Small office fit-out contractor

Small and medium businesses moving into or updating premises, landlords preparing space to let, and managing agents.

A priced contract per project, with margin on subcontractor and material costs. Stage payments help cash flow, and good results lead to repeat work and referrals.

• Building or fit-out experience, ideally supervising trades
• Estimating, programming and managing budgets
• Clear communication with clients and subcontractors

• Construction design and management rules usually apply to commercial work, so check your duties as a contractor
• Asbestos in older buildings, so check for a refurbishment survey before any strip-out
• Public liability, contractor's all risks and employer's liability insurance as you hire
• Cash flow risk from late payment and retentions, so agree stage payments in writing
• Building regulations, fire safety and electrical certification, so check what applies with building control
• Check whether you need to register for the Construction Industry Scheme and how VAT applies to your work

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on your tools, vehicle, insurance and how much work you subcontract. These are estimates, so build a detailed budget before you quote for your first refurbishment.

Check your duties as a contractor under construction design and management rules, asbestos surveys before any strip-out, building regulations, fire safety and electrical certification, and whether Construction Industry Scheme registration and VAT apply to your work. Also check your insurance cover.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on how many jobs you win and how large they are. That is revenue, not profit, and late payment can hurt cash flow, so agree stage payments in writing.