Start a home theater installation business

Homeowners who have bought equipment and want it installed properly, plus new-build owners, interior designers and local electronics retailers who need an installer.

A flat fee per job or an hourly rate, with extras for in-wall wiring, cable concealment, system calibration and remote setup. Customers usually buy the equipment themselves, so you can add a small markup if you supply cables and mounts.

• Comfortable with tools and drilling into walls
• Understanding of AV equipment and cabling
• Patient explaining systems to non-technical customers
• Tidy, careful work in other people's homes

• General liability insurance, as drilling into walls can hit pipes or wires
• Check with your state licensing board whether low-voltage or electrical work needs a license, as rules vary by state
• Work beyond low-voltage wiring, such as new power outlets, usually needs a licensed electrician
• Check with your city or county about a local business license
• Lifting heavy screens and working at height, so plan for a helper on large jobs

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your tools, testing equipment and insurance. These are estimates, so list the tools you already own and price what you still need.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many jobs you book and what you charge. The estimates assume at least about 8 hours a week, so it can start part time.

Check with your state licensing board whether low-voltage or electrical work needs a license, as rules vary by state. Work beyond low-voltage wiring, such as new power outlets, usually needs a licensed electrician. Also check general liability insurance and local business license rules.