Start a motorhome repair workshop

Motorhome and caravan owners, dealers needing overflow work, and insurers or hire firms sending accident repairs.

Labour charged by the hour or per job, plus parts margin. Larger jobs such as bodywork and damp repairs bring higher invoices.

• Vehicle mechanical or bodywork experience
• Habitation systems knowledge
• Job quoting and scheduling
• Managing a workshop and suppliers

• Planning use class for the unit and whether your landlord allows vehicle repairs, so check with the council and landlord
• Garage keeper's liability, public liability and employer's liability insurance if you hire
• Gas, electrical and fire safety requirements: check what applies to your work and premises
• Environmental rules on waste oil, solvents and paint spraying, so check with your council or the Environment Agency (or equivalent in your nation)
• Large vehicles may sit for weeks, so check storage space and insurance

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, equipment and fit-out. Check the planning use class and whether your landlord allows vehicle repairs before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on the type of repairs and how busy the workshop is. Large vehicles may sit for weeks, so check your storage space and insurance.

Check the planning use class and landlord permission, plus garage keeper's, public liability and employer's liability insurance. Also check gas, electrical and fire safety requirements, and environmental rules on waste oil, solvents and paint spraying with your council or Environment Agency.