Smoke and soot cleanup specialist

Larger restoration companies that subcontract, property managers and landlords, and homeowners, often through an insurance claim.

Hourly or per-room pricing, or a per-job quote. Subcontract work is often paid by the job, and insurer-backed jobs may be priced using set estimating guidelines.

• Careful, detailed cleaning work
• Handling cleaning chemicals and protective gear safely
• Clear, kind communication with people who have just lost property
• Reliable with paperwork and photos

• General liability insurance, and ask your insurer about pollution or contractor coverage; workers' comp once you hire
• Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or remediation license even for cleaning-only work
• Burned buildings can contain hazards such as asbestos or lead in older homes; check rules and when to stop and call a specialist
• Respiratory and chemical safety: use proper protective equipment
• Payment from insurers or larger firms can be slow, so keep cash in reserve

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on equipment, protective gear and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how much work you win.

Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or remediation license even for cleaning-only work. Also ask your insurer about general liability, pollution or contractor coverage, and workers' comp once you hire.

Burned buildings can contain hazards such as asbestos or lead in older homes, so check the rules and when to stop and call a specialist. Use proper protective equipment for respiratory and chemical safety.