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How to Start a Handyman Business

Starting a home handyman business is not rocket science. If you have a knack for fixing things around the house you might want to give this business a shot.

The market for handyman services is bigger than you can imagine. Houses require constant maintenance - at any given time at least one thing needs to be fixed or maintained. This is where you come in handy. You don't have to undertake major repairs and maintenance jobs. However, you can take up little jobs like fixing light fixtures, mending leaks and painting fences to start with.

These days it costs a lot to get an electrician, plumber or linesman to come fix a bulb, a jammed door or an overhead wire. More often than not these professionals tend to be very elusive. You have to follow up for days before they finally deign to show up. Even more frustrating is when these clever people say they'll come and then just don't. People are sometimes stuck for weeks before their problems are dealt with. The same trivial things can be handled by a handyman for a fraction of the cost a professional would charge.

The initial outlay for a handyman business startup is minimal. Of course, your primary requirements are tools. This doesn't mean that you need to buy an entire hardware store. Start with a few must-haves and build up gradually as your business expands.

Your next important decision is how much to charge. This obviously depends on the nature of jobs that you plan to undertake, and who you plan to be working for. You can charge on an hourly basis or for the specific job as a whole. Your fee should include the cost of materials, if any, plus a markup, fuel costs and labor charges. While your charges should be kept low, they must provide for a decent profit.

To keep busy, you will have to advertise your services. Get a handyman business card printed and hand it out to all your friends and acquaintances. Other ways of advertising could be through bulletins, fliers, e-mails, leaflets and newspaper ads.

Word-of-mouth is the best (not to mention most effective) means of advertising. A satisfied customer will advertise your services in a much more expedient manner than you can. So concentrate on quality customer service. Always be prompt and never ever make a commitment and then back out. If something comes up, always call and keep your customer in the loop. In many parts of the county, you can be a success simply by returning phone calls and showing up when you say you will.

When you begin a home handyman business, you may decide to be a one-man show or hire some workers. However, giving fixed wages will eat into your profits. It's better to network with freelancers and pay them off per job. Make sure that whoever you associate with is as reliable and trustworthy as you are or your business will suffer.

You may be very adept at repairing and fixing stuff, but there will be times that you'll get stuck. Let's face it, you're not a professional. So it's okay to seek help and go through instruction manuals and how-to books. If you're still not very sure of yourself you might want to refer the customer to a professional who can manage the job better than you. After all, there's nothing worse than a shoddy job.

Before you commence your home handyman business, you must draw up a handyman business plan. Be realistic about the initial investment, your weekly/monthly expenses and your income. Try to locate suppliers who'll give you a discount on material purchases. Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned. You may need a vehicle like a van or truck. You'll also have to apply for a handyman business license and check if you are liable to pay sales tax, etc.

Honesty, reliability and good workmanship skills are the pre-requisites for a prosperous handyman business. Be there when you say you'll be and do what you'll say you do. This should set the ball rolling and fetch you some decent returns.



More articles about starting a handyman business:

How to Start a Handyman Business

Are You Cut Out to Be a Handyman?

Tools for a Handyman Business

Payment Options for Handymen

How To Advertise a Handyman Business

Customer Service Tips for Handymen

Choosing a Name for a Handyman Business

Record Keeping Basics for Handymen

Being a Handyman Versus Having a Handyman Business or a Franchise

Getting a Website for Your Handyman Business

Getting Paid Upfront: Deposit Policies for Handymen

How Much To Charge Per Hour

Should You Charge by the Hour, or by the Job?

Insurance for Handymen

The Handyman Guide: How to Fix and Build 1000s of Things Around the House