A Handy Guide on How to Start a Handyman Business

There’s a distinct difference between knowing you’re good at DIY tasks and actually making a living from it. No matter how savvy you are with your hands, not everyone is cut out to be their own boss and start a business. 

Just like any other business idea, you have to know where and how to start. And this includes tons of research, planning, and mapping out each step of your journey to success. 

Want to know how to start a handyman business? These 5 tips should set you off on the right track.   

 

Tip#1: Define Your Services 

Sure, a handyman is somewhat a ”jack of all trades”. While it’s great to have a broad skillset under your belt, it’s a good idea to narrow down the services you offer until you find your feet. 

In essence, it’s about quality of services, rather than quantity. If you can offer top-notch quality work in just a few disciplines, this will help to build a solid business reputation. From there, you can look at branching out a little. 

For example, you may want to start with services in plumbing and electrical work. If your business takes off, then you could perhaps extend into HVAC installation and repair. 

You can view these top handyman websites here for inspiration. 

 

Tip #2: Learn About State Laws and Licensing 

In order to operate as a handyman in the U.S., you’ll need a contractor’s license. However, some states allow you to work as a contractor without a license, you just have to do your homework on what these services and rates include. 

In most cases, you won’t need a special license, unless you offer a specialized type of service. But make sure you do everything by the book, from the get-go. Visit your state’s contractor’s board website for a rundown on what type of laws apply and the license(s) you need to apply for. 

Tip #3: Define Who Your Ideal Customer Is 

News flash, not everyone is your ideal customer. Don’t make the mistake of lowering your standards, pricing, or try to take on a job just because you need the work. This could impact your reputation by leaving you with a load of poor reviews. 

It’s important to design your business around a specific type of customer and focus on how you can solve their problems. Some customers are looking for the lowest price because they can’t afford professional rates. While others are happy to pay higher rates for good service. 

It’s important to outline the type of services you can offer to the best of your ability. 

 

Tip #4: Get Your Pricing Right 

The good news is that the handyman business is a profitable one, but you have to establish your pricing correctly. In other words, you don’t want to sell yourself short. 

The top things you need to consider when it comes to pricing are: 

• Your experience level 
• The efficiency of your work 
• Your ability to sell your services
• Your reputation and professionalism 

It’s also important to do your research on average market rates. Don’t charge anything less than you deserve based on your experience. 

Tip #5: Spend Time on Your Market Research

By the time it comes to developing your marketing strategy, you should have a clear idea of what you’re offering. Your marketing strategy determines how you promote/sell your business and how you reach your ideal clients. 

While the handyman market is a little saturated, you can stand out from the crowd with just a little bit of extra effort.

Do some homework on the best marketing methods for your target audience and demographic. Find out what they want, where they live, how your business can solve their problems, i.e. market research. 

 

 

Looking for More on How To Start a Handyman Business?

If you found this article helpful, be sure to explore the rest of this website for all the entrepreneurial knowledge you’re looking for. 

Aside from articles on how to start a handyman business, you can find information on how to draw up a business plan, marketing for contractors, and so much more.