Central vacuum installer and reseller

Homeowners adding a system to an existing house, home builders and remodelers, and allergy-conscious or pet-owning households.

You earn a margin on the equipment plus a fixed or per-inlet installation fee. Add-ons like extra inlets, hose kits and yearly service visits bring repeat income.

• Basic carpentry and low-voltage wiring
• Comfortable working in attics, crawl spaces and basements
• Clear quoting and customer service

• Contractor licensing: many states require a license for work like drilling, wiring or venting, so check your state licensing board
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
• Exhaust venting and electrical connections must follow local building codes, so check whether permits apply
• Installing in finished homes risks damage to walls and ceilings, so plan routes carefully and quote with margin
• Sales tax registration for equipment you sell, check with your state

Estimates typically run around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your vehicle, tools, starting product stock and insurance. Working from a van with no shop can help keep overhead lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many installs you win, system sizes and whether you work with builders. Quote with some margin for tricky installs in finished homes.

Check your state licensing board, since many states require a contractor license for drilling, wiring or venting work. Also check local building codes and permits, insurance, and sales tax registration for equipment you sell.