You're good with your hands. You're always fixing things around the house, and your friends and family often ask you to help them with their projects. Now's the time to turn your skills into a business. But before you do, here are some things you need to know.
Start with a Plan
A handyman service provider needs a business plan like any business. You'll need to decide what services you're going to offer, how you'll price them, and how you'll market your business. You should also research any laws or permit requirements related to handyman businesses in your area.
Pick a Business Type
For tax and liability purposes, you'll need to decide what type of business entity you'll be. You can choose to be a sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so you'll need to do research to figure out which one is best for you. Many choose the LLC for its liability protection and flexibility. Keep in mind, though, that each state has its own rules for forming an LLC. You can save money on fees by filing yourself or using a formation service.
Get Training
You don't need a degree to be a handyman, but there are ways to improve your skills and make yourself more marketable. You can take classes at a local community college or trade school. Or you can get on-the-job training by working for another handyman business.
Certification programs are also available through organizations like the National Association of Home Builders. These programs can help you learn about the latest industry standards and trends.
Choose a Specialty
Your handyman business can't be all things to all people. It's essential to choose a specialty and focus on those services. Are you good at electrical work? Plumbing? Carpentry? Choose the area you're most skilled in and market your business to those types of clients.
Find Your Customers
Once your business plan is in place, it's time to market your services. There are several ways to find customers. You can start by marketing to your friends and family. You can also look for online directories or platforms that list local companies. A good website can help customers find you, but at the same time, don't forget about traditional marketing methods like flyers and business cards.
Get the Right Tools
You'll need more than just your hands and a few tools as a handyman. There are a variety of apps and software programs that can help you run your business. Here's one option for construction estimating software, which is a must-have for any handyman business. This software allows you to calculate material and labor costs, create a payment schedule for customers, and handle taxes for estimates. Apps can help you keep track of your work orders, schedule appointments, and manage your finances.
Start Your Handyman Business Today
Now that you know what it takes to start a handyman business, it's time to start. With planning and hard work, you can be in business in no time. For help marketing your business, visit Lauren Design Co. to access website templates, design, and other digital services to help you get started.
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