Start a Handyman Business: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you thinking about starting your own handyman business? It’s a great way to be your own boss and make a good living. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to start a successful handyman business. We’ll cover topics like marketing, pricing, equipment, and more. So if you’re ready to get started, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents


What is a Handyman business?

A handyman business offers a wide range of services, including minor home repairs, maintenance tasks, and assembly projects. These businesses often have a team of professionals with various skills and expertise, allowing them to tackle a variety of jobs.

Handyman services can be particularly valuable for homeowners who do not have the time or skills to complete DIY projects, as well as for business owners who need help with upkeep and repairs. When hiring a handyman business, it’s important to ask about their experience, the types of jobs they typically take on, and their pricing structure. This will ensure a smooth process and positive results for both the customer and the handyman team. Ultimately, a handyman business can provide timely solutions for both small and large tasks around the home or office.


Why would I want to start a Handyman business?

Are you handy around the house? Do you like working with your hands? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then starting a handyman business could be a great fit for you! In this section, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of starting your own handyman business.

One of the great things about starting a handyman business is that it doesn’t require a lot of start-up capital. Unlike other businesses where you might need to rent office space or buy expensive equipment, all you really need to get started as a handyman is a reliable vehicle and some basic tools. And if you already have a truck or van, then you’re already halfway there!

Another benefit of starting a handyman business is that it can be extremely rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of taking on a challenging repair job and completing it successfully. Plus, when you run your own business, you get to be your own boss and set your own hours. So if you’re the type of person who likes being in control of your own destiny, then starting a handyman business is definitely something to consider.

Lastly, starting a handyman business gives you the opportunity to help people in your community. When someone calls on you to fix their leaky faucet or unclog their drain, they’re putting their trust in you to do a good job. It’s an opportunity to build relationships with people in your community and make a real difference in their lives.

Starting a handyman business is a great way to become your own boss, set your own hours, and make a difference in your community. If you’re handy with tools and enjoy working with your hands, then this could be the perfect business for you. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start fixing things!


How do I start a Handyman business?

Are you interested in starting your own business, but not sure where to begin? A handyman business can be a great option for those with experience in the trade. In this section, we will explore how to start a handyman business, including tips on marketing and pricing. Whether you’re just getting started or have been in the business for years, this post will give you some helpful information on how to make your handyman business a success. Thanks for reading!

Research your local Handyman market

Starting a handyman business can be a rewarding and profitable venture, but it’s important to first do some research on your local market. Of course, you want to make sure there is enough demand for your services in the area. But beyond just the demand, it’s also crucial to understand who your competitors are and what sets you apart from them.

Look into the services they offer, their pricing structure, and their online presence. You may even want to reach out directly to see if they would be open to collaborating or referring customers to one another for jobs that fall outside of your specialty or availability. This type of market research can help position you for success as you enter the handyman industry.

Create a business plan and marketing strategy

When starting a handyman business, it’s important to have both a thorough business plan and an effective marketing strategy in place. Your business plan should include details such as your finances, services offered, target market, and long term goals.

Your marketing strategy should outline how you plan to reach potential customers, such as through a website, advertising on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook marketplace, or networking with local real estate agents. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers – offer excellent service and ask for reviews and referrals to help grow your business. By carefully crafting both a solid business plan and marketing approach, you can set yourself up for success as a handyman entrepreneur.

Invest in the necessary tools and equipment

When starting a handyman business, it can be tempting to try and cut costs by using low-quality tools or borrowing equipment from friends and family. However, investing in the necessary tools and equipment will pay off in the long run.

First of all, having your own reliable tools allows you to work more efficiently, leading to satisfied customers and repeat business. In addition, owning your own equipment shows professionalism and can help you stand out among competitors.

It’s important to do some research before making any big purchases – for example, buying a brand-new tool set may be more cost effective than constantly buying replacement parts for cheaply made tools. Overall, investing in the right tools and equipment is crucial for running a successful handyman business.

Start advertising your services

One of the first steps to getting started is advertising your services. Think about what sets you apart from other handymen in the area – do you specialize in plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry? Don’t forget to also highlight any relevant certifications or training that can give potential clients peace of mind.

Networking with local businesses and homeowners associations can help spread the word about your business, as well as creating a website or social media presence. By promoting yourself effectively, you can start building a successful handyman business and serve your community’s needs.

Build a positive reputation within the community

When starting a handyman business, one key factor in success is building a positive reputation within the community. This can be accomplished through actions such as consistently showing up on time for appointments, completing jobs efficiently and to a high standard, and following up with clients to ensure they are happy with the work performed. word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers are also valuable in helping to establish a positive reputation.

Building trust within the community not only helps attract new clients, but it can also lead to repeat business and potentially even opportunities for larger contracts or partnerships. So prioritizing maintaining a positive reputation is essential for the continued success of any handyman business.

Continue growing your business by expanding your services and networking with other professionals

When it comes to growing a successful handyman business, expanding your services and networking with other professionals can make all the difference. By offering additional services, you can attract a wider range of clients and increase your revenue potential.

As for networking, forming connections with other professionals in the industry can lead to referral business, as well as provide opportunities for partnerships and joint projects. In order to expand your services, it’s important to continually update your skills and stay on top of any advancements or new techniques in the field.

Additionally, joining local business organizations and attending networking events can help you connect with other professionals in the industry who may be able to assist you in growing your business. Taking these steps can not only help increase the success of your handyman business, but also ensure continued growth in the future.


How much does it cost to start a Handyman business?

Starting your own business is a big undertaking. Not only do you have to come up with a great business idea, but you also have to figure out the logistics of how to make that idea a reality. One of the biggest questions on any would-be entrepreneur’s mind is “How much will it cost to get my business off the ground?”

If you’re thinking about starting a handyman business, you’re in luck. Handyman businesses require relatively little start-up capital compared to other businesses. In this blog post, we’ll break down some of the key costs associated with starting a handyman business so that you can get a better sense of what you’ll need to budget for.

The Cost of Supplies and Equipment

One of the biggest start-up costs for any business is the cost of supplies and equipment. Luckily, handyman businesses don’t require a lot of specialized equipment. A basic set of tools, some ladders, and a few cleaning supplies should be enough to get you started. Of course, if you want to offer more specialized services like electrical work or plumbing, you’ll need to invest in additional tools and equipment. All told, you should be able to get everything you need for around $1,000-$2,000.

The Cost of Marketing and Advertising

Getting the word out about your new business is essential for attracting customers. There are a number of ways to market and advertise your handyman business on a tight budget. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great (and free!) ways to reach potential customers in your area. You can also put up flyers in local businesses or hand out business cards wherever you go. And don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth advertising! If you do a good job for your customers, they’ll be sure to tell their friends and family about you.

The Cost of Insurance

All businesses come with some risk—and as a handyman, there’s always the possibility that something could go wrong while you’re working at someone’s home. That’s why it’s important to have insurance in place before you start taking on jobs. There are a few different types of insurance that handymen need: general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and property damage insurance. Depending on the size and scope of your business, insurance can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 per year.

Starting a handyman business is a great way to be your own boss and control your own work schedule—and it doesn’t require a lot of start-up capital compared to other businesses. So how much does it really cost to start a handyman business? Between the cost of supplies and equipment, marketing and advertising, and insurance, you should plan on budgeting around $3,500-$4,500 for your start-up costs. Once you’re up and running, there are plenty of opportunities to grow your business and increase your earnings potential—so what are you waiting for? Get started today!


How do I find customers for my Handyman business?

If you’re in the business of fixing things around the house, then you know how important it is to find customers. After all, without customers your business cannot survive. So, how do you go about finding them? Read on to find out some essential tips for marketing your handyman business.

Marketing your Handyman Business on a shoe-string budget may seem daunting, but with a bit of creativity and perseverance, it is possible to attract new customers and keep them coming back for more. Keep reading to discover how!

Network with other businesses in your area

As a handyman, it’s important to not only have the skills necessary to complete various tasks for your clients, but also the ability to reach them in the first place. Networking with other local businesses is a great way to increase your customer base and expand your clientele.

Connecting with small businesses may lead to collaborations or referrals from their customers, while larger companies may have a need for maintenance services for their buildings or offices. Building relationships with other businesses in your area can also help promote a sense of community and camaraderie.

It never hurts to attend networking events or join local trade associations – you never know what new opportunities may arise from making connections with fellow business owners. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and start networking to find new customers for your handyman business.

Get involved in the community

Being a successful small business owner requires thinking outside the box when it comes to finding customers. One often overlooked method is getting involved with your community. Participating in local events, joining organizations, and offering to volunteer can all serve as opportunities to network and make connections with potential customers. It’s also helpful to join online communities or start a group on social media specifically for connecting with local residents who may need handyman services.

Not only will getting involved in your community provide you with customers, it can also help to improve the overall reputation of your business and build customer loyalty. So don’t just sit back and wait for customers to come to you – get out there and become an active member of your community.

When it comes to finding customers for a handyman business, advertising is key. While word of mouth is always a useful tool, it’s important to broaden your reach and actively promote your services. One effective way to do this is to advertise in local newspapers and online directories.

These venues allow you to target your specific geographic area, ensuring that the customers you reach are most likely to use your services. In addition, they offer the convenience of reaching potential customers without having to leave the comfort of your own home. As a bonus, many libraries also keep copies of local newspapers on hand, giving you even more exposure to potential customers. So don’t be afraid to invest in some advertising – it may just be the boost your business needs.

Attend home shows and other events where potential customers might be gathered

When it comes to finding potential customers for my handyman business, one of the best strategies is to attend events where homeowners are likely to gather. Home shows, town fairs, and even community yard sales can be great places to network and showcase my services.

Setting up a booth or flyer table at these events allows me to publicly demonstrate the quality and variety of my work. It also offers the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with potential customers, giving them a chance to ask questions and get a sense of my professionalism and expertise. Attending events can also lead to word-of-mouth recommendations, as happy customers spread the word about their experience working with me.

Overall, attending events targeting homeowners is a valuable strategy in growing my handyman business.

Give out business cards and flyers to people you meet

One of the simplest and most effective ways to grow your handyman business is to actively promote yourself while out and about. Carrying a stack of business cards with you and handing them out to people you meet can lead to valuable word-of-mouth advertising.

Similarly, flyers distributed in public places can attract new customers in your area. However, it’s important to consider the demographic of your targeted customers and choose where to distribute flyers accordingly. For example, targeting busy professionals may require leaving flyers on car windshields in business parks or at gyms, while targeting stay-at-home parents may involve leaving flyers at playgrounds or community centers.

In addition, remember that building personal connections is crucial in this line of work – be sure to introduce yourself and strike up a conversation before handing out your materials. This personal touch may make all the difference in converting potential clients into loyal customers.

Provide excellent customer service

As a handyman, your customer base is everything. Without repeat clients and positive word of mouth, it can be difficult to find new customers. One of the best ways to ensure customer satisfaction and secure future business is by providing excellent customer service.

This means listening carefully to their needs, communicating clearly about pricing and timelines, and following through on all commitments. It also involves going above and beyond what is expected – perhaps offering an extra bit of help or following up after the job is completed to make sure everything was done to their satisfaction. By prioritizing excellent customer service, you will not only create happy clients but also attract new customers through referrals and positive reviews.

In the end, investing time and effort into providing top-notch customer service is well worth it to strengthen your handyman business.

About Jeremy Reis

Jeremy Reis is a serial entrepreneur from the Franklin, Tennessee area. Jeremy is the founder of multiple businesses and is the VP of Marketing for CRISTA Ministries. Jeremy has his MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship from The Ohio State University.