Plaster repair and skim coat specialist

Homeowners, landlords, painters and remodelers who need a smooth wall finish before painting.

Priced per job or per square foot, with a minimum call-out fee. Repeat work comes from painters, remodelers and property managers who send you jobs.

• Mixing and applying plaster smoothly
• Patience and an eye for finish quality
• Estimating materials and time
• Customer service

• Check your state's contractor licensing rules, as many states require a license once a job passes a set dollar amount
• Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, so check whether you need EPA lead-safe (RRP) certification
• Older plaster may contain asbestos in some cases, so check before sanding or demolishing
• General liability insurance and dust protection for your lungs
• Physical work on ladders and scaffolds, so plan for safety and rest

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools, materials and insurance. These are estimates for a solo setup, so your own figure may differ.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how many jobs you take and how many hours you work. An estimated minimum of around 15 hours a week is the starting point.

Check your state's contractor licensing rules, as many states require a license once a job passes a set dollar amount. For homes built before 1978, check whether you need EPA lead-safe (RRP) certification, and check for asbestos before sanding.