If you choose to start your own business as a handyman, then you can gain your financial independence. You’ll also reap the satisfaction associated with doing work that is valuable as well as rewarding. You’ll be able to help the people that live in your community.
Maybe you’re thinking about developing the skills you need in order to become a handyman. You could also be considering getting yourself licensed as well. Here is what you need to do to start your career as a handyman:
- Check If You Need Licenses
If you work out of certain states, then you may need to have a license in order to work there as a handyman. There are other states, whereas long as you aren’t earning more than a certain amount, you can work as a handyman without a license. This includes the state of Alaska, where as long as the project doesn’t cost more than $10,000, unlicensed handymen can work on them.
This is usually not a problem since handymen choose to work on jobs that are smaller. Such jobs often doesn’t require a license for the handyman to work on them. However, there are also states where you do need to have a license in order to do certain kinds of work. If you do need to be licensed, then you’ll need the following:
- Have work experience
- Pass an example
- Register with the Department of Labor in the state
Different states may also have different guidelines when it comes to licensing requirements. This is why you should always take the time to check what the licensing requirements in your state are. There could also be city or town specific licensing requirements. You should check these out as well, to ensure that you have all the licenses you need to work legally.
Now that you know what all qualifications you need to have to work as a handyman in your city or town, it’s time to gather experience. For a complete guide to becoming a handyman, click here.
- Handyman Courses and Training
There isn’t a single path when it comes to getting your training as a handyman. There are different methods that people use to learn. These include:
- Attending a training school, vocational school or community college
- Obtaining hands-on practical experience
- Through learning independently
- By volunteering to do related work
If you want to learn the technical skills needed to become a successful handyman, then attending technical school can be a great idea. While colleges may not openly offer courses for handymen, you can find courses in related fields. These include plumbing, electricity, HVAC, and more. You can choose to become an apprentice in your field of choice, and then go on to get your certification as well.
However, you may also pursue this career path by gaining relevant work experience. Consider shadowing and assisting a handyman, to learn the skills you need. You can also choose to work for a handyman business. Even volunteering to help a handyman can help you in learning essential skills.
- Setting Your Services and Prices
After you have your licenses and certifications, it’s time to choose what services you want to offer. The first thing you should do is approach the contractor’s board in your state to see what kind of work you can legally do. You can also find out if there are any limits to how much you can charge for your services.
Then, also consider what services the handymen in your service area have to offer. Look for any gaps in the market that you can fill. Maybe there aren’t any handymen offering electrical services, and this could be the perfect niche for you to step into.
Create a comprehensive list of services that you’ll be offering. Then set competitive prices for them, so that you can offer clients consistent rates when they call you regarding your services.
You should also consider handyman liability insurance. This is as your career makes you vulnerable to certain risk factors, such as getting sued by clients. With handyman liability insurance you can protect your career as well as your finances.
- Scaling Your Business
By this point, you’re more than ready to start your career as a handyman. Now, you should think about starting your handyman business. For this, you’ll need to choose a name for your business, as well as your legal structure. You can also want to hire employees or subcontractors.
Marketing and advertising your business to expand brand awareness should also be your priority. You will also need to purchase any materials and equipment that you need to start working on your business.
Conclusion
Starting a career as a handyman is easy. All you need is the right knowledge and practical experience and then you can become a handyman.