Most homes have this problem. That means great opportunity for you

Living in a colder climate, I get to enjoy all four seasons, sometimes all in the same week, lol. And although the changing seasons can bring joy and fun experiences, these same seasons can take a toll on your home’s exterior elements, like the roof, windows, basement, and even the foundation.

Some of these common problems include drafty windows and homes that are difficult to heat in the fall and winter. Leaky roofs to water problems in the basement in the Spring and summer, along with many other issues of all sizes.

And each fix is an opportunity that someone like you can build upon.

Here are five different weatherproofing businesses you could start. Pick one and run with it, or build into more later. Each one can stand on its own and bring in a full-time income for anyone with some drive.

1. Home Weatherproofing Audits

A weatherproofing audit is like a checkup for the house. You walk through the home and around the outside to find where heat or cool air is escaping. Then you point out the fixes and offer to do them.

Tools you need:

• Thermal camera or infrared thermometer (helps spot heat loss)

• Smoke-pen or incense stick to find drafts

• Ladder for attic or crawl space checks

• Caulk gun and sealant to fix simple gaps

Skills and licensing:
You don’t need a license to start in most areas. It helps to understand how air flows through a house and how insulation works. A short training course or even online guides can get you started.

Challenges and opportunities:
The hard part is trust. Homeowners want to know you are not just upselling. Bring clear photos and simple explanations. Show them exactly where the problem is and what it costs to fix. Once you earn trust, you can upsell sealing jobs for $300 to $1,000 or more per home.

2. Insulation Services

Insulation is the blanket of the house. Old insulation often sags, gets wet, or was never enough in the first place. Adding or replacing it can save families a lot on heating and cooling.

Tools you need:

• Blower machine for loose-fill insulation (can rent at first)

• Utility knife, stapler, safety gear (gloves, mask, goggles)

• Truck or trailer to haul materials

Skills and licensing:
In most areas, you don’t need a special license. You should learn how to handle fiberglass safely and how to measure R-value. Training from insulation suppliers is often free.

Challenges and opportunities:
Working in attics and crawl spaces can be hot, cramped, and messy. But the jobs are high value. An attic insulation upgrade often runs $1,500 to $3,500. You can start small with attics and later move into full-home insulation.

3. Roofing Business

The roof is the house's shield. A leak here makes every other weatherproofing fix pointless. This business can start small with shingle patching and grow into full replacements.

Tools you need:

• Roofing nail gun, hammer, tear-off tools

• Safety harness, rope, ladder stabilizer

• Tarps to protect yards and driveways

• Truck or trailer for hauling shingles

Skills and licensing:
Many states require a roofing license or contractor license for larger jobs. Check local rules before you start. Even for small repairs, you need to be comfortable on a roof and know how shingles overlap.

Challenges and opportunities:
This is risky work. Falls are the number one danger, so safety training is a must. The upside is huge. A repair job might pay $300 to $1,000. A full roof replacement can bring $8,000 to $15,000 or more. Roofing has strong demand because every house needs it sooner or later.

4. Foundation Repair

When the foundation cracks or leaks, homeowners get nervous fast. This service focuses on sealing cracks, stopping leaks, and protecting basements from water.

Tools you need:

• Epoxy or polyurethane injection kits

• Concrete patch tools and trowels

• Hydraulic cement for active leaks

• Waterproof coatings and membranes

• Excavation tools (these can be rented as needed, especially in the beginning)

Skills and licensing:
Small crack repairs and waterproof coatings usually don’t need special licensing. More extensive structural repairs may require the services of an engineer or a licensed contractor. You can start on the lighter side and build from there.

Challenges and opportunities:
This work can be messy and sometimes requires digging. But the payoff is strong. Small crack repairs run $500 to $1,000. Full waterproofing projects can go $5,000 to $15,000+. People will always pay to protect the base of their home.

5. Basement Waterproofing and Enhancements

A damp basement is wasted space. This business makes basements dry, safe, and usable. You can focus on waterproofing or add finishing services that turn basements into living areas.

Tools you need:

• Sump pump and drain tile installation tools

• Vapor barriers and sealants

• Dehumidifiers and moisture meters

• Carpentry tools if you offer finishing services

Skills and licensing:
Waterproofing itself often needs no special license. If you move into electrical or plumbing work, you’ll need a licensed partner. You should learn basic drainage and moisture control methods.

Challenges and opportunities:
Basement jobs can be big projects that last days or weeks. The good part is the size of the checks. Simple waterproofing starts around $3,000. Full basement remodels can climb to $20,000 or more. Many families would rather fix and finish what they already own than pay for a larger house.

Final Word

Weatherproofing is not one business. It is a group of them. Each of these five can stand alone. You could run a weatherproofing audit company, an insulation service, a roofing outfit, a foundation repair business, or a basement waterproofing crew. Each one solves a problem homeowners already know they have.

Find more business ideas on Full Throttle Start Up.

Tim