Keep homes bright and drainage clear with essential exterior maintenance services
Time: 10-25 hours per week
Homeowners and property managers pay for this service to preserve curb appeal and prevent water damage caused by clogged eaves troughs. You make money by charging per linear foot for gutters and per pane for windows. In Canada's climate, debris buildup from falling leaves in autumn and sediment from spring thaw creates peak demand periods. Most contractors operate as solo proprietors, providing all equipment and labor to complete exterior residential cleaning tasks safely.
Invest approximately $450 in a 24-foot extension ladder, a sturdy gutter scoop, a squeegee kit, and a specialized telescopic pole from stores like Home Depot or Canadian Tire.
Secure a $1,000,000 general liability policy through an agency like Zensurance for roughly $50 monthly to protect against property damage or personal injury during ladder work.
Research local rates on Kijiji and set your prices at $150 to $250 for a standard bungalow or $1.50 per linear foot for gutter clearing.
Distribute 200 flyers in mature neighborhoods with many trees and post your services on Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor to attract your first five residential clients.
Follow a systematic approach by clearing gutters first, flushing downspouts with a hose, and then finishing windows with a professional-grade solution to ensure a streak-free shine.
Offer a $20 discount to clients who refer a neighbor and schedule follow-up appointments for the next season to ensure a steady stream of future revenue.
A primary platform for Canadians to list local home maintenance services and find neighborhood leads.
Provides essential safety guidelines for ladder use and working at heights applicable across many provinces.
A reputable Canadian review site where you can build a profile to gain trust with high-end homeowners.
The go-to retailer for purchasing professional-grade ladders and outdoor cleaning supplies in Canada.
Important for understanding how to report your seasonal earnings and claim equipment depreciation.