Many handyman trades are still as important today as they have been for centuries. If anything, more people are abandoning DIY home projects and hiring professionals to do the job for them. If you’ve got a handyman skill and want to start your own business out of it, here are some of the steps you should consider taking.
Get licensed and insured
Many handymen need a license to operate. An electrician for example may need to obtain an electrical license in order to legally work in their field. A public liability insurance scheme meanwhile is worth taking out – this will protect you against any claims made by the public for work that may have gone wrong. Whilst it’s possible to get away without a license and insurance in some handyman trades, many clients will prefer you to have it and may not take you on without these in place.
Invest in the right tools
Most of your start-up budget will be spent buying the appropriate tools for the job. Getting good quality tools will help you to work more efficiently and could improve your reputation. These tools could be as simple as a mixing tub for plaster to as elaborate as a concrete mixer lorry. Make sure that you’re licensed to use all the tools you buy. You may be able to hire some tools on a need-only basis to save money.
Get to grips with the admin
Sadly, even handymen have to spend time behind a desk nowadays. Running any business comes with admin, which largely revolves around keeping good financial records in order to make your tax return each year. Any money you spend on your business is likely to be tax deductible – one of the perks of being self-employed. It could be worth hiring a financial advisor to guide you on these expenses. Hiring employees meanwhile comes with a ton more of paperwork, so bear this in mind.
Market yourself locally
Marketing is what will attract your new customers. Set up a website, get listed in phone directories, join local business groups, print off business cards and do whatever else you can to attract new business. You’ll be competing against lots of other local tradesmen so make sure that you’ve got a USP (unique selling point). Eventually you’ll build up a reputation which will allow you to amass more customers through word of mouth and online reviews.
Will you be hiring employees?
If you’re planning to have people work for you, be prepared for all the extra admin that will result in. You’ll need to take out employer’s liability insurance, put in place health and safety regulations, set up a payroll and keep on top of holiday and sick leave. Employees will have to suitably trained and qualified to your level, unless they’re working as an assistant. Hiring employees will allow you to get more work done and take in more money, however you must be making enough to then pay these employees.
