If you’re thinking about how to become a handyman and starting a business, don't worry! Even if it's your first time and you aren't sure where to begin, here are some easy steps that will help get the ball rolling:
1. Handyman Skills to Consider
You may be wondering what exact skills you need to work on to become a professional handyman. More than just painting and plumbing, however, you cannot be skilled in everything. Focusing on a few skills is important to become valuable and secure high-paying jobs as a handyman.
Specializing in certain skills will make you stand out and attract more opportunities. This will also help you build a strong reputation in the industry.
Knowing the list below is important in case any of these issues arise while working on a home. Being familiar with the list can help you address problems quickly and efficiently. This will save you time and prevent any potential setbacks during your project.
Make sure to review the list before starting any work on the home. The more professional handyman skills you have, the more specialized you become and the more money you’ll make!
- Anchor a bookcase to the wall
- Finding studs
- Fixing loose tiles
- Spackling holes
- Fixing a leaky faucet
- Caulking a shower or tub
- Unclogging a drain
- Snaking a drain
- Changing a shower head
- Sealing a pavement crack
- Replacing a toilet seat
- Cleaning the gutters
- Using anchor screws to hang objects
- Tightening a loose door hinge
- Changing a furnace filter
- Changing a doorknob
- Painting
- Replacing a screen window
- Changing a light switch
- Stopping an overflowing toilet
2. Research Handyman Licensing Requirements in your State
After making a list of handyman job offerings, it's time to start researching how to get a handyman license in your particular state. This will vary from state to state. If you are learning how to become a licensed handyman, also find out what you can offer with and without a business license. Here are some of the essential steps you have to follow to obtain one:
- Check the contracting and licensing requirements in your area: Agencies such as the State Board of Contractors should provide you with credible information.
- Find a reputable handyman association in your state: These associations are great resources in explaining what type of licenses are needed in your state.
- Get adequate training: For you to be licensed, you’ll need to go through technical training from an accredited institution in your area.
- Sign up for an exam: In many states, you are required to take and pass an exam before getting your license.
- Apply for a license: Once you’ve successfully passed your exams, you need to apply for a license. The period of obtaining your licenses may vary from one state to another to become a certified handyman.
3. Price your Professional Handyman Services
It's time to choose pricing. Take a look at what successful handyman businesses in your area are offering. This will help you to get a feel for what kind of services are typically provided, and whether there’s a gap in the market you can fill. Review our example Handyman Price List
Experts recommend cost-based pricing models over hourly rates for successful handyman businesses. Priced too low or high can hurt your chances, so it's important to know the market value of a job. You should price yourself somewhere in the middle if you want to win as many jobs as possible!
Just starting? Try our Free Handyman Estimate Template
4. Market your Handyman Business to get Customers
Marketing your new handyman business is essential to become successful. Whether you're looking for a quick way to get ahead in the game or want something that costs little money, there are lots of options available. Some may require less investment from your budget while others will cost more but provide better results!
Consider these options when looking for new ways to promote your professional handyman business. You can use printed fliers or online advertising. Consider investing in digital marketing by setting up accounts on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. This will make it easier for customers to find photos of your local handyman business, even if they are not in the same city!
Once you have an established roster of clients, sign up for a platform like Care.com, TaskRabbit, or Handy to make it easier finding new opportunities. Also, review our article on TaskRabbit vs Thumbtack. Having customer reviews and a registered business will strengthen your online profile. Use a contractor finder app to find new business.
5. Get Your Professional Handyman Business Organized
As you become a self employed handyman, gradually take on small jobs and home repairs as you get accustomed to the job. Learn to keep track of your handyman business with software tools for a handyman. As long as you become organized, it will be easy to grow with minimal costs in time or money!
These are a few examples how Bella FSM can help you achieve this and become successful:
- Customer Management - With CRM you can manage all of your communications, notes and history with ease. You'll also be able to access it from any device at anytime or location!
- Quoting / Estimating - Create a quote or estimate from your office or while at the customer location. Set follow up reminders to get that business!
- Scheduling - Easy scheduling software capabilities with drag and drop and multiple calendar views with color coding options.
- Job Management - Manage jobs at every stage from estimate to job to invoice to paid. The service software dashboard provides a real-time view into your business.
- Invoicing and Payment - Invoice clients as soon as the work has been completed and get paid fast.
- Accounting - Bella FSM's accounting features are designed to make your finances more manageable. You can also integrate the software with QuickBooks if you want a single system for all of your business needs!
If you're having trouble deciding on a name when starting a handyman business, review our article on example handyman names.
