Domestic plasterer for local homeowners

Homeowners, landlords, letting agents and small builders who need a room or two done.

Fixed price per room or per square metre, or a day rate. Repeat work and recommendations from local builders and electricians keep the diary full.

• Trained plastering skills (a college course or time as a plasterer's mate)
• Clean, tidy finish
• Quoting and measuring jobs
• Reliable timekeeping

• Public liability insurance, and check whether customers or builders ask for a minimum cover level
• Register as self-employed with HMRC; check whether the Construction Industry Scheme applies when working for builders
• Old plaster in older buildings can contain asbestos, so check before disturbing it
• Physical work with a risk of strain; plan your workload and rest
• Quote carefully, as hidden damp or poor walls can turn a small job into a big one

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £800 to £4,000, depending on your tools, equipment, insurance and transport. Your own situation, such as whether you already own trade kit, will move you within that range.

Check you have public liability insurance, and whether customers or builders ask for a minimum cover level. Register as self-employed with HMRC and check whether the Construction Industry Scheme applies when working for builders. Check for asbestos in old plaster before disturbing it.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many jobs you take, their size and your hours. The estimates start from about 20 hours a week. Quote carefully, as hidden damp can turn a small job into a big one.