If you want to start a handyman business but don’t know where to begin, then read on. There are plenty of handyman business ideas out there, but they all require a little bit of work before you get started.
You’ll need to find a good location for your business, and you’ll need to find customers. You’ll also need to find a reliable source of materials and equipment.
But once you have those things in place, the sky is the limit as far as what you can do with your own handyman business idea.
What are the costs involved in opening a handyman business?
The cost of starting up any new small business varies depending upon how much capital investment you make into it. The more money that you invest upfront, the higher the risk will be. But if you’re willing to take some risks, then you could potentially reap big rewards later down the road.
In most cases, the initial startup costs include:
- Rent or lease space
- Equipment purchase/lease
- Business licenses
- Insurance
- Marketing expenses
- Advertising
- Training employees
There’s no doubt about it – running a successful handyman business takes time and effort. So when considering whether this type of venture makes sense for you, think long-term. If you plan to run a profitable business, you may not see immediate results from your efforts. It might take several years before you reach profitability.
So while you should definitely consider the financial aspects of owning a handyman business, remember that it won’t happen overnight.
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What are the ongoing expenses for a handyman business?
Once you’ve opened your doors, you’ll face many different types of expenses every month. These expenses vary based on the size of your company, so keep an eye on them over time. Here are just a few examples of monthly expenses associated with operating a handyman business:
- Employee salaries
- Utility bills
- Office supplies
- Vehicle maintenance & repairs
- Maintenance contracts
- Professional liability insurance
- Property taxes
- Licenses
- Workers’ compensation insurance
The Best Handyman Business Ideas:
Some of the useful ideas are;
Repairing Homes
Handymen are great at fixing problems around the house. They can fix anything from leaky faucets to broken windows. And because they often deal directly with homeowners, they tend to charge less than other contractors who must go through middle men. This means that their prices are usually lower too.
Home Remodeling
Home remodels aren’t cheap. In fact, they can easily add up to thousands of dollars. That’s why home improvement companies like Lowe’s hire professional handymen to help complete projects. A lot of people use these services to save money by doing everything themselves. However, hiring professionals gives you access to tools and expertise that you simply wouldn’t possess otherwise. Plus, you can always call on them again if something goes wrong.
Painting Houses
Painting houses isn’t easy work. You need lots of patience and skill to get good results. Many painters don’t last very long working alone. Instead, they rely on subcontractors to handle all the hard labor. When you start out, though, painting jobs are perfect for someone looking to build experience and earn extra cash. As you gain confidence, you can branch out onto bigger projects.
Plumbing Services
Plumbers have been in high demand lately as Americans try to repair things around the house instead of calling a contractor. Because plumber skills are highly sought after, there is plenty of opportunity for those interested in plumbing careers. Some plumbers specialize in residential plumbing, but others focus solely on commercial clients.
Either way, you’ll need to pass licensing exams and obtain proper training first. Once you do, you could be earning $20-$30 per hour or more!
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Landscaping
Landscape design has become increasingly popular recently. People want beautiful yards where they live, even if they only spend weekends outside. To meet this growing demand, landscapers are needed across the country. While most landscape designers work independently, larger firms offer employees benefits such as health care coverage and paid vacations.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, then starting a landscaping business might be right for you.
Electrical Work
Electrical wiring is one of the trickiest trades to learn. It requires years of study before becoming licensed. But once you’re qualified, it’s not uncommon to make six figures each year. The average annual salary for electricians was about $53K in 2016 according to PayScale.com.
HV AC Repair & Installation
If you love being inside your own home during hot summer days, an air conditioning installation job may be just what you’ve been waiting for. There’s no doubt that installing central AC systems will pay off down the road: studies show that homes with central air conditioners sell faster and fetch higher sale prices when put on the market compared to similar properties without central cooling units.
Masonry/Concrete Work
Masonry and concrete work is another great DIY project idea. Whether you decide to go into construction contracting full-time or run a side hustle while holding down a day job, masonry and concrete work offers steady income potential at any level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for bricklayers should increase 7 percent from 2012 through 2022.
And although concrete workers aren’t quite so plentiful, their median hourly wage of roughly $16 also provides stability.
Repairing Cell Phones
Cell phone repairs are among the most popular repair jobs because they require little equipment and training. In fact, anyone who owns a smartphone already knows how to fix their device. All you need is a screwdriver and a pair of scissors.
Car Repairs
Car repairs are another great option for those looking to get into the auto industry. Many people don’t realize that car repairs aren’t all that difficult. They only require basic tools like wrenches, pliers, hammers, drills, saws, sandpaper, etc.
Appliance Repairs
Appliances are probably the easiest things to repair since they usually involve replacing parts rather than fixing broken ones. Most appliance owners know exactly where to find replacement parts so repairing them shouldn’t pose too big of a problem.
Electronics Repairs
Electronics repairs are similar to appliance repairs but they tend to cost less due to the lack of complicated components involved. It doesn’t matter whether you are good at soldering or not; you can still learn how to fix electronic devices by watching YouTube videos.
Furniture Repairs
Furniture repairs are relatively easy compared to other kinds of home improvement projects. Since furniture requires minimal maintenance, it won’t take long until you earn enough money from selling used pieces.
Shoe Repair
Shoes are expensive and hard to maintain. Therefore, shoe repair shops are always busy. People come here to replace soles, heels, laces, buckles, zippers, etc.
Instrument Repair
Instrument repairs are very common especially among musicians. Musicians often use guitars, pianos, drums, violins, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, tubas, etc. These instruments are quite delicate and therefore require professional attention.
Generator Repair
Generators are one of the simplest machines to operate. If you want to start up a generator repair shop, then there isn’t really anything else you should worry about. Just buy a couple of generators and sell spare parts online.
Air Conditioner Repair
Air conditioners are also simple machines to repair. All you need to do is remove the old part and install the new one. You will have to spend around $50-$100 depending on what kind of air conditioning unit you purchase.
Refrigerator Repair
Refrigerators are fairly straightforward as well. Simply open the door, pull out the faulty component, put in the new one, close the refrigerator door, turn on the power supply, wait for 10 minutes, and voila! Your fridge is fixed.
TV Repair
TVs are pretty complex appliances which require lots of technical knowledge. However, if you are willing to invest some time learning, then you could become an expert tv repair technician.
Washing Machine Repair
Washing machine repairs are extremely easy. The main thing you need to consider when starting your own washing machine repair business is finding a reliable supplier. This way, you can save yourself from spending hours searching for quality products.
Dishwasher Repair
Dishwashers are even easier to repair than washer/dryers. In fact, most people don’t realize that dishwashers aren’t actually connected to water pipes. They just run using electricity. So all you need to do is unplug the device, change its filter, add detergent, plug it back into the wall socket, and press “start”. That’s literally it.
Microwave Oven Repair
Microwaves ovens are probably the easiest kitchen appliances to repair. Basically, all you need to do to get started with this type of business idea is purchasing a microwave oven, buying replacement parts, and marketing them online.
Vacuum Cleaner Repair
Vacuums are another popular household item that needs regular cleaning. As such, vacuum cleaner repair businesses are booming today. It doesn’t matter whether you fix small or large vacuums; they both demand similar skills and tools.
Water Heater Repair
Water heaters are not only useful but also essential. Without proper heating systems, life would be miserable. Unfortunately, repairing these devices is no longer possible without specialized equipment. But fortunately, many companies offer their services at affordable prices.
Chimney Repair Business
Chimneys are used by almost every home owner. Therefore, chimney repair businesses are always in high demand. To make money, however, you must first learn how to clean chimneys properly before selling any parts.
Dryer Vent Installation & Repair
If you live near a city, chances are you already know someone who owns a dryer vent installation company. After all, everyone wants to keep their clothes fresh and free from lint. And since there are so many different types of vents available, choosing the right one isn’t too difficult either.
Bicycle Repair Service Business
Bicycles are very common items nowadays. Thus, bicycle repair shops are quite profitable. If you want to start up a bike shop, you should ensure that you buy good-quality bicycles because cheap ones won’t last long. Also, you’ll need to find a place where customers can park their bikes while waiting for service.
Bike Repair
A lot of people ride bikes as part of their daily routine. For those individuals, having a bike repair shop nearby will definitely increase sales. You may have to spend more on advertising though.
Credit Repair
Credit repair is an excellent business opportunity if you’re looking to earn extra cash. There’s nothing like getting paid to help others improve their credit scores! However, you’ll need some training before launching your own credit repair business.
ATM Repair
ATMs are everywhere. This means that anyone can open one anytime he or she wishes to withdraw cash. Because of this, ATM repair has become extremely lucrative over time. All you need to do is purchase new parts and install them onto old machines.
Private Jet Repair Business
Private jets are expensive pieces of machinery. As such, private jet repair is a great way to earn additional income. The best thing about this kind of business is that you don’t require special licenses or permits.
Roof Repair and Installation
Roofing materials aren’t cheap. In fact, roof repairs can cost thousands of dollars. That being said, it’s still better than spending hundreds of dollars each month on rent. So why shouldn’t you try opening a roof repair store?
Carpet Repair
Carpets are among the most important things in our homes. They protect us against dirt and moisture, which makes them indispensable. Sadly, carpets wear out after years of use. Fortunately, carpet repair is easy to perform. Just follow instructions carefully and you’ll soon see results.
Tier Repair
Tier repair is another popular type of business idea. It involves replacing damaged tiers with brand new ones. Although tier repair requires experience, it doesn’t take much capital to get started.
Tile Repairs
Tile is often found indoors. Since they’re made of porcelain, tile repairs are perfect for homeowners. Moreover, tiles come in various shapes and sizes. As such, finding clients might prove challenging.
Window and Door Repair
Window and door repairs are also highly sought after services. People love to fix broken windows and doors because they make their houses look newer. Of course, these kinds of businesses usually involve high maintenance costs.
Computer Repair
Computers are essential tools today. Unfortunately, computers break down all too frequently. Luckily, computer repair is something everyone needs at least once every few months.
Maintenance and Repair Blog
If you enjoy writing articles, then starting a blog could be ideal for you. After all, blogs allow users to share information online. Furthermore, many bloggers turn into successful entrepreneurs later on.
Engine Repair Business
Engines play a crucial role in automobiles. If yours breaks down, you won’t be able to drive anywhere. Thankfully, engine repair isn’t difficult. All you need is proper equipment and knowledge.
Game Repair Shop Business
Video games have been around since the 1980s. Today, video game consoles continue to grow more powerful by the day. As such, people spend countless hours playing video games. But what happens when those controllers stop working properly? You guessed right: gamers will pay good money to have their devices fixed.
Wooden Boat Repair Business
Wooden boats are beautiful works of art. However, wooden boat repair is not an easy task. For starters, wood expands as time passes. This means your boat may become unusable if you leave it unattended for long periods of time.
Read: Most Profitable Construction Company Ideas
Bookbinding and Repair Service
Books are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. And yet, books tend to fall apart over time. Book binding and repair service allows book lovers to keep their treasured possessions safe from damage.
Conclusion
This business is very lucrative and you can do many odd jobs such as repairing AC, refrigerator and many more electronics with the required appliances. Seek out your skill and niche where you can excel and take start. This could earn you more money if you do repairing in a right manner.
There are plenty of handyman business ideas out there, and it can be tough to choose the right one for you. Ultimately, it depends on your skillset, interests, and goals. If you’re handy with tools and enjoy working with your hands, starting a handyman business could be a great way to earn a living.
There are a few things to keep in mind, though, such as crafting a business plan, acquiring the necessary licenses and permits, and marketing your business. With some hard work and dedication, you can be well on your way to success as a handyman entrepreneur.
