How to Become a Handyman: A Complete Guide

Thinking about monetizing your DIY skills? It’s time you learn how to become a handyman and build a thriving career. It sure is a lucrative path that gives you flexibility. There are diverse work opportunities and a high demand for the skill set.

However, launching a successful handyman business requires more than just basic knowledge of the tools. You need to be a problem solver and handle everything from repairs to business logistics.

Already felt the challenge to figure out the whats and hows when it comes to setting fair prices, generating professional invoices, and managing your time?

The good news is with the right guidance, you can overcome these hurdles and build your own business.

Time to roll up your sleeves and know how to launch your handyman career!

What Does a Handyman Do?

A handyman is someone who conducts basic maintenance on properties. Their main duties include repairing plumbing systems and carpentry to ensure they work properly. The opportunity of work is diversified to small and medium-sized projects.

While some of their work might not call for formal training, they’re still the go-to individuals for homeowners, landlords, and business owners whenever they need to get something fixed in their properties.

Scope of work of a Handyman

A handyman often goes by the name of “a do-it-all service worker.”

The detailed overview of the possible scope is given further:

Service	Demand Level	Software/Tools
Electrical Services	High: Frequent need across residential, commercial, and hospitality industries.	Tools: Voltage testers, wire strippers, power drills, multimeters. Software: InvoiceOwl for invoicing, Jobber for task scheduling.
Plumbing Services	Very High: Essential for property management, hospitality, and restaurants.	Tools: Pipe wrenches, plumbers’ snakes, Teflon tape, caulking guns. Software: FieldPulse for job tracking, QuickBooks for expense management.
Carpentry Services	Moderate to High: Regular demand in residential and retail industries.	Tools: Power saws, nail guns, sanders, levels. Software: Trello for task management, HoneyBook for client handling.
Painting and Decorating	High: Frequently needed in real estate, residential, and education industries.	Tools: Paint sprayers, rollers, ladders, drop cloths. Software: Canva for marketing materials, FreshBooks for expense tracking.
Outdoor & Landscaping Services	Moderate to High: Seasonal demand, especially in residential and hospitality sectors.	Tools: Power washers, hedge trimmers, snowblowers, rakes. Software: Buildium for property management, Google Calendar for scheduling.

What are the benefits of a handyman career?

Economic downturns and layoffs are common, with over millions of layoffs annually during recessions. Therefore, the most attractive aspect of a handyman’s job is that it is recession-proof.

If you’re learning how to become a handyman, it is advantageous to you in the following ways:

• Job security: There’s always a demand for handyman services. Regardless of a recession or economic fluctuation, properties have and will always need maintenance. In the US, there is a consistent demand for repairs, remodeling, and seasonal upkeep that ensures your job security.
• Cost-effective start-up: A handyman business has low entry barriers. You don’t need to invest much except for some basic tools and polishing your skill set. With basic tools, a vehicle, and local licensing, handymen can quickly launch their business and avoid the high costs associated with specialized trades.
• High demand for skills: Your skills come in handy as homeowners and property owners are always on the lookout for the go-to person who knows everything and anything about fixing property appliances. Not to forget that the housing market and rental properties across the United States drive a high demand for handyman skills.
• Flexibility & Independence: As a freelance handyman, you enjoy the flexibility to set your schedule and balance your career. You can pick either high-paying jobs but a limited number of clients or low-paying jobs but increase the number of appointments. You get to choose how to manage your calendar and balance your professional and personal commitments effectively.

Skills Required to Be a Handyman

A successful career in this requires a combination of essential handyman skills based on varied technical expertise.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 5 skills handyman needs to make a name for themselves in their field:

1. Technical skills

Considering that a handyman’s job includes multiple areas, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting and decorating, and basic appliance repairs. They also need to understand how to use tools and equipment such as hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment safely.

2. Critical thinking

A handyman needs to be quick and think on their feet to provide effective solutions to unexpected issues. They need to identify the root cause of problems in plumbing and electrical systems. They also need to find ways for cost-effective and practical fixes tailored to the client’s needs.

3. Communication skills

The U.S. is an absolute melting pot of cultures and languages. Thus, your job requires you to meet new people every day. The on-premise duty demands you to interact with clients proactively. This calls for strong communication skills where you’re able to set clear expectations and understand clients’ needs.

4. Time management

If you want to run a profitable handyman business, you need to be able to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines. You should also be able to prioritize tasks and plan workdays effectively to maximize productivity and minimize travel time between clients.

5. Adaptability

Handymen need to understand the latest updates on new tools, materials, or techniques to broaden their service offerings. It helps you build a long-running handyman business if you can meet the varied demands of clients and adapt to different workspaces, right from residential homes to commercial buildings.

5 Steps to Becoming a Handyman

If you’re thinking of becoming a full-time handyman, you need to understand some basic protocols, with a series of strategic 5 steps to ensure success and comply with regulations.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this path:

Step-1: Acquire essential skills

First things first, think about developing your skill set to become a competitive handyman. A handyman may need to learn every repair work that a property owner may encounter. You can consider applying for internships and vocational training to get hands-on experience. Focus areas should include your core jobs, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical repairs, and general maintenance.

Step-2: Get practical experience

Nothing works better for a handyman than hands-on training. Theory can only teach you the basics like plumbing or carpentry but with application, you can understand the critical thinking process and adaptation of the tasks.

Manual work also demands physical proficiency and familiarity with the basic tools. Repeated practice builds muscle memory that helps hone skills in drilling or assembling features. It also helps you learn how to avoid and fix errors.

One way to apply your skills in real-world settings is by working under experienced professionals or volunteering for projects. This practical training is invaluable for becoming a handyman.

Step-3: Understand handyman license and regulations

Not every task requires you to have a handyman license. But if you want to be a professional, it is a safe bet to get one. Research the specific handyman licensing requirements in your state and locality as they vary across the US.

Apart from the licensing requirements, you need to consider getting general liability insurance as well. This is in case of any workplace accidents or mishaps. If you plan to hire employees, you need workers’ compensation insurance as well.

Step-4: Develop business acumen

Even if you’re a freelancer, you need to develop business acumen to build your presence. Start by creating a business plan where you outline your services, target audience, and pricing structure. Consider the operating costs, tools, and potential revenue.

You also need to automate invoicing and accounting tasks to save time and money. It is advisable to use tools like InvoiceOwl to generate invoices, track outstanding payments, and maintain a steady cash flow.

Step-5: Build a professional network

Networking is the key to growing your own handyman business. Collaborate with real estate agents, property managers, and contractors who can get you in touch with potential clients.
Get yourself registered on platforms to create a professional profile and positive reviews. You should also engage with local communities. It helps you build rapport, establish trust, and lead to word-of-mouth recommendations.

How Do You Set Up as a Professional Handyman?

You need a defined plan to succeed if you’re a handyman business owner who wants to expand their business, hire workers, and create a professional handyman business that provides an extensive range of services. Check out the steps mentioned below.

1. Create a business plan

A solid business plan is the foundation of a successful handyman business. Define your brand name and logo for brand recall and professionalism. Here’s what you should include once you decide to launch a handyman business.

• Define your goals: Outline the short-term and long-term goals of your business. This significantly helps you allocate resources and figure out your operations. For example, as a business owner, your goal is to serve 20 clients monthly within the first year or expand services to include specialized repairs.
• Identify your target audience: Determine who you want to provide services to. These can include homeowners, landlords, property managers, or businesses. Understanding your audience helps you tailor your services to their needs.
• Service pricing: Research local competitors and establish a pricing model based on industry standards, experience, and project complexity.
• Accounting and budgeting: Figure out the needs for accounting and invoicing tools. Invest in these tools to automate the tracking of income, expenses, and taxes. Plan your budget to include maintenance, marketing, and insurance costs.

2. Establish a marketing strategy

A well-executed marketing plan ensures that your business reaches potential clients. Some of the marketing strategies you should consider are:

Online marketing strategies

Having an online presence significantly boosts your visibility, as search engines and online listed platforms are the first places users visit to find local services. Some of the ways you can build an online presence are:

• Website: Think about giving an online platform to your business, such as a professional handyman website. You can use the site to showcase all the handyman skills you offer, the pricing, and client testimonials. A clean, mobile-friendly design adds credibility to your business.
• Social media presence: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share pictures of successful task completion. You can add before-and-after project photos, tips, and client reviews to add credibility.
• List on platforms: Look out for online platforms like TaskRabbit and Angi to connect with clients seeking handyman services. Ensure that your business has met all the licensing requirements before getting listed.
• Google Business Profile: Most users who are looking for a local handyman business use search engine platforms like Google with queries like “Handyman services near me” or “Affordable handyman services in Atlanta.” Creating a Google Business Profile and optimizing the same can help your business appear on such search queries. Encourage your customers to leave positive reviews.

Offline marketing strategies

Along with online marketing, don’t forget to ace the traditional marketing game that gives your business a higher visibility. Distribute flyers or brochures and also target festivities, such as Christmas and New Year to get more leads as demand for home renovation gets higher. Take advantage of your local community and advertise in the local newspapers or bulletin boards.

3. Start networking

Local handyman businesses rely considerably on positive word-of-mouth marketing. If you want people to talk about the services your handyman business provides, start building your network and get people talking. Some of the audiences and groups you can target are real estate agents, property managers, and contractors.

Building a rapport with them can ensure consistent work opportunities and lead to long-term partnerships. Also, engage in community events to establish your presence and connect directly with clients.

How Should You Price Your Handyman Services?

Pricing your handyman services effectively has its challenges as it involves balancing competition. You’d also have to balance client expectations and add the costs of learning new skills for unique tasks.

Considering all these factors, you can decide on the pricing accordingly:

• Conduct market research: See how your competitors are pricing them. What are the average rates for the services of a handyman in your area? What are the prices for each of the services individually? For example, a handyman business in the US typically charges between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on the region and the job complexity.
• Adopt transparent pricing practices: Provide clients with detailed estimates that break down the individual costs of labor, materials, and additional costs. Ensure that you add these costs to invoices and estimates that you generate. It builds client trust and ensures faster payments.
• Set hourly rates and flat fees: Divide your rates based on the complexity of the jobs. For simple and quick jobs such as hanging shelves and lawn maintenance, consider flat fees. But for larger and more complex tasks, such as remodeling, and furniture building, you can charge hourly rates and material costs.
• Account for overheads: Record all the costs of tools, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and handyman training when you set your rates. Your overall pricing needs to cover all these regular expenses while leaving room for profit.
• Offer tiered pricing for specialized skills: Some tasks in handymen services can be more complex than your regular work. These handyman services also include your investment in acquiring advanced skills (e.g., HVAC or electrical work).

What is the Best Way to Get Handyman Experience?

Experience is critical if you’re learning how to become a handyman. Since the work is an innate skill set, it can only be honed with experience. It also prepares you to handle real-world challenges. Some of the ways you can gather experience are:

• Start with DIY projects: Start small and preferably work with family and friends and ask them if they want anything fixed, such as leaky faucets or painting walls. You might not get paid but you’d get to experience the work with extremely low risks and offer value to your network.
• Take on small jobs: Offer your services to neighbors or local platforms like Facebook marketplace. Take up small jobs such as hanging shelves, replacing light fixtures, or minor plumbing tasks to build your skillset gradually.
• Volunteer your services: You can look for non-profit projects where you can practice your skills—for example, assisting in renovating community centers or repairing playgrounds. It doesn’t pay you but is a great boost to your honing skills while contributing to your community.
• Work as an apprentice: Seek opportunities to assist experienced handymen or contractors. Working with professionals allows you to observe the best industry practices such as acquiring a handyman license and learning how to price your services.