How to start a handyman business

Are you tired of working for someone else and ready to be your own boss in 2024? Starting a handyman business allows you to turn your skills and experience into a profitable venture.

With the right planning and execution, you can build a successful handyman business that provides valuable services to your community.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to start your own handyman business, from assessing your skills to promoting your services and prioritizing customer satisfaction.

What is a Handyman Business?

A handyman business provides minor home repairs, maintenance, and improvements to residential and commercial properties. Handymen offer a wide range of skills and services, from fixing leaky faucets to painting, drywall repair, and furniture assembly.

Flexibility: As a handyman, you have the flexibility to choose which services you offer based on your skills and experience. This allows you to focus on the tasks you enjoy and excel at, ensuring high-quality work for your clients.
Demand: Homeowners and businesses always need reliable professionals to handle minor repairs and maintenance tasks. By starting a handyman business, you tap into a steady demand for your services, providing a stable source of income.
Scalability: A handyman business can start as a one-person operation and grow over time. As you build your reputation and client base, you can expand your services, hire additional staff, and even specialize in certain areas to meet market demands.

How to Start a Handyman Business

Ready to turn your skills into a profitable business? Follow these steps to launch your handyman venture in 2024.

Assess Your Skills and Experience
Develop a Business Plan
Register Your Business and Obtain Necessary Licenses
Invest in Tools and Equipment
Establish Your Brand
Set Your Pricing
Promote Your Business
Prioritize Customer Service

1. Assess Your Skills and Experience

Before starting your handyman business, take an honest look at your current abilities and the services you can provide with confidence. This self-assessment helps you identify your strengths and areas for improvement.

Make a list of your skills: Write down all the home repair, maintenance, and improvement tasks you can perform well. This may include plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting, or appliance repair.
Determine your limitations: Be realistic about the tasks you’re not comfortable or qualified to handle. Recognizing your limitations ensures you don’t take on projects beyond your expertise, which could lead to unsatisfied customers or even legal issues.
Research licensing requirements: Some states and local jurisdictions require handymen to obtain licenses for certain types of work, such as electrical or plumbing. Check with your local government to determine if you need any specific licenses or certifications to operate legally.
Identify areas for growth: Look for opportunities to expand your skill set and offer additional services. Consider attending workshops, taking online courses, or earning certifications in areas that complement your existing skills or are in high demand in your market.

By assessing your skills and experience, you can create a clear picture of the services your handyman business will offer and identify any gaps you need to fill before launching your venture.

2. Develop a Business Plan

A well-crafted business plan serves as a roadmap for your handyman venture, helping you navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Here’s what to include in your plan:

Define your target market

Identify the specific demographics and types of customers you want to serve. This could be homeowners, renters, property managers, or businesses in your area. Understanding your target market helps you tailor your services and marketing efforts to their needs.

Outline your services

Based on your skills assessment, create a detailed list of the handyman services you will offer. Be specific about the types of tasks you’ll perform and any specialties or niche services that set you apart from competitors.

Determine your pricing strategy

Research the average rates for handyman services in your area and consider your own experience level when setting prices. Decide whether you’ll charge by the hour, by the project, or a combination of both. Don’t undervalue your work, but also ensure your prices are competitive and fair.

Create a marketing plan

Develop a strategy for promoting your handyman business and attracting customers. This may include creating a website, leveraging social media, networking with local businesses and organizations, and investing in targeted advertising. Your marketing plan should focus on reaching your ideal customers and showcasing the value you provide.

Project your finances

Estimate your startup costs, including tools, equipment, licensing fees, and marketing expenses. Create financial projections for your first year of business, including expected revenue and ongoing expenses. This helps you understand the financial viability of your venture and plan for growth.

Seek feedback: Share your business plan with trusted mentors, industry professionals, or a small business advisor. Their insights and feedback can help you refine your plan and identify areas for improvement.
Review and adapt: Treat your business plan as a living document. Regularly review and update it as your handyman business grows and evolves, ensuring you stay on track and adapt to changing market conditions.

3. Register Your Business and Obtain Necessary Licenses

To operate your handyman business legally, you must register with your state and local government. The registration process varies depending on your location and business structure.

Choose a business structure

Decide whether you want to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so consult with a business attorney or accountant to determine the best option for your handyman venture.

Register your business name

Once you’ve chosen a business structure, register your handyman business name with your state’s secretary of state office. This process is called filing a “Doing Business As” (DBA) or “Fictitious Business Name” (FBN) registration.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is a unique number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. You’ll need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file business taxes. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website.

Research and obtain necessary licenses and permits

Depending on your location and the services you offer, you may need specific licenses or permits to operate your handyman business legally. These may include:

General business license: Most cities and counties require businesses to obtain a general business license before operating.
Contractor’s license: Some states require handymen to hold a contractor’s license if they perform work above a certain dollar amount or if they offer specific services, such as electrical or plumbing work.
Professional certifications: Certain specialties, such as HVAC or lead paint removal, may require additional certifications.

Contact your local business licensing department or visit their website to determine which licenses and permits you need and how to obtain them. Failing to secure the proper licenses can result in fines, legal issues, and damage to your business’s reputation.

4. Invest in Tools and Equipment

As a handyman, having the right tools is essential to complete jobs efficiently and provide high-quality work. Invest in a reliable set of tools and equipment to handle a variety of tasks, such as:

Hand tools: Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and measuring tools like tape measures and levels.
Power tools: Drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, sander, and a multitool for versatile cutting and grinding applications.
Safety gear: Protective eyewear, gloves, steel-toed boots, and a hard hat for construction-related jobs.
Specialty tools: Depending on the services you offer, you may need plumbing tools, electrical testers, or painting supplies.

When starting out, focus on acquiring high-quality, versatile tools that cover the majority of your services. As your business grows and you take on more specialized projects, expand your tool collection accordingly.

To save money, consider purchasing gently used tools from reputable sources or taking advantage of sales and promotions at hardware stores. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of tool maintenance and replacement when setting your service prices.

In addition to tools, you’ll need a reliable vehicle to transport your equipment and supplies to job sites. A pick-up truck or cargo van with ample storage space and organization solutions will help you stay efficient and professional on the go.

5. Establish Your Brand

Choose a memorable business name: Select a name that reflects your services, values, and target market. Keep it simple, easy to pronounce, and memorable. Check with your state’s secretary of state website to ensure the name isn’t already taken.
Create a professional logo: A well-designed logo helps you stand out from competitors and builds trust with potential customers. Use an online logo maker to create a custom logo that represents your brand. Choose colors, fonts, and symbols that align with your business name and the services you offer.
Develop a brand voice: Establish a consistent tone and messaging across all your marketing materials, including your website, business cards, and social media profiles. Your brand voice should reflect your values and resonate with your target audience.
Design business cards and marketing materials: Invest in professional business cards and marketing materials that showcase your logo and contact information. Use high-quality images and clear, concise messaging to communicate your services and value proposition.

Building a strong online presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is key to attracting new customers and building credibility. Start by creating a professional website that showcases your services, pricing, and contact information. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website’s visibility in search results.

Next, establish a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Share helpful tips, before-and-after photos of your work, and engage with your followers to build relationships and generate leads.

Finally, claim your business listings on online directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and HomeAdvisor. These platforms allow you to showcase your services, collect customer reviews, and appear in local search results when potential customers are looking for handyman services in your area.

6. Set Your Pricing

Setting the right prices for your handyman services is crucial to the success of your business. Here are some tips to help you determine competitive pricing:

Research local market rates: Look at what other handymen in your area are charging for similar services. This will give you a good starting point for setting your own prices.
Consider your skills and experience: If you have specialized skills or extensive experience, you may be able to charge higher rates than a novice handyman.
Factor in your overhead costs: Make sure your prices cover your expenses, such as tools, equipment, insurance, and vehicle maintenance.
Offer package deals or discounts: Consider offering bundle pricing for multiple services or discounts for first-time customers or referrals. This can help attract new business and encourage customer loyalty.
Be transparent about pricing: Clearly communicate your prices and any additional fees to customers upfront to avoid confusion or surprises. Consider creating a detailed price list for your services.

Remember, while it’s important to be competitive, don’t undervalue your work. Your prices should reflect the quality of your services and the value you provide to your customers.

As your business grows and you gain more experience, regularly review and adjust your pricing to ensure you’re staying competitive and profitable.

7. Promote Your Business

Create a professional website: A well-designed website showcases your services, portfolio, and contact information. Use clear, engaging content and high-quality images to attract potential customers. Optimize your site for search engines to improve visibility in local search results.
Leverage social media: Establish a presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Share helpful tips, before-and-after photos, and engage with your followers to build trust and generate leads. Use targeted ads to reach your ideal customers in your service area.
Claim your business listings: Register your handyman business on online directories such as Google My Business, Yelp, and HomeAdvisor. These platforms help you appear in local search results, showcase your services, and collect customer reviews.
Network with local businesses: Build relationships with complementary businesses, such as real estate agents, property managers, and contractors. They can provide valuable referrals and help you expand your customer base.
Distribute flyers and business cards: Create eye-catching flyers and business cards that highlight your services and contact information. Distribute them in high-traffic areas, such as local coffee shops, community centers, and hardware stores.
Wrap your vehicle: If you use a dedicated work vehicle, consider investing in a professional vehicle wrap that displays your business name, logo, and contact information. This turns your vehicle into a mobile billboard, generating exposure as you travel between job sites.
Ask for referrals: Encourage satisfied customers to refer your services to friends and family. Consider implementing a referral program that rewards customers for successful referrals, such as discounts on future services or gift cards.
Partner with local organizations: Get involved with local chambers of commerce, business associations, and community groups. Attend events, sponsor local causes, and volunteer your services to build brand awareness and establish yourself as a trusted member of the community.

8. Prioritize Customer Service

Communicate clearly: Set expectations with your clients from the start. Provide detailed estimates, timelines, and project updates to keep them informed and satisfied throughout the process.
Be punctual: Show up on time for appointments and complete projects within the agreed-upon timeframe. If you encounter delays, promptly notify your clients and provide a revised completion date.
Listen to your clients: Pay attention to your clients’ needs, preferences, and concerns. Ask questions to better understand their expectations and tailor your services accordingly.
Go above and beyond: Look for opportunities to exceed your clients’ expectations. Offer helpful advice, perform small extra tasks at no charge, or leave the work area cleaner than when you arrived.
Follow up after the job: Contact your clients a few days after completing a project to ensure they are satisfied with your work. Address any concerns promptly and professionally.
Collect and showcase reviews: Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on your website, social media profiles, and online directories. Showcase these testimonials in your marketing materials to build trust and credibility with potential customers.
Handle complaints gracefully: If a client expresses dissatisfaction, listen to their concerns and work to find a mutually agreeable solution. Use complaints as opportunities to improve your services and prevent similar issues in the future.

Tips for Running a Successful Handyman Business

Running a handyman business in 2024 comes with its set of challenges and opportunities. As you navigate through establishing and growing your business, keep these tips in mind to ensure success and sustainability.

Streamline Your Operations

Use technology to your advantage: Incorporate business management software to schedule jobs, invoice clients, and track payments efficiently. This approach not only saves time but also reduces errors and enhances customer satisfaction.
Maintain a digital records system: Keep all your business documents, such as contracts, invoices, and receipts, in digital format. Cloud storage solutions ensure easy access and safekeeping of your essential business records.

Expand Your Service Offerings

Stay updated with industry trends: Home improvement and maintenance needs evolve with time. Keep yourself informed about the latest trends and consider adding popular services to your offerings.
Offer seasonal services: Depending on your location, introduce services that cater to seasonal needs, such as snow removal in winter or gutter cleaning in fall, to keep business flowing throughout the year.

Build a Network of Professionals

Collaborate with complementary businesses: Establish relationships with local contractors, real estate agents, and property managers. Such connections can provide valuable referrals and expand your customer base.
Join professional associations: Participating in trade associations related to the handyman industry can offer networking opportunities, access to resources, and credibility to your business.

Focus on Customer Retention

Deliver exceptional service: Consistently providing high-quality work is the best way to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business. Always aim to meet or exceed client expectations.
Engage with your customers: Regular communication through newsletters, social media, or personalized follow-ups keeps your business top-of-mind for clients and encourages them to use your services again.

Final Thoughts on Starting a Handyman Business

Starting a handyman business in 2024 is a promising venture with the potential for growth and personal satisfaction. With thorough planning, dedication, and adherence to the steps and tips outlined, you can establish a successful and profitable handyman service. Remember, the key to success lies in understanding your market, delivering exceptional service, and continuously seeking ways to improve and expand your business.

In a business where professionalism and trustworthiness are paramount, your brand’s visual identity plays a significant role in attracting and retaining customers. LogoMaker offers a seamless solution to create a professional and memorable logo that resonates with your target audience. With a user-friendly interface and a vast selection of design options, you can craft a logo that perfectly represents your handyman business’s values and services.

Create a business logo today with LogoMaker and set your handyman business apart in the competitive market of 2024.