Learn How To Start A Handyman Business And Earn A Great Income

There are literally hundreds of reasons why people hire handymen but the whole point here is this.  People who do not have the skills, or do not have the time, or simply cannot do the work themselves, will gladly trade you dollars for your skills.  These people are your willing, paying customers!

Now I want to clear something up right here.  When we talk about a handyman, we usually think of men performing the work.  This is not always the case!  There are many equally talented women making a great living in the handy"person" occupation.  So do not think for a minute that this field is for men only.  Nothing could be further from the truth.
What skills do you need to start a handyman business?

To be a good handyman, you do not need to have skills in every type of repair work.  You will not be building a house by yourself and you probably will not be performing full-blown home renovations.  What you want to focus on providing the best possible service with the skills you already have.  Of course, you can always learn other types of repair work, if you want to.

But focusing on a couple of specific niche areas can be very, very lucrative.  Carpentry, simple plumbing and electrical work are the Big Three of handyman work.  Don't let the electrical stuff scare you.  These services can include simple stuff like changing light fixtures, installing ceiling and exhaust fans, replacing outlets and switches.  Most, if not all, of these components come with complete installation instructions.

Avoid trying to be "all things to all people".  Focus on being very efficient and quality oriented at those services you do provide and you should make out just fine.

Ok… Let's move on.

Besides skills, of course, what do you need to start a handyman business?  No, you do not need to start out with a big white panel van.  This is especially true if you narrow your services (in the beginning) to things like minor plumbing and electrical work.  Your car trunk will be more than adequate to carry all the tools and parts you need to perform this type of work.

Here are a few tool tips:

Buy the best tools you can afford.  Good tools make the work easier and they definitely last longer than the cheaper grades.
It is always wise to have both a corded and a cordless drill with you at all times.  Some jobs just don't lend themselves to using a drill with a cord, but… a dead battery charger for you cordless drill will cost you time.  Yes, time is money and you don't want to be running home or to your shop to get more tools.
Invest in an array of flat-bladed and Phillips screwdrivers.  Also get a set of the smaller jeweler type screwdrivers.  Other small tools you should carry with you at all times are slip-joint pliers, channel lock pliers, vise grips, flashlight, trouble light, hammer, utility knife & blades, hacksaw, pry bar and a voltmeter (if you are doing electrical work).
Buy an assorted machine screw and nut kit.  These kits contain all of the most commonly used screw sizes and they will come in really handy for many jobs.  These kits are available at Lowes, Home Depot , hardware stores and even Ebay.
You should also carry a roll of black electrical tape, masking tape and McGyver (duct) tape with you at all times.  You will use one of the just about every day.
Bring your own black plastic trash bags, a bucket, sponge, rags, plastic sheeting and a shop vacuum to every job.  Thoroughly cleaning up after yourself is a definite sign of quality workmanship and your customers will be quite pleased with the care you show for their home.
What about advertising your new handyman business?

Ultra-thin window mounted ventilation fan