Home cameras, alarms and smart lock fitter

Homeowners, landlords and older people (often after a break-in or a neighbour's), plus some family members arranging it for relatives.

A fixed fee per installation or a day rate, plus a margin on the equipment you supply. Repeat work comes from referrals and landlords with several properties.

• Practical DIY and drilling skills
• Comfortable with apps, Wi-Fi and basic networking
• Clear, friendly explanations for non-technical customers

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your cover includes work at height and fitting locks
• Mains-powered or fixed wiring work in homes may fall under electrical rules (such as Part P in England), so check what you can do yourself and when to use a qualified electrician
• Data protection and privacy: advise customers on pointing cameras at their own property, and check the ICO's guidance for domestic CCTV
• Insurers may require locks or alarms to meet certain standards, so check what the customer's policy asks for before you promise anything
• Don't claim police response or insurer approval unless you work through an accredited route

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on the tools, stock and insurance you need. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for your own kit and cover before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on how many jobs you take and how many hours you work. Part-time work might start at about 8 hours a week. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check your public liability cover, including work at height and fitting locks. Check whether mains or fixed wiring falls under electrical rules such as Part P in England, read ICO guidance on domestic CCTV, and check insurer standards for locks and alarms.