Solo wood floor installer

Homeowners, landlords, remodeling contractors, home builders and real estate investors who flip houses.

Usually a price per square foot for labor, with the customer buying the materials or you adding a markup on materials. Extras like removing old flooring, leveling the subfloor and stairs are priced separately.

• Precise measuring and cutting
• Knowledge of subfloors, moisture and wood types
• Clear quoting and customer communication

• Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or specialty license, as rules vary a lot and some set job-value limits
• General liability insurance, and a written contract for each job so scope, materials and payment are clear
• Moisture and subfloor problems can ruin a floor, so test before installing and document it
• Heavy physical work on knees and back, plan for protective gear and realistic job loads
• Check workers' compensation rules before you hire any helper, and how your state treats subcontractors versus employees

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the nailers, saws, tools and protective gear you need and what you already own. These are estimates, so build your own tool list and price it.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you complete and their size. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week. It is heavy physical work, so plan realistic job loads.

Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or specialty license, as rules vary a lot and some set job-value limits. Also check general liability insurance, written contracts, and workers' compensation rules before you hire any helper.