Mobile flashings and cladding installer
Fit metal flashings, trims and cladding on site as a subcontractor, working from a van with no workshop.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
37,269 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 43290 “Other construction installation”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
You travel to building sites and properties to measure, fit and seal metal flashings, roof trims, gutters' metalwork and cladding. Simple bending can be done on site with hand tools or a portable folder, and complex parts can be bought in.
Your first three steps
- Get a van and a core tool kit, and work out your day rate from what local subcontractors charge
- Ask roofers and small contractors nearby whether they need metalwork subcontracted
- Get insurance in place and take photos of early jobs to build a simple portfolio
Who pays
Roofing firms, main contractors, builders and property managers who need a reliable specialist for the metalwork.
How it makes money
Day rate, price per job or price per metre fitted. Steady subcontract work from a few regular firms can fill your diary.
Skills that help
- Metalwork fitting and weatherproofing
- Comfortable working at height
- Measuring accurately and working to a programme
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, and check whether customers ask for a higher cover level
- Safe working at height; check training, scaffolding and edge protection needs
- Many sites require a CSCS card or similar, so check what main contractors expect
- Older cladding or roofing may contain asbestos, so check before cutting or drilling
- If you work for contractors, check how the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) affects your tax
- Weather delays and late payment from contractors, so agree payment terms upfront
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start as a flashings and cladding installer?
Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your van, tools, any portable folder and safety equipment. These are estimates, so price up access equipment, training and insurance before you begin.
How much can a flashings and cladding installer earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on how steady your contractor work is and the jobs you take on. Weather delays and late payment can affect income, so agree payment terms upfront.
What should I check before working on building sites?
Things to check: public liability insurance levels customers ask for, training for working at height, whether sites expect a CSCS card, asbestos in older cladding or roofing, and how the Construction Industry Scheme affects your tax.
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