If you have a knack for building and fixing minor problems around the house, then you might as well consider yourself qualified to become a handyman. Well, not exactly, but the qualifications are not harsh either. You can always turn this passion into a full-blown career.
Becoming a self-employed handyman comes with a lot of perks and benefits. There is nothing better than working at your own schedule, choosing your own working hours, choosing what jobs you will take, and best of all, setting your own prices. Read on to find out how to start this business.
Steps To Start A Handyman Business
Follow these easy but not so simple steps to starting your own handyman business;
Step #1; Have The Relevant Qualification
To become a handyman, you don’t need to attend universities and obtain high-end degrees. While there are higher courses and specializations you can learn in higher institutions, all you really need to get started is a passion or at least an interest, knowledge, and expertise. You just need to prove that you have the skills to do the job. Here are some of the things to get here;
- Take a short course
You can do this in college or even online. Nothing is impossible these days and technology has made it possible to learn whatever you want and do whatever you need to from just about anywhere. What’s more, these courses do not have any crazy entry requirements. Just find a reputable institution, online or offline, apply, and get started.
- Get an apprenticeship
No matter how many certifications you have or what school you attend, you will still need real-time, real-life experience. This is where apprenticeship comes in. Find a company you can work as a trainee or apprentice to get your hands on some of the handyman tasks. That is where the experience starts, and it is also good for your portfolio/ resume.
- Consider Volunteering
Because it could be a little hard to start your own business straight away in the beginning, or even to get a job, it is easier to make good use of that time to volunteer. This way, you are still building and improving your skill set while still gaining even more experience.
Step #2; Learn The Basic Skills
If you are still not sure of what skills your need to have to be a handyman, here are some;
- You need to understand building and construction
- Learn painting and decorating skills
- You also need to know how to carefully move heavy items such as furniture
- Have knowledge on changing light bulbs and fixtures
- You also need to know how to clear and maintain gardens and/ or even rooms
- Have the basic knowledge to repair and/ or maintain different tools and equipment
- Windows and doors installations
- Have basic plumbing skills like fixing taps, unblocking sinks, and unclogging drainages
Step #3; Specialize
You really don’t need to do this, and you should always be open to new ideas and opportunities. However, you still can decide on what environment you want to take on; domestic or commercial? The general skills required for these both could be the same but may differ in certain specific tasks.
Domestic handyman equals working in a more of a private environment this could be a home or a garden of a client. You can specialize in this if you feel more comfortable handling domestic clients. You perform your own home projects to get a feel of how this is like and what you should expect as a domestic handyman.
If you don’t want to venture into private homes and attend to domestic clients, you might choose to target the commercial market. This may include working in business sites or different facilities. It may also include focusing on one specific task in the facility like general maintenance and/ or upkeep.
Step #4; Get Your Tools Ready
What is a handyman without the tools, right? And, you should know that handyman work requires multiple tools. And, you also have to know that you need to buy your own tools. These may be anything from a toolbox, stud finder, spirit level, a van, painting supplies, circular saw, tape measure, step ladder, an electric drill, just to mention a few.
Step #5; Get Your License
Once you are ready to get into the field and start taking on projects and work, it is vital to have the necessary license and/ or permit. You need to fulfill some legal requirements to register yourself as a handyman, either self-employed or business. Once all the legal paperwork is set, you are now already a qualified handyman, ready to work.
