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It’s a Great Time to Start a Handyman Business

A handyman business is a unique and profitable venture that you can start on a small scale and grow with your experience. You may want to start one in order to take your skills outside the borders of your home, or you could be considering this as a way to make some extra money while you go back to school.

You don't need to be an expert handyman to be successful. Even if you have no experience, you can still start your own handyman business. Depending on what type of repair work you are looking to complete, there is likely a skill set that you possess. 

First Things First

No matter what type of service you decide to specialize in, you’ll need to take care of a few basic startup to-dos. While not required, it’s a good idea to create a business plan that lays out exactly which services you’ll provide (if you plan on adding new offerings down the road when you’re more experienced, be sure to include those here), who your competitors are (both locally and nationally), and how you’ll cover startup costs.

Bringing all of the components of your business plan together will also help you decide how to structure your business. For example, a New York LLC (limited liability company) protects your personal assets, including your home and car, from any financial hardships your business may face in the future, and you’ll enjoy tax advantages. Setting up an S corp in NY may also be advantageous, since those who file as self-employed benefit from tax savings, and business owners can get deductions on any financial losses they incur over the year.

Electricians

If it’s possible, work for a time with a licensed electrician as an apprentice. You’ll not only gain skills in the trade but also how to market yourself, how to price your services, and good customer service and sales. 

There are courses you can take to become a trained and skilled electrician. Requirements for licensure vary by state, but in most cases, a comprehensive examination of knowledge is required. Certified electricians can expect to earn about $50,000 annually.

Plumbers

In the field of plumbing, you will be trained while on the job, so you’ll be paid as you learn. Plumbers begin to earn at the apprentice level. Apprenticeships are a combination of hands-on and classroom learning. Courses to become a plumber can be taken online while you apprentice with a plumber or are working another job. 

Construction

Construction and remodeling handymen are not always general contractors. They often perform a variety of tasks in an architectural firm, such as engineering design work that interfaces with other disciplines like structural engineering. It’s helpful to use software to estimate construction projects so you’ll know what to charge your clients. 

General Home-Helper Handyman

A home handyman is essentially a jack of all trades. They can help with home repairs, landscaping, and painting, to name just a few. But in order to be qualified as such, one must possess certain skills like carpentry and plumbing. But it does not have to be limited to these skill sets. There are a lot more tasks that one can carry out as a home handyman. You may be asked to paint a kitchen, install a washer and dryer, set up a sprinkling system or playground set, hang a big screen tv, or move heavy furniture. Many of the home helper handyman jobs will require nothing more than basic tools and a strong back. 

Gaining a Customer Base

The job market can be bright for those who are looking to start their own business as a handyman. The effective way to market yourself is through social media. You can use social media to build your portfolio and show off your experience as a home handyman. You can also use it to get referrals from other individuals and companies that need a handyman.

All your marketing will depend on you creating a well-designed logo for your business. Instead of paying for logo design services, you can use an online logo maker to make custom logos instantly. Simply choose a style and icon and add in any text you'll need, and you'll be able to view an assortment of logos and adjust their fonts and colors. 

This is a great time to start your own handyman business. Today’s families are more willing to pay for services now than at any other time in history. Start marketing your skills now and you’ll be in demand in no time.

Boost your business network by joining the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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