Mobile window and glass repair
Drive to homes and small businesses to replace broken windows, patio door glass and glass panels.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
6,945 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year
NAICS 238150 “Glass and glazing contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A van-based service that repairs and replaces broken window panes, insulated glass units, patio door glass, mirrors and tabletops at the customer's property. Some jobs are same-day boarding up, with the final glass fitted once it is cut or ordered.
Your first three steps
- Learn the trade through a glazing apprenticeship, a job with a local glass shop or a short course, and practice measuring and installing
- Find a local glass supplier that cuts to size or sells insulated units, and compare their trade prices and lead times
- Get insurance, set up a simple quote template and offer your service to landlords, property managers and local handymen
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers, small shops and offices, and sometimes insurance claims.
How it makes money
A call-out fee plus a price per job covering glass and labor. Emergency and after-hours repairs usually earn a higher rate, and repeat work comes from landlords and property managers.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and careful hands
- Safe handling of glass and tools
- Clear quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Check with your state licensing board and city or county whether glazing or general contractor work needs a license, as rules vary a lot
- General liability insurance, plus commercial auto cover for your van, and workers' compensation once you hire
- Cuts, lifting injuries and broken glass disposal, so use proper safety gear and check local rules for waste
- Safe work at height and on upper floors, and whether lead paint rules apply on older homes
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: mobile window and glass repair
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 mobile glass repair business?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your van, tools and glass handling equipment. Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your area, how many jobs you take and the types of glass you replace.
Do I need a license for window and glass repair?
Check with your state licensing board and your city or county whether glazing or general contractor work needs a license, as rules vary a lot. Also check insurance: general liability, commercial auto for your van, and workers' compensation once you hire.
What safety issues come with glass repair work?
Cuts, lifting injuries and broken glass disposal are real risks, so use proper safety gear and check local rules for waste. Also check safe work at height and on upper floors, and whether lead paint rules apply on older homes.
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