How to Start a Handyman Business: A Comprehensive Guide

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Starting a handyman service transforms your passion for fixing into a thriving business. With growing demand for skilled handymen, now is the perfect time to launch your own venture. People need reliable professionals for home repairs, and you could be their go-to solution. Provide Comprehensive TrainingOnce you hire new staff, invest time in training them properly.

How to Start a Profitable Handyman Business 11 Steps

These handyman websites built on Wix effectively showcase their expertise, catalog of services, portfolio of work and more. Check these sites out and learn how to build your own website with Wix. Here are some more tips that will give you a head start when it comes to launching your handyman business. Starting a handyman business typically requires an initial investment of US$5,000 to US$25,000. Use the Wix Business Launcher to discover various business ideas based on skill match and profitability. Simply chat with AI to receive a full market analysis, earning strategies and launch kit that helps you take any idea from concept to reality.

  • As you grow, however, you’ll likely invest in a commercial property to house supplies, train employees, and conduct business.
  • This type of business is highly flexible, with relatively low startup costs and a broad client base.
  • When first pricing jobs, an hourly rate is more straightforward to estimate than giving a flat fee.
  • You’ll need a traditional business plan if you require funding so investors can assess the risk and your ability to repay.

You need general liability insurance at the bare minimum to operate safely. General liability insurance covers various claims, like property damage, bodily harm, and advertising injury. Quickly respond to inquiries, schedule appointments, and share progress updates. This real-time communication builds trust and ensures clients feel valued. Create a Facebook page or Instagram account to share tips, showcase your work, and engage followers. Post content like before-and-after transformations to highlight your skills.

The main complaint people have is that it’s so difficult to find a reliable handyman who shows up on time, charges a reasonable rate, and does the small odd jobs really well. Success requires more than tools and problem-solving skills; a well-planned strategy and organization are essential for your business to thrive. Think of it like building a house—each step is crucial, and planning is the foundation.

You can contact your local County Clerk’s office or research the Small Business Association (SBA) website to see if your niche needs a license. The world is your oyster when it comes to invoicing software. However, usually, the paid options offer more flexibility and functionality. How helpful that you mention what kinds of things that a handyman does.

Attend local business events or join community organizations to connect with potential collaborators. Establish a user-friendly website that showcases your services, portfolio, and client testimonials. Include essential information such as your contact details, service areas, and pricing. A professional website enhances your credibility and makes it easier for potential clients to find you online.

Build brand recognition within the business community

Use a Client Management ToolConsider using customer relationship management (CRM) software to help you manage client information, interactions, and projects. CRM systems can streamline communication, track project timelines, and maintain organized records, making client management more efficient. You can apply for an EIN online for free through the IRS website. With Durable, you can create and how to set up a handyman business build your website in 30 seconds — for free! You don’t need to hire a developer, a graphic designer, or even a copywriter. Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves?

STEP 8: Get small-business insurance to help protect your business financially from liability.

  • Join a new group by searching with your zip code, or create your own.
  • Franchises offer services such as decks, drywall, electrical, painting, plumbing, remodeling, storage, and more.
  • Starting a handyman business can be profitable and fun with the right approach.

Just because they’re small odd jobs, doesn’t mean you should do them for pennies. Ensure compliance with local regulations by obtaining necessary licenses or permits, which vary by area and service (e.g., electrical or plumbing). These steps position you to operate a legal and efficient handyman service. They may offer meetup groups, webinars or newsletters to support your business growth. This process typically involves filling out a form and paying a small fee.

This will help you to stay on top of your finances and make sure that your business is profitable. You’ll also need to stay on top of your corporate tax liabilities, if any. Starting a handyman business can be expensive, so you will need to secure financing or startup capital to get your business off the ground. However, starting a handyman business where you get to “get your hands dirty” and then see tangible results of your work is even more exciting.

Checklist: Financial Considerations for Starting a Handyman Business

Keeping detailed records is crucial, especially for tax filings and if you plan to apply for business loans. You’ll want to register your business in your area and get the right insurance and licensing for running it. I recommend starting with a direct mail campaign or an ad on a local message board. To do so, you can simply spend a couple of hours “Googling around” and noting down your findings. Or – if sitting behind a computer is not your idea of fun – you can invest a couple of hundred dollars and hire someone on a platform like Upwork to do the job for you. At this point, you might want to have a quick consultation with an attorney and an accountant to figure out the various legal and tax implications of the choices you make.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners. In addition to being skilled and knowledgeable in home repair, it is critical that you be organized, patient, and possess strong interpersonal skills. You must be confident enough to make decisions without hesitation or guidance, eager to face the next challenge as it arrives.

Fiverr connects you to freelances of all skill types and experience levels. There are many platforms with easy to use templates to customize designs the way you like them. Add a blog, upload photos, and completely personalize your website with Wix. It’s comforting to know that the power saw will work when you need it.

Yes, handyman businesses can be quite profitable, especially if you offer a range of services and build a solid client base. Profitability often depends on factors such as location, pricing strategy, and demand for services. With effective marketing and quality work, many handymen see significant returns on their investment. The business plan could include short-term aims, like establishing a client base, or long-term aspirations, such as expanding services or geographic reach.

Just follow the prompts on their website, and they’ll legally register your handyman business in your state. You pay $0 for their service, but you’re on the hook for state filing and formation fees. You’ll get away pretty cheap if you own a truck, have or thrift all of your tools and equipment, and don’t need any extra licenses or permits. Use proper equipment and insurance for smooth, professional operations.

Also, research local handyman services on Google My Business listings to see what people say about your competitors. It’ll tell you what they do right or wrong and the services they offer. Focusing on one niche is a proven way to start a new handyman business. Still, you can offer a complete handyman service if you choose a target audience, which we’ll talk about now. If number 5 leaves you a little unsure, don’t worry; you’ll know how to create a marketing strategy for your handyman business by the end of this post.