homeowners, landlords, letting agents, small shops and offices, and sometimes builders who need a subcontractor.

Fixed prices for installs, hourly or call-out rates for repairs, and repeat income from annual boiler services and landlord work.

• Recognised plumbing or heating qualifications
• Fault finding and problem solving
• Clear quoting and customer service

• Gas work must be done by someone on the Gas Safe Register in Great Britain, check the rules for Northern Ireland
• Oil, unvented hot water and heat pump work may need extra qualifications or scheme membership, so check before quoting
• Public liability insurance, tools and van cover, and later employer's liability if you hire
• Building regulations notification or a competent person scheme for some installs, check with your local council
• Unpaid invoices and large material costs, so consider deposits on bigger jobs

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on tools, van and insurance. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the jobs you take and the hours you work.

Gas work must be done by someone on the Gas Safe Register in Great Britain, so check the rules for Northern Ireland. Also check whether oil, unvented hot water and heat pump work need extra qualifications or scheme membership before quoting.

Recognised plumbing or heating qualifications are a key skill, alongside fault finding and clear quoting. Also check building regulations notification or a competent person scheme for some installs with your local council.