How To Start A Handyman Side Hustle [in 2023]

Are you looking to start a side hustle that allows you to make some extra money while utilizing your handy skills?

Becoming a handyman might be the perfect opportunity for you. This flexible, in-demand role allows you to set your own schedule and help others with various tasks and repairs around their homes.

In this piece, we will look at the various jobs you can do as a handyman as well as what it takes to become a handyman.

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What is a Handyman?

A handyman is someone who does general repairs and maintenance. You don’t need to have certified expertise in any particular area but versatility and general knowledge in different kinds of repair and maintenance will serve you well.

A handyman works in commercial or residential settings doing what’s needed to keep the premises running.

A handyman is typically known to be reliable, detail-oriented, and well-versed in tasks such as plumbing, electrical work, and general home repairs. As you start your business, it’s crucial to know what services you can confidently provide and make a plan to market those offerings to potential clients.

Beginning your handyman side hustle may seem challenging at first, but with the right skills, dedication, and organization, you can turn it into a profitable venture.

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Starting Your Handyman Side Hustle

Starting a side hustle as a handyman can be a rewarding opportunity to use your skills for extra income outside your full-time or part-time job. By considering your skill set, determining your services, setting your hourly rate, and obtaining necessary licenses and insurance, you can lay the groundwork for a successful business.

If you want to start a side hustle as a handyman, here are the steps you will take:

Assess Your Skills

Before starting your handyman side hustle, take time to assess your skills and knowledge. Make a list of your strong areas, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or home repairs. Identifying the services you can excel in will help you establish a solid foundation for your business.

Determine The Services You Will Offer

Based on your skills, decide the services you’ll offer as part of your handyman business. Some common tasks include:

• Home repairs
• Plumbing fixes
• Electrical work
• Painting
• Carpentry

Consider focusing on a niche market, such as eco-friendly home improvements, to set your side hustle apart from others.

Set Your Hourly Rate

Find out how much local handymen in your area charge to determine a decent hourly rate. Keep in mind that your experience, skill set, and location can all impact your pricing.

Be reasonable but competitive and as you gain experience and build a reputation, you can adjust your rates accordingly.

It’s essential to have an accurate understanding of your billable hours to properly price your services, ensure you’re making enough money, and maintain a steady income. Here’s how you can estimate your billable hours:

1. Determine the time required to complete a task or project, including tasks like purchasing materials, making repairs, and cleanup.
2. Factor in any administrative tasks, such as invoicing, client communication, and marketing efforts.
3. Add some buffer time for unexpected circumstances, such as delays or additional work required.
4. Keep track of your actual work hours to compare them with your estimates, making adjustments if needed.

Obtain The Necessary Licenses and Insurance

Depending on your state, you may need a license to operate a handyman business. Research local requirements and obtain any necessary licenses, certifications, or permits.

The important thing here is to know what kind of job requires a license and the ones that don’t. Usually, the State defines what you can and can’t do without a state license.

There are licensing requirements for handyman businesses and they vary by state. For example, some states require you to have a license for all tasks while some have a handyman exemption that allows you to do certain tasks without a license. Some states will let you offer handyman services even build an entire house, but forbid advertising.

To be on the safe side, here is what you can do:

• Check the local licensing rules and laws that govern the type of handyman work and services allowed. Usually, you can find these online.
• Talk to other handymen who have been working in the area about this.

Generally, you can perform small tasks that don’t pose a significant danger, don’t surpass a given amount of money, and can be done by one person without a license. But even then, find out what the local laws say about this to prevent your handyman business from facing legal liability.

On top of that, invest in liability and equipment insurance to protect your business from potential risks.

Buy The Necessary Tools

Selecting the right tools is essential for your handyman’s side hustle. Start by investing in a quality basic toolkit that includes items such as a Hammer, Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips), Pliers, Tape measure, Level, a Utility knife, and an Adjustable wrench.

As you expand your skills and take on more projects, you may need to purchase additional tools specific to the tasks, such as electrical work or deck repair tools. To save money, consider buying used tools in good condition or renting specialty tools when needed.

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Handyman Side Hustle Ideas

As a handyman, you have a wide range of services that you can offer as a side hustle. These jobs generally involve fixing, repairing, or maintaining things around a customer’s property.

Here are some common handyman jobs to consider when starting your part-time handyman business:

• Painting: Offer your skills for both indoor and outdoor paint jobs. This can include repainting walls or rooms, touching up paintwork, and painting fences or sheds.
• Appliance repairs: Many homeowners need help repairing or maintaining their appliances, such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. If you have experience in this area, you can offer your services to fix common issues or perform routine maintenance.
• Hanging pictures and shelves: Help clients decorate their homes by hanging pictures, artwork, and shelves securely on their walls.
• Patching drywall: If a wall has suffered minor damage, such as holes, cracks, or dents, you can offer your expertise in patching and repairing the drywall.
• Repairing fences: Offer your services to mend broken fences or replace damaged fence panels to keep clients’ properties looking neat and secure.
• Small plumbing repairs: If you have basic plumbing skills, you can help customers fix minor issues like leaky faucets or clogged drains.
• Pressure washing services: Clean the exterior surfaces of homes, driveways, and sidewalks with a pressure washer to remove dirt, mold, and mildew.
• Junk removal: Help clients declutter and get rid of unwanted items by making runs to the dump, recycling center, or donation facilities.
• Light Fixtures: Learn how to safely replace and install light fixtures, such as ceiling fans and chandeliers, as these are common requests from homeowners.
• Lawn Care: Offering lawn care services, like mowing, edging, and raking, can be a great way to supplement your handyman income, especially during the warmer months.
• Electrical Work: Basic electrical work, such as installing outlets, and switches, or fixing minor issues, is always in demand. Remember to familiarize yourself with the local and national electrical codes and obtain necessary permits if required.
• Deck Repair: Skilled in repairing and maintaining decks? This skill can be especially valuable for homeowners looking to improve their outdoor living spaces.

Remember to consider your specific skills, tools, and resources when selecting the types of handyman jobs to offer. Tailor your services to your strengths and the needs of your target market to maximize your success in the handyman side hustle.

How to Market Your Handyman Business

To become a successful handyman, you need to advertise your business. With social media platforms and search engines offering programs for creating ads, there are many ways you can get more clients without spending a fortune.

Let’s go through the various ways you can market a handyman business:

Create a Business Website

A strong online presence is crucial for your handyman side hustle. To achieve this, create a professional and user-friendly website. A good example of this is The Happy Handyman in Phoenix.

This site should showcase your skills, services offered and contact information. Consider using website builders like Squarespace or Wix, which offer templates and tools to make the process easy.

As your business grows, ensure to update your website with customer reviews and testimonials to showcase your expertise.

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Develop Your Professional Demeanor

Your professional demeanor plays a significant role in building trust with potential clients. Start by designing a catchy logo and ordering a few business cards.

This helps create a cohesive brand image, further legitimating your side hustle. Present yourself and your services in a professional and friendly manner.

This means dressing appropriately, being punctual, and maintaining open communication with your clients.

Network and Build a Clientele

To build your client base, leverage your existing connections with friends, family members, and local businesses.

Join local business and networking groups to meet other professionals and potential clients. Be proactive about asking for referrals; satisfied customers can refer you to others seeking handyman services.

Join Google Businesses

Create a free Google My Business account, so your handyman business appears on Google search results for local customers.

Since many people use Google search to find handyman businesses in their area, yous this to your advantage.

Other Advertising Strategies

Effective advertising can exponentially increase your clientele. Create a strategy that suits your side hustle:

• Utilize online channels like social media and local online directories to increase your business visibility
• Implement offline advertising methods, such as distributing business cards at local events, and posting flyers in strategic locations
• Connect with other businesses that complement your services, such as interior designers or property managers, to establish mutually beneficial partnerships
• Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your website, social media profiles, or online directories like Yelp

By following these marketing strategies, you can effectively promote your handyman side hustle and attract a steady stream of clients. Remember to maintain your professional demeanor, and always put your best foot forward when interacting with clients and networking with other professionals.

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Practical Advice and Tips For a Handyman Business

When you are running your own handyman business these tips will help you run a seamless operation.

Set Realistic Expectations

When starting your handyman side hustle, set realistic expectations for yourself. Juggling a full-time job while trying to grow your side hustle can be challenging.

Focus on getting your first few clients and providing exceptional service, instead of aiming for large-scale success right away. Remember, your side hustle should not negatively impact your full-time job. Be honest with yourself about the amount of time and energy you can dedicate to both work commitments.

Prioritize Time Management

Effective time management is crucial in striking a balance between your full-time job and your side hustle. There are a few ways you can achieve that.

Create a weekly schedule at the beginning of each week to plan your days ahead. You should allocate specific hours for your full-time job and side hustle. Here is an example of such a plan:

Use a planner or digital tools to keep track of tasks, appointments, and deadlines for both your full-time job and side hustle.

You can categorize your tasks based on urgency and importance. For your side hustle, focus on meeting the needs of your clients while also making time for marketing, administration, and other essential tasks.

Also learn to say no to avoid overcommitting yourself, which can lead to burnout. Be selective about the clients and projects you take on, especially in the beginning.

By setting realistic expectations and effectively managing your time, you can successfully balance your handyman side hustle with your full-time job. Stay disciplined and dedicated, and you’ll be well on your way to growing a thriving side gig alongside your full-time work.

Become a Tasker on TaskRabbit

To be successful in your handyman side hustle, you can find even more work by joining TaskRabbit.

It is an app that features a wide range of home repairs and projects that you can take on. It operates based on the freelance model.

Strive to provide top-quality service, and your reputation as a reliable, skilled handyman will grow.

When you are starting out, you can take on the smaller projects but as you gain experience and confidence, you can take on more complex projects to increase your income potential. As you work for clients remember to always prioritize safety and follow all relevant building codes and regulations.

Market Yourself On Multiple Fronts

As a handyman, opportunities for growth and expansion are plentiful even when you are only working part-time.

To secure more jobs and increase demand for your handyman services, focus on building a strong reputation and network. Here are some tactics:

• Ask for referrals: Encourage satisfied clients to refer friends, family, and colleagues who may need your services.
• Utilize online platforms: Register on websites like Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and Angie’s List to increase your visibility and reach more potential clients.
• Partner with other local businesses: Establish relationships with property managers, real estate agents, or other service providers who can refer clients to you.
• Advertise strategically: Distribute business cards or flyers in targeted neighborhoods or advertise online through social media or Google Ads.

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Add New Services

To further grow your handyman side hustle and potentially turn it into a full-time business, consider adding new services to your current offerings. This will not only attract a wider range of clients but also increase your earning potential. Some ideas include:

1. Home improvement: Offer services such as painting, drywall repair, and light carpentry work for clients looking to upgrade their homes.
2. Installation services: Add the installation of fixtures, appliances, and furniture to your skillset.
3. Outdoor maintenance: Provide lawn care, gutter cleaning, or power washing services that homeowners often require.
4. Specialized services: Pursue professional certifications in areas like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC to expand your expertise and boost your income.

Remember, it’s essential to have the appropriate skills and knowledge for each new service you offer—it not only ensures happy customers but maintains a successful and sustainable handyman side hustle.

Track Business Expenses

Managing your business’ finances is an important skill that makes it easier to not only account for your expenses but also plan for the future.

As a handyman, it’s crucial to keep track of your business expenses. These can include anything from tools and materials to vehicle maintenance and insurance costs. To make this easier for yourself, consider the following:

• When you start a handyman business, set up a separate bank account for your business to keep personal and business finances separate.
• Use accounting software or a simple spreadsheet to record and categorize all expenses.
• Keep receipts and invoices organized for easy reference and tax purposes.

Ensure a Steady Income

Your goal as a handyman is to make extra money and cover your living expenses. To ensure a steady income, consider these steps:

• Maintain a diverse client base: Don’t rely on just a few clients—having a wider client base can help you better weather slow periods and maintain a more consistent income.
• Establish repeat business: Offer recurring, scheduled services, or maintenance plans to clients, ensuring you have business coming in regularly.
• Set aside money for the lean times: Save a portion of your income during busy periods to cover living expenses when business is slow.
• Continuously prospect for new clients: Network, attend events, and leverage social media to consistently build your client base, increasing your opportunities for billable hours.

Conclusion

In summary, pursuing a handyman side hustle can be a rewarding and lucrative endeavor. By honing your skills and offering flexible services, you can meet the growing demand in the gig economy while also supplementing your income.

As you prepare to embark on your handyman journey, be sure to invest in the necessary tools and equipment. Additionally, consider seeking out relevant training, certifications, or licensing to boost credibility with potential clients. Remember, as a handyman, you can enjoy tax write-offs on work-related expenses, such as tools, fuel, and advertising.

While embarking on a handyman side hustle, it’s important to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks to strike a balance between your primary job and side gig. Networking and fostering relationships with satisfied clients can help grow your customer base, establishing your reputation and trustworthiness as a handyman.

So, gather your toolbox and put your skills to work. Your handyman side hustle awaits, offering a world of opportunities for growth, learning, and additional income.

Before you leave

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