Skylight repair and leak-fix specialist

Homeowners with leaks, property managers, landlords, and roofers or general contractors who prefer to subcontract skylight problems.

A diagnostic or service-call fee plus a fixed price per repair, with materials marked up. Referrals from roofers and property managers can bring steady repeat work.

• Comfortable working on roofs
• Basic carpentry and sealing know-how
• Diagnosing where a leak really comes from
• Clear, honest quoting

• State or local contractor licensing, which varies a lot, so check your state licensing board and city or county
• General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire anyone
• Fall risk on roofs: use proper safety equipment and don't work in wet or icy conditions
• Leaks often come from the roof, not the skylight, so be clear about what you are and aren't guaranteeing
• Warranty issues if the skylight is still under the manufacturer's warranty

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your tools, safety gear and materials. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many repair jobs you take on.

Contractor licensing varies a lot, so check your state licensing board and your city or county. Also check general liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire anyone, and whether a skylight is still under the manufacturer's warranty before you work on it.

Useful skills include comfort on roofs, basic carpentry and sealing know-how, diagnosing where a leak really comes from, and clear quoting. Use proper fall safety equipment and avoid wet or icy conditions. Be clear about what you are and aren't guaranteeing.