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How to Start a Handyman Business: Checklist

Starting a handyman business can be one of the most rewarding ventures out there, especially if you’re the kind of person who loves working with your hands and solving problems. Whether it’s fixing leaky faucets, hanging shelves, or tackling larger repair jobs, there’s always a demand for someone with practical skills to step in and save the day. Plus, it’s a great way to start your own business with relatively low upfront costs compared to other types of ventures.

In this guide, I’ll take you through each step of starting your own handyman business, from the tools you’ll need to finding your first customers. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap on how to turn your handy skills into a profitable business.

1. Equipment and Tools Needed

Before you can start a handyman business, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. The tools you’ll need will depend on the kinds of jobs you plan to take on, but there are some essentials every handyman should have in their toolkit.

a. Basic Tools

At the very least, your toolbox should include basic tools that are versatile enough to handle most everyday jobs. Here’s a list of must-haves:

  • Hammer: A classic tool for hanging things and driving nails into place.
  • Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips): Whether you’re tightening screws on a light switch or assembling furniture, you’ll need a good set of screwdrivers.
  • Wrenches and Pliers: These come in handy for tightening bolts or holding onto something that doesn’t want to stay put.
  • Measuring Tape: Measuring twice and cutting once is a golden rule in any handyman job. A reliable tape measure ensures accuracy.
  • Level: For hanging pictures or shelves straight, you’ll need a level.
  • Utility Knife: Perfect for cutting materials like drywall, carpets, or tape.
  • Cordless Drill: A cordless drill saves time and energy when it comes to driving screws or drilling holes.

b. Power Tools and Specialized Equipment

As you expand your services, you might need to invest in power tools and other equipment that make the job easier or faster. These tools will be a bit more expensive, but they’re worth the investment for larger projects:

  • Power Saw: Useful for cutting wood, metal, or plastic. A circular saw or jigsaw is often a good choice.
  • Sander: If you’re working on projects that involve wood, a sander will help smooth rough surfaces.
  • Ladders: A sturdy, multi-purpose ladder is essential for tasks like painting or fixing lights.
  • Stud Finder: This tool helps you locate studs behind walls, which is critical when hanging heavy items like shelves or TVs.
  • Caulking Gun: You’ll use this for sealing windows, doors, and other gaps.
  • Pressure Washer: Handy for outdoor jobs like cleaning decks, driveways, or siding.
  • Safety Gear: Don’t forget your personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and work boots.

c. Transporting Your Tools

A handyman business involves moving from one location to another, so you’ll need a reliable vehicle to transport your tools and equipment. Most handymen use a truck, van, or SUV that’s large enough to carry everything they need for the job. If you’re starting small, a regular car might work, but as your business grows, you’ll likely need a more spacious vehicle.

Checklist Tasks:

  • Gather basic tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, and a cordless drill.
  • Invest in power tools like a power saw and sander as needed.
  • Get a reliable vehicle for transporting your equipment.
  • Always keep safety gear on hand.

2. Licensing and Insurance for Handyman Businesses

Just because you know how to fix things doesn’t mean you can start working right away. There are a few legal requirements you’ll need to take care of before you start offering your services to customers.

a. Do You Need a License?

The licensing requirements for handymen vary depending on where you live. In some places, you don’t need a license if the jobs you’re doing fall below a certain dollar amount. For example, many states in the U.S. don’t require a license for small repairs like fixing a leaky faucet or patching drywall, but you’ll need one for larger jobs like electrical work or plumbing. Always check with your local government to find out what the requirements are in your area.

If you plan on offering specialized services (like electrical or HVAC work), you may need additional certifications or licenses. Be sure to research these requirements so you’re operating within the law.

b. Getting Business Insurance

Insurance is one of the most important things you need when starting a handyman business. Even if you’re careful, accidents happen, and you don’t want to be stuck paying out of pocket for damages or injuries.

  • General Liability Insurance: This protects you if a client sues you for damages or injuries that occur while you’re working. For example, if you’re fixing a window and it accidentally shatters, general liability insurance would cover the repair costs.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you plan on hiring employees, you’ll need workers’ comp insurance. This covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets hurt on the job.
  • Vehicle Insurance: Since you’ll be using your vehicle for business purposes, make sure your auto insurance covers business use. You may need to get commercial auto insurance if your personal policy doesn’t cover it.
  • Bonding: Being bonded is a way to show potential customers that you’re financially backed if something goes wrong. It’s a good idea to get bonded, as it can help build trust with clients.

Checklist Tasks:

  • Check local licensing requirements for handyman services.
  • Get general liability insurance to protect yourself from accidents and damages.
  • Consider additional insurance like workers’ comp and vehicle insurance if necessary.
  • Look into getting bonded for extra client trust.

3. Setting Your Rates and Services

One of the trickiest parts of starting a handyman business is figuring out how much to charge. You want to set a price that’s fair for both you and your customers, but not so high that you scare people away. At the same time, you don’t want to undercharge and end up working for peanuts. Let’s break down how to set your rates.

a. Determine Your Services

The first step in setting your rates is figuring out exactly what services you’ll offer. Are you going to focus on small repairs like fixing doors and windows? Or are you going to take on bigger projects like bathroom renovations and deck building? Make a list of the services you feel comfortable doing and any specialties that could make you stand out.

Popular Handyman Services:

  • Basic home repairs (leaky faucets, door hinges, etc.)
  • Painting
  • Drywall repair
  • Installing shelves, light fixtures, or ceiling fans
  • Pressure washing
  • Lawn maintenance
  • Furniture assembly

b. Research the Market

Before setting your rates, take some time to research what other handymen in your area are charging. You don’t want to price yourself too high or too low compared to the competition. Check local online listings, call a few competitors, or ask around in your community to get an idea of what’s reasonable.

Tip: Keep in mind that your rates may need to vary depending on the complexity of the job. For example, assembling a piece of furniture will take less time and effort than fixing a roof, so it makes sense to charge more for the latter.

c. How to Set Your Rates

There are a few different ways to charge for handyman services:

  • Hourly Rate: Many handymen charge by the hour, especially for smaller jobs. The average hourly rate for a handyman is between $50 and $100, depending on the location and complexity of the job.
  • Flat Rate: For larger projects, it’s often better to charge a flat rate. This way, both you and the client know exactly how much the job will cost upfront, without any surprises.
  • Material Costs: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of materials when setting your rates. You can either have the client buy the materials, or you can purchase them and include the cost in your final bill.

d. Pricing Strategy

When starting out, it might be tempting to price your services low to attract customers, but be careful not to undervalue yourself. It’s important to charge a fair price that reflects the quality of your work and covers your expenses. You can always offer discounts or promotions to attract new customers, but make sure your base rate is sustainable for the long term.

Checklist Tasks:

  • Decide on the services you’ll offer (small repairs, painting, etc.).
  • Research competitors’ rates in your area.
  • Choose an hourly or flat rate pricing structure.
  • Don’t forget to account for the cost of materials in your pricing.

4. Finding Your First Customers

Once you’ve got your tools, licenses, insurance, and pricing in order, it’s time to find some customers. Marketing is key to getting the word out about your new handyman business and building up a steady stream of clients.

a. Start with Your Network

When you’re first starting out, your personal network is a goldmine of potential clients. Reach out to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to let them know about your new business. You can even offer a small discount for their first job as an incentive to hire you.

b. Online Listings

One of the best ways to find new customers is to list your services on popular online platforms. Sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor allow you to post your services for free, making it easy for local customers to find you. You can also consider setting up a profile on professional platforms like Thumbtack or TaskRabbit, which connect service providers with people looking for help.

c. Business Cards and Flyers

While online marketing is important, don’t underestimate the power of old-school methods like handing out business cards or leaving flyers at local hardware stores. You never know when someone will see your card and think, “Hey, I need a handyman!”

d. Word of Mouth

Once you’ve completed a few jobs, happy customers will naturally spread the word about your services. Encourage clients to leave reviews online or tell their friends about you. You can even offer referral discounts to incentivize them to recommend you to others.

Checklist Tasks:

  • Start by marketing your services to friends and family.
  • Post your handyman services on online platforms like Craigslist and Nextdoor.
  • Hand out business cards or flyers in your local area.
  • Encourage customers to leave reviews and recommend you to others.

5. Checklist Recap

Starting a handyman business doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are several important steps to keep in mind. From getting the right tools and insurance to setting your rates and finding your first customers, each part of the process plays a crucial role in your success. Here’s a quick recap of the key steps:

  • Get the right tools: Start with basic tools and invest in power tools as needed.
  • Check local licensing requirements: Make sure you have the proper licenses and insurance.
  • Set your rates: Research the market and choose a pricing structure that works for you.
  • Find customers: Use your personal network, online platforms, and word of mouth to build your client base.

By following these steps and staying organized, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful handyman business. So grab your toolbox, get your licenses in order, and start tackling those jobs! Your future customers are waiting.

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