Complete Guide To Start A Successful Handyman Business

Summary: Are you looking to start a handyman business? If so, you’re entering a competitive market with lots of existing providers. However, with the right strategy and approach, you can build a brand that stands out and attracts customers. In this blog, you’ll find valuable insights and guidelines to help you navigate the essential steps toward success. So read on and discover how to make your handyman business thrive in today’s market.

Starting a handyman business can be a profitable idea. There will always be a need for repairs around the house, offices, and buildings. In such scenarios, people want quick services from professionals. So, starting your on-demand handyman business will ensure you never fall short of customers.

If you already run a handyman business, but it’s offline, then consider partnering with a handyman app development company to build an engaging online platform for your business.

For your handyman business startup, there must be the following questions hovering in your mind:

1. How to Start your Own handyman Business?
2. What is the Future of the Handyman Business?
3. Is Starting Handyman Business A Good Idea?
4. What Type of Business is Perfect for a Handyman?
5. Can I Make a Living Out of the Handyman Business?

We are going to answer all the questions in this blog. We’ll guide you through the steps you need to consider to start your successful handyman business. From developing your skills and creating a business plan to obtaining licenses and permits, setting up a legal entity, and marketing your business, we will talk about everything for you to get started.

Is Starting Handyman Business A Good Idea?

If you’re considering starting a handyman business, you may be wondering if it’s a profitable idea or not. To help you make an informed decision, here are some statistics and facts that demonstrate the potential of starting an on-demand handyman services business.

• The on-demand home services industry in the United States is projected to reach a market size of $1574.86 billion by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 52% starting from 2022.

• One of the top handyman apps, TaskRabbit, makes an annual revenue of $50-$75 million.
• North America led the overall market and accounted for a revenue share of 35.0% in 2021.
• Asia Pacific is expected to develop substantially by the projection period and witness a CAGR of 19.2%. India, China, and South Korea are a few essential countries contributing to the increase in market demand.

The studies above prove that the handyman services business can bring great benefits. Further, taking this business online will bring in more customers and enhance brand growth.

→ If you already own a handyman business and are planning to take it online, then you must check out our guide on How to Build a Handyman App?

This comprehensive guide is packed with all the tips, tricks, and insights you need to create a successful app that will help you reach more customers, increase your revenue, and take your business to new heights.

Step-by-step Process to Start a Successful Handyman Business

As you have planned to take your handyman services online as a startup or small business, you may be wondering what steps you need to take. Proper planning and budgeting are essential, but following the process step by step can help you create the exact handyman business model you want.

The following are the necessary steps to guide you on how to start a handyman business. 

1. Create your Business Plan

The first step towards starting a handyman business is creating a solid business plan considering all the advantages and disadvantages it will bring. To create a successful business plan, several things need to be considered, including defining the target audience, identifying the services, setting the services price, and so on.

Let’s discuss this one by one. 

a. Determine the Business Goals and Objectives

Clearly defining your business goals and objectives can help you set them to start a handyman business. They must be SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For instance, your objectives can be to increase the number of valuable customers you have during the first year, hit a particular income goal, or broaden the range of the services you provide to your clients. 

Making decisions based on these objectives will help you stay focused on the expansion and success of your handyman business startup. Moreover, defining business goals and objectives will also provide a clear picture of how you would design the handyman app and all the necessary features that it would need. 

b. Market and Competitor Research

Before deciding the handyman business model, it is a vital step to do thorough market and competitor research. The market research will help understand the demand for the services, what is trending, and how the audience is taking advantage of the handyman apps to get their work done.

On the other hand, studying the competitors will give a clear picture of how online handyman services actually work. It will also help you discover the gaps that these already existing handyman apps have not been able to cover. Further, deep competitor research will also help you to discover the target market in-depth.

c. Define the Target Audience

Once you are done with competitor research, you must decide who your target market for your handyman business startup. For example, homeowners, businesses, property management firms, or a combination of these may fall under this category. Knowing your target market in-depth will enable you to develop a marketing strategy and pricing plan that is suited to their particular requirements and preferences.

It’s critical to study and comprehend your target market’s problems. For instance, property management businesses may be seeking a handyman who can handle a variety of maintenance jobs for numerous properties. On the other hand, homeowners may seek a dependable and reasonably priced handyman who can rapidly address household difficulties.

d. Identify the Handyman Services 

After you know your target market and the kind of services they look for, you need to pick the specific services you will provide through your platform. When deciding what services you will offer, it’s crucial to concentrate on your technical expertise and strengths. It could include carpentry, painting, plumbing, and other trades. By providing several services, you can ensure that you are a one-stop solution for all home or business repair needs by offering various services.

It’s also vital to think about providing highly sought-after specialized services. For instance, if your target market is full of older houses, you should focus on historic home repair. As a result, you may stand out from other handyman enterprises and draw in a specific market by providing specialized services.

→ Uncertain about the services to choose for your handyman business startup? Gain clarity by exploring top ready-to-use handyman clones, providing valuable reference points to consider as you launch your startup journey.

e. Set the Pricing Strategy

Your pricing strategy will significantly influence your handyman business’s performance. First, you must make sure that your pricing is reasonable and still enable you to turn a profit. Then, you can look at the pricing of competing handyman services in the market, considering your overhead expenses and considering the value you provide to your clients.

Further, it is also crucial to keep in mind that charging too little or too much can influence customers’ perceptions of the value of your offerings. The latter can cause them to search for less expensive options. The secret is striking the ideal equilibrium.

💡 Must-read: How To Get Started With Handyman App Monetization?

f. Launch your Own Handyman App

Building a handyman app is one of the best ways to grow your handyman business at full speed. With an on-demand handyman app, you can reach a wider target audience and connect with more customers. Further, the app will allow you to bring in various handyman professionals in one place and be able to solve several problems of the target market. 

Multiple handyman apps like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack have filled the market gap by providing just the solutions their customers need. Also, with the right handyman app development company, you can get the app designed and developed at the cost that fits your budget.

g. Develop A Marketing Plan 

After determining your target market, services, and pricing approach, you must develop a marketing strategy to contact potential clients. It could involve traditional forms of advertising like flyers and brochures, handyman business cards, networking with real estate brokers and property managers, and web advertising. Your marketing strategy should be customized for the demographic you are targeting and emphasize the distinctive services you provide.

Additionally, a good web presence is necessary because many people look for handyman services on the internet. Also, look out for strategies to market your handyman app. Finally, you must talk about all the features and services that your customers will get through the handyman app.

2. Legal and Financial Considerations 

Another crucial factor to be considered while starting a handyman business is the legal and financial considerations. It includes everything from registering the handyman business to obtaining licenses and essential permits, managing taxes, and so on.

a. Choose A Business Structure

Selecting a legal structure is among the primary choices you will need to make when starting your handyman business. Your liabilities and tax obligations will be impacted by the structure you adopt. Small firms’ most typical business structure forms are sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and corporation. Every structure has benefits and drawbacks of its own, so it is crucial to examine all of your eligible options and pick the one that is best for your company.

For instance, a sole proprietorship lacks personal responsibility protection despite being the easiest and least expensive business structure to start up. On the other hand, a corporation offers the greatest liability protection but is more complex and costly to set up.

Similarly, an LLC provides a balance of liability protection and tax flexibility, making it a popular choice for many small business owners. It’s recommended to know about the state specifications before selecting it, as they vary by state. For example, registering an LLC in Florida requires $125 filling fees, while it costs $100 in Wyoming.

b. Register your Business

You must register your handyman company with the proper authorities before you can begin providing services. It could entail applying for a company license, tax ID number, or licenses for particular services. It is crucial to understand the specific criteria in your area because the requirements for establishing your business differ based on where you are.

Depending on the handyman services you offer, you may be needed to obtain licenses and permits to run operations for your handyman business legally. It may include contracting licenses, electrical licenses, plumbing licenses, and more. Therefore, it is essential to research your state and its laws to make sure that you comply with all regulations.

For example, if you plan to offer electrical services, you may need to obtain an electrical license from your state’s licensing board. Likewise, if you plan to provide plumbing services, you may need to get a plumbing license from your state’s plumbing board.

Urban Company is an on-demand home services platform in India, which grew from a startup to an $85 million business (revenue reported FY23 by NDTV Profit). Check out our blog that explains the different models, features, costs and steps involved in building an app like Urban Company.

c. Insurance and Liability

Next step to start a handyman business is insurance and liability. Like any business, a handyman business needs insurance coverage to protect against liability claims. It can contain general liability insurance, property insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance. It is also important to search the market for insurance coverage that best meets your handyman business needs and budget.

General liability insurance can help protect your handyman business from bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. Property insurance can protect your business’s physical assets, such as tools and equipment. Moreover, workers’ compensation insurance can protect your business from claims of on-the-job injuries or illnesses.

d. Managing Finances and Taxes

Keeping accurate financial data and paying taxes on time is a must for the success of your handyman business and for avoiding any legal issues. Therefore, hiring an accountant or bookkeeper to help manage your finances and ensure you meet all tax obligations may be helpful.

You must keep track of all your finances, like income and expenses, including any business-related deductions you may be eligible for. You will also need to file taxes for your business, which may include self-employment taxes, state taxes, and federal taxes.

To make tax time easier, you should open a business account. This keeps all of your personal and business transactions separate. And if you want to receive credit card payments as a contractor, having a distinct business account can make invoices and refunds a simple process.

By taking the time to consider these legal and financial aspects of your handyman business, you can set yourself up for business success and avoid any potential legal issues.

Key Takeaways

• Find your niche: Identify specialized services that set you apart.
• Plan strategically: Create a solid business plan for goals and growth.
• Get licensed and insured: Meet legal requirements and protect your business.
• Build a professional brand: Establish a strong, reliable image.
• Prioritize customer service: Deliver exceptional experiences for client satisfaction.

Build A Robust Handyman Business Platform With ValueAppz

Want to take your handyman business to the next level and reach a wider audience? Look no further than ValueAppz – the premier handyman app development services provider that can help you build a cutting-edge app from start to finish.

Our team of experts has years of experience and the latest technology to create a bespoke app that’s tailored to your business needs. Whether you need a scheduling system, payment gateway, or customer support, we have you covered.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us today, and let’s build a handyman app that will skyrocket your success and help you stay ahead of the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. How do I Start a Handyman Business?

To start a handyman business, you must identify the business goals and objectives. Further, you must research the market, specify the services, and build a strong business plan.

Q2. How do I Price My Handyman Services?

Consider factors such as overhead costs, competition, location, and complexity when pricing your services. You can charge an hourly rate or provide upfront estimates for specific projects.

Q3. Should I have Insurance for My Handyman Business?

Yes, it’s crucial to have liability insurance to protect your business from potential risks and accidents. In addition, liability insurance helps cover costs associated with property damage or personal injury that may occur during your work.

Q4. Do I Need Any Certifications or Licenses to Run a Handyman Business?

The requirements for certifications and licenses vary depending on your location. Research and comply with local regulations, including obtaining a general contractor’s license or specific trade certifications.

Q5. How can I Find Customers for My Handyman Business?

To find customers for your handyman business, you have to create an online presence, utilize local advertising tools, build a strong network, and offer services through online platforms like the handyman app.

Editor’s Note: This blog entry was originally published on June 8, 2023, and is updated on  Jan 18, 2024.