How to Start a Handyman Business
Small repairs, installs and maintenance tasks around homes and small businesses, such as patching, mounting, assembly, minor carpentry and fixtures.
Who it suits
Practical problem-solvers who enjoy variety, can explain work clearly and know when a job needs a licensed tradesperson.
How people get started
Many handymen start with small repairs for neighbors and friends, then specialize as they learn which jobs they do best.
Step-by-step plan
- List the tasks you're skilled at and the ones you won't do.
- Check your state contractor licensing board for job-size or job-type limits.
- Get liability insurance and ask about tool coverage.
- Build a job costing method: labor, materials, markup, travel.
- Write an estimate template that lists what's included and excluded.
- Assemble a starter tool kit for your chosen services.
- Start with small jobs for people you know and collect reviews.
- Create a referral list of licensed electricians, plumbers and HVAC pros.
Skills to learn first
Job costing, materials markup, writing clear estimates, and where the line is between handyman work and licensed trade work.
- Accurate job costing and materials lists
- Basic carpentry, drywall, painting and fixture installs
- Tool safety and ladder safety
- Where the line is between handyman and licensed trade work
- Customer communication about scope and changes
Licensing pointers
Many states limit the size or type of job you can do without a contractor's license, and electrical, plumbing and HVAC work usually need their own license. Check your state contractor licensing board before you quote.
If you'll disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978, EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule may require certification and lead-safe work practices (epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program). OSHA's construction safety resources are at osha.gov/construction.
Rules vary by state, county and city. Confirm with your state board or agency before you start. This isn't legal advice.
Insurance to ask about
- General liability
- Inland marine or tool coverage
- Commercial auto
- Workers' compensation once you hire
Equipment and tools to research
- Core hand tools and power tools for your services
- Ladders and safety gear
- Organized vehicle storage
- Measuring and leveling tools
- A materials checklist for each job type
Week-by-week getting-started plan
Week 1
- List services and limits
- Check contractor licensing rules
Week 2
- Insurance and registration
- Tool kit inventory
Week 3
- Job costing and estimate template
- Change-order form
Week 4
- Network outreach and profile
- First small jobs
How people find their first customers
- Neighbors, friends and community groups
- Google Business Profile with your own project photos
- Realtors and property managers for punch lists
- Repeat customers on a seasonal maintenance list
- Referrals from other trades
Common beginner mistakes
- Taking jobs that require a license you don't have
- Forgetting travel and supply runs in pricing
- Vague estimates that invite scope creep
- No change-order process
- Not photographing before and after
Quality red flags
- Callbacks for the same fix
- Jobs running far over your time estimate
- Customers surprised by the final bill
- Working outside your license limits
Questions to ask yourself before you commit
- What will I say no to?
- Do I want to stay general or specialize?
- How will I handle jobs that grow bigger once I start?
- Who are my go-to licensed pros for referrals?
Questions to ask a licensing board
- Which license or registration do I need for exactly the work I plan to offer?
- What education, hours or exams are required, and in what order?
- What can I legally do while my application is pending?
Questions for an insurer
- Which coverages are required by law for my work in this state, and which are just recommended?
- What isn't covered by the policy you're quoting?
- Do I need different coverage when I hire my first employee or subcontractor?
Questions for a mentor
- What do you wish you'd known in your first year?
- What mistakes cost beginners the most time or customers?
- How did you find your first customers?
My worksheet
Use only your own numbers and research.
- Services I offer: ________
- Services I refer out: ________
- My hourly labor rate (my numbers): ________
- Materials markup method: ________
- Travel charge method: ________
- Overhead per month: ________
- Licensed pros I refer to: ________
- First 10 people to tell: ________
My startup checklist
- Structure chosen and business registered (and a DBA if needed)
- EIN from irs.gov/ein
- Business bank account open
- Licenses and permits confirmed for my state and city
- Insurance quotes in writing
- Pricing built from my own numbers
- Estimate and agreement templates ready
- Bookkeeping and tax set-aside set up
Your next step
Back to the free starter guide
General education only. Not legal, tax, financial or licensing advice. Rules vary by state, county and city, so confirm with the official sources named here and a qualified professional. No income, earnings or business results are promised or implied. Published by Ryan Via, doing business as The Collective.