Replacement window and door installer

Homeowners, landlords, and property managers who want better energy efficiency, repairs, or a refreshed look.

A fixed price per job covering the product (with a markup) plus labor. Bigger jobs, like a whole-house window package, bring in more per project.

• Carpentry and accurate measuring
• Giving clear quotes and talking with customers
• Safe lifting and working at height
• Job scheduling and ordering

• Contractor licensing: many states and cities require a license, often above a certain job value, so check your state licensing board
• EPA lead-safe rules (RRP) usually apply when replacing windows in homes built before 1978, so check certification requirements
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
• Measuring mistakes on custom-ordered windows can be costly, so double-check every measurement
• Customer deposits and warranty callbacks, so put terms in writing

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and how much insurance and setup you need. These are estimates, so get real quotes before you commit to any purchase.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many jobs you win and their size. Treat this as an estimate, and remember that measuring mistakes on custom-ordered windows can be costly.

Check whether your state or city requires a contractor license, often above a certain job value, through your state licensing board. Also check EPA lead-safe (RRP) certification for homes built before 1978, and general liability insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire.