Floor refinishing crew for landlords and offices
Lead a small crew refinishing floors in rentals, offices and studios between tenants.
- $8k-35k
- Full-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
17,989 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.4% in a year
NAICS 238330 “Flooring contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A larger-scale version of floor refinishing, focused on rental turnovers, small offices, studios and similar spaces. A two or three person crew handles bigger floor areas on tight schedules, often with a screen and recoat option for lighter wear.
Your first three steps
- Build experience on smaller jobs, then contact local property managers and landlords with a clear price list and turnaround times
- Buy or rent commercial-grade sanders with dust extraction, and line up a reliable helper or two
- Set up an LLC and get insurance, then ask your first property manager client for a trial unit
Who pays
Landlords, property management companies, small office tenants, gyms and dance studios.
How it makes money
Per square foot pricing on larger jobs, plus ongoing contracts with property managers who send you units regularly.
Skills that help
- Sanding and finishing experience
- Scheduling and managing a crew
- Quoting larger jobs
- Reliable communication with property managers
Watch out for
- Check state and local contractor licensing rules, which may be stricter for commercial work
- Workers' compensation insurance is usually needed once you have employees, and rules on contractors versus employees vary by state
- Check EPA lead-safe rules (RRP) for pre-1978 rental housing
- Property managers may pay slowly, so agree payment terms in writing
- Finish products may need drying and curing time, so plan around tenant move-in dates
- Large buildings may need a certificate of insurance before you can start
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: floor refinishing crew for landlords and offices
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a floor refinishing crew?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the sanding equipment, vehicle and supplies you buy and whether you buy new or used. Your costs will also depend on how large a crew you plan to run.
How much can a floor refinishing crew earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many rental turnovers and commercial jobs you win, the floor areas involved and your pricing. The idea assumes at least about 30 hours a week.
What rules should I check before taking on landlord and office work?
Check state and local contractor licensing rules, which may be stricter for commercial work. Check EPA lead-safe rules (RRP) for pre-1978 rental housing, workers' compensation requirements once you have employees, and whether large buildings need a certificate of insurance.
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