In 1786, he moved to Manchester where he married Mary Wainwright and took up employment as a joiner with the building firm of Thomas Sharp.

This created a demand for cheap housing and Bellhouse and his partners were among several tradesmen builders who made their fortunes in property speculation.

From the early nineteenth century, Bellhouse expanded into the construction of complete factories and into work as a surveyor and valuer.

His firm enjoyed the sole contracts for the erection of several public buildings, including the Portico Library, Islington Mill and the old Town Hall in King Street.

In 1824, he was elected one of the Police Commissioners who comprised Manchester's local government, making use of the office in furthering his building enterprise.