Patio cover and garden room fitter

Homeowners wanting to use their garden or patio all year round, and sometimes small pubs, cafes or landlords.

A fixed price per job covering the kit plus a fitting margin. Many fitters take a deposit up front and the balance on completion.

• Practical building or fitting experience
• Measuring and quoting accurately
• Clear communication with customers
• Working safely at height

• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you take on staff
• Planning permission and building regulations can apply depending on size and design, so check with the local council before quoting
• Safe lifting of glass and working at height, consider training
• Use clear written contracts and check consumer rules on deposits and cancellations
• Check whether any glazing work needs a competent person scheme registration

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on tools, vehicle needs, insurance and any training. These are estimates. You would buy kits from a manufacturer or trade supplier and work from home, travelling to each job.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on how many jobs you win and their size. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and it can start from around 20 hours a week.

Check whether planning permission and building regulations apply to the size and design, with your local council before quoting. Also check public liability insurance, safe glass lifting and working at height, written contracts, and any competent person scheme for glazing.