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Are you a skilled handyman who is looking for a new challenge? Or perhaps you are tired of working for someone else and want to take control of your future?
While starting your own handyman business might seem like a daunting idea, it really doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of small business ideas and opportunities for talented tradespeople like yourself.
And the best part? You can start many of these handyman businesses right from home and scale as you grow!
Advantages of Starting A Handyman Small Business
Starting a handyman business from home is a great idea because it offers flexibility and freedom. You can choose when to work and how much to work, plus, you can save a lot on overhead costs such as rent and utilities.
Starting small also gives you the ability to keep things simple and focused, with fewer distractions and less red tape to navigate which gives you the opportunity to hone in on what matters most – providing top-notch service to your customers! This means that you can build a reputation for quality workmanship and reliability which will help you attract repeat business and awesome word-of-mouth referrals.
Of course, there are plenty of other benefits to starting your own handyman business. For one, you can diversify your income streams so that you are not dependent on just one source of revenue. For example, you can explore different niches such as custom carpentry, furniture restoration, or even home automation systems and security. The possibilities are endless!
In this article, we are going to brainstorm some small business ideas for a handyman that will hopefully give you a great place to start when researching the type of business to start. I’ve tried to include the pros and cons for each business idea as well as generalized info on budget requirements, income potential, certification requirements, etc.
Let’s jump right in!
Handyman Business Ideas
General Handyman Services
If you are an all-rounder with a versatile skillset, then you could offer a wide range of repair and maintenance solutions to both residential and commercial clients. As a general handyman, you could provide services such as repairing leaky faucets, patching drywall, painting, etc. A general handyman services business allows you to become the “go-to handyman guy” for any problems clients might have which is great for building a loyal customer base and word-of-mouth referrals.
Budget: Low
Difficulty: Low
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Low
Income Potential: Medium
Flexibility: High
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): Varies
General Handyman Services Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low start-up costs | Seasonal fluctuations in demand |
| High demand for home repairs | Physical labor and potential injuries |
| Versatile services | Competition from other handymen |
| Flexibility in work hours | Inconsistent income |
| Opportunity for local networking | May require multiple skill sets |
| Potential for repeat business |
Home Improvement Contractor
A home Improvement Contractor offers home renovation and remodeling services to clients. In this business, you would use your experience as a handyman to manage and oversee different aspects of renovation and building including structural changes, design updates, and ensuring compliance with local building codes.
Homeowners will often hire a home improvement contractor for big projects such as kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, and basement finishing. So, depending on the size of the project, you may need to work with a team of sub-contractors. You would also need to have good knowledge of construction techniques and project management skills.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): Licensing may be required
Home Improvement Contractor Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Opportunities for high-income projects | Medium to high start-up costs |
| High demand for home renovations | Competition in the home improvement market |
| Variety of projects and creative freedom | Regulatory requirements and licensing may be needed |
| Ability to build a strong reputation | Managing multiple subcontractors can be challenging |
| Potential for long-term client relationships | Worksite supervision and project management responsibilities |
Painting Services
Painting services are always in demand and starting a handyman business that specializes in painting services is a low-cost way to get started. In this business, you would provide interior and exterior painting for homes and businesses. You will need experience in surface preparation, selecting the appropriate paints, and correct paint application.
Budget: Low
Difficulty: Low
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Low
Income Potential: Medium
Flexibility: High
Work-Life Balance: Good
Training and Certification (if needed): May need painting skills
Painting Services Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low start-up costs | Seasonal fluctuations in demand |
| High demand for residential and commercial projects | Physical labor and exposure to paint fumes |
| Flexibility in scheduling | Competition from other painting contractors |
| Good work-life balance | Potential for irregular income |
| Requires physical stamina |
Carpentry Services
If you are a handyman who is skilled in working with wood then starting a carpentry small business could be a great idea. In this business, you would offer custom carpentry work including building cabinets, shelves, furniture, etc. Of course, you will need to have a strong foundation in carpentry skills, precision, and craftsmanship to be successful. Specialized equipment will also be required.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): Carpentry skills required
Carpentry Services Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ability to create custom and unique projects | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Steady demand for skilled carpenters | Competition from other carpentry services |
| Potential for high-income projects | Physical demands and potential injuries |
| Opportunity to work on diverse projects | Need for specialized tools and equipment |
| Creative and satisfying work | Managing project timelines and budgets |
Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing is another handyman service that is always in demand. In this business you would focus on fixing leaks, unclogging drains, repairing water pipes, and installing geysers, plumbing fixtures, etc. in homes and businesses. You could also offer emergency services which could give you an edge over other competitors.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): Plumbing skills required
Plumbing Repairs Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent demand for plumbing services | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Potential for repeat business | Competition with established plumbing companies |
| Skills in plumbing are always needed | Physical demands and exposure to plumbing hazards |
| Opportunity for emergency repair work | Licensing and permits may be required |
| Potential to specialize in niche areas | Irregular work hours and on-call responsibilities |
Electrical Services
Depending on your skills, training, and experience, you can offer electrical repair services that range from simple handyman tasks like fixing faulty outlets and installing lighting fixtures all the way to installing more complex smart home automation systems and ensuring electrical safety in homes and businesses.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Good
Training and Certification (if needed): Electrical skills required
Electrical Repairs Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Steady demand for electrical services | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Potential for repeat business | Licensing and permits may be required |
| Opportunity to specialize in niche areas | Exposure to electrical hazards |
| Growing need for energy-efficient solutions | Competition from established electricians |
| Skills in electrical work are always needed | Irregular work hours and on-call responsibilities |
Landscaping and Lawn Care
If you enjoy working outdoors and have green fingers then offering lawn maintenance and landscaping services is definitely a good business to consider. And, you could start small by simply mowing lawns and expand into planting and landscape design as your business grows. You could also offer other handyman services such as building simple things like fire pits, fencing, tool sheds, etc., if you would like to.
Budget: Low to Medium
Difficulty: Low to Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium to High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Good
Training and Certification (if needed): May need landscaping skills
Landscaping and Lawn Care Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Steady demand for landscaping services | Seasonal fluctuations in demand |
| Opportunity for creative landscaping | Need for specialized equipment and tools |
| Potential for repeat business | Competition with established landscaping companies |
| Variety of outdoor projects | Physical demands and exposure to outdoor elements |
| May require landscaping design skills |
Deck and Patio Construction
Deck and Patio Construction involves building custom decks, patios, and outdoor areas for homes and businesses. This business will require you to have a good knowledge of construction techniques and the ability to work with different types of materials to create functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor areas.
Budget: Medium-High
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium-High
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): Carpentry skills required
Deck and Patio Construction Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Opportunities for high-income projects | Medium to high start-up costs |
| High demand for outdoor living spaces | Competition with established construction companies |
| Creative and satisfying work | Project management challenges |
| Potential for repeat business | Exposure to outdoor elements |
| Ability to enhance outdoor living spaces | Seasonal demand variations |
Fence Installation and Repair
A fence installation and repair business focuses on providing homeowners and businesses with privacy and security fencing solutions. Depending on the type of fencing you offer, you may need carpentry or metalwork skills.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): May need carpentry skills
Fence Installation and Repair Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent demand for fencing services | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Opportunities for repeat business | Competition with established fencing companies |
| Ability to work on various fence types | Physical labor and exposure to outdoor elements |
| Potential for customization and design | Seasonal demand variations |
| Enhancing security and privacy for clients | Need for specialized tools and equipment |
Window and Door Installation
A handyman who specializes in window and door installation provides services related to installing, repairing, and maintaining windows and doors for residential and commercial properties. You could offer services such as installing new windows and doors, replacing old or broken ones, and repairing damaged window frames and sashes. You could also offer specialized services such as installing storm windows or doors for extra protection for homes and businesses.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Good
Training and Certification (if needed): May need installation skills
Window and Door Installation Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Steady demand for window and door services | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Opportunity for energy-efficient upgrades | Competition with established contractors |
| Potential for repeat business | Licensing and permits may be required |
| Ability to enhance property value | Physical labor and exposure to construction hazards |
| Opportunities for specialization | Irregular work hours and on-call responsibilities |
Roofing Repairs
A roofing repairs contractor offers services such as fixing and maintaining roofs for home and business buildings. These services include repairing damage caused by wear and tear, weather events, and poor installation. You would also repair sagging or collapsed roofs and frames and seal gaps around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Budget: Medium-High
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium-High
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): Roofing skills required
Roofing Repairs Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent demand for roofing services | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Potential for high-income projects | Competition with established roofing companies |
| Opportunity for emergency repair work | Licensing and permits may be required |
| Ability to work on diverse roofing projects | Exposure to heights and construction hazards |
| Potential for specialization and expertise | Irregular work hours and on-call responsibilities |
Flooring Installation
If you have handyman experience and skill with installing floors such as hardwood, tile, carpet, or laminate flooring then this is a great business idea. It does require precision and a good knowledge of flooring materials.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): May need installation skills
Flooring Installation Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent demand for flooring services | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Potential for repeat business | Competition with established flooring companies |
| Opportunity for creativity and design | Need for specialized tools and equipment |
| Potential for specialization | Exposure to dust and construction materials |
| Enhancing property value | Irregular work hours and on-site requirements |
Pressure Washing
Pressure Washing involves cleaning decks, patios, driveways, etc., with a pressure washer. This is an easy handyman business that focuses on restoring the appearance of outdoor surfaces by removing dirt, grime, and stains.
Budget: Low
Difficulty: Low
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Low
Income Potential: Medium
Flexibility: High
Work-Life Balance: Good
Training and Certification (if needed): May need pressure washing equipment
Pressure Washing Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low start-up costs | Seasonal demand variations |
| High demand for cleaning services | Need for specialized equipment and tools |
| Opportunity for repeat business | Competition with established cleaning companies |
| Flexibility in work hours | Exposure to high-pressure equipment |
| Ability to offer additional services | Physical demands and outdoor work |
Gutter Cleaning and Repairs
Gutter cleaning and repair services are always in demand. In this business, you would keep gutters clean by removing leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters and downsprouts which helps to ensure proper water flow and prevent water damage to homes and businesses. You could also offer repair and replacement services for worn-out gutters and downspouts.
Budget: Low
Difficulty: Low
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Low
Income Potential: Medium
Flexibility: High
Work-Life Balance: Good
Training and Certification (if needed): May need ladder and equipment
Gutter Cleaning and Repairs Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low start-up costs | Seasonal demand variations |
| High demand for gutter services | Competition with established gutter companies |
| Potential for repeat business | Need for specialized tools and equipment |
| Flexibility in work hours | Exposure to heights and outdoor elements |
| Opportunity to offer maintenance plans | Physical demands and use of ladders |
Drywall Repair and Installation
Drywall repairs include patching holes, cracks, and water damage in walls and ceilings. Drywall installation includes installing new drywalling for remodels, additions, and new construction projects.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): May need drywall skills
Drywall Repair and Installation Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent demand for drywall services | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Potential for repeat business | Competition with established drywall contractors |
| Opportunity for creativity and design | Need for specialized tools and equipment |
| Ability to improve interior aesthetics | Physical demands and exposure to dust and materials |
| Potential for specialization | Irregular work hours and on-site requirements |
HVAC Maintenance
HVAC Maintenance involves providing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system maintenance services. It includes cleaning and inspecting heating and cooling systems to ensure that they run efficiently.
Budget: Medium-High
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium-High
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): HVAC certification required
HVAC Maintenance Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Steady demand for HVAC maintenance services | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Potential for recurring maintenance contracts | Competition with established HVAC companies |
| Opportunity for specialization | Licensing and certification requirements |
| High-income potential for complex HVAC systems | Need for specialized tools and equipment |
| Contribution to energy efficiency and comfort | Irregular work hours and emergency callouts |
Appliance Repair
If you are good with gizmos and gadgets then offering appliance repair services could be a great small business for you. You could offer repair services for refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines. etc.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): Appliance repair skills required
Appliance Repair Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Steady demand for appliance repairs | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Potential for repeat business | Competition with established repair companies |
| Opportunities for specialization | Need for specialized tools and equipment |
| Ability to work on a variety of appliances | Physical demands and exposure to electrical hazards |
| Valuable skills in appliance repair | Irregular work hours and emergency service calls |
Bathroom Remodeling
Work closely with clients to create beautiful bathrooms while offering design and installation services such as the upgrading or installation of new bathtubs, showers, vanities, and tiling. This is a great option for the handyman who loves design!
Budget: Medium-High
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium-High
Income Potential: High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): May need remodeling skills
Bathroom Remodeling Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High demand for bathroom renovations | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Opportunities for high-income projects | Competition with established remodeling companies |
| Creative and satisfying work | Project management challenges |
| Potential for repeat business | Physical demands and exposure to construction hazards |
| Ability to enhance property value | Seasonal demand variations |
Kitchen Remodeling
Provide specialized kitchen remodeling services such as designing and installing new kitchen cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, and flooring. You can also update lighting and plumbing fixtures as well as appliances to create modern and functional kitchen spaces.
Budget: Medium-High
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium-High
Income Potential: High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): May need remodeling skills
Kitchen Remodeling Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High demand for kitchen remodeling | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Potential for high-income projects | Competition with established remodeling companies |
| Creative and satisfying work | Project management challenges |
| Opportunity to enhance property value | Physical demands and exposure to construction hazards |
| Potential for repeat business | Seasonal demand variations |
Home Inspection Services
If you would prefer more of a hands-off handyman business idea that won’t need you to coordinate and work with other people, then you could look into becoming a certified home inspector where you would evaluate properties for potential buyers – use your skills as a handyman to identify any structural, safety or maintenance issues in homes.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Good
Training and Certification (if needed): Home inspection certification required
Home Inspection Services Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Steady demand for home inspections | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Opportunity to serve homebuyers | Competition with established inspection companies |
| Potential for repeat business | Licensing and certification requirements |
| Contribution to informed home buying | Need for specialized tools and equipment |
| Good work-life balance | Irregular work hours and scheduling challenges |
Handyman Franchise
If you would like to hit the ground running then you could consider buying into an existing handyman franchise that already has brand recognition and support and in some cases even an existing client base. The advantage of going this route is that you will have immediate access to an established and proven business model, marketing, and training.
Budget: Medium-High
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium-High
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Good
Training and Certification (if needed): Franchise-specific training
Handyman Franchise Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brand recognition and established reputation | Initial franchise fees and ongoing royalties |
| Access to proven business model and support | Limited flexibility to make independent decisions |
| Marketing and advertising support | May have to adhere to franchise guidelines |
| Training and guidance from the franchisor | Competition with other franchisees |
| Potential for growth within the franchise | Dependency on franchise fees and royalties |
Property Management
Property management involves managing and maintaining rental properties for clients. This small business allows you to work with specific properties and you would provide quick handyman services to landlords and the tenants who live on those properties.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): Property management training
Property Management Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Steady income from property management | Initial investment in rental properties |
| Potential for property appreciation | Dealing with tenant issues and conflicts |
| Opportunity to expand property portfolio | Maintenance and repair costs for rental properties |
| Passive income from rental properties | Property market fluctuations and vacancies |
| Good work-life balance | Legal and regulatory responsibilities as a landlord |
Mobile Car Detailing
If you love cars, then this small business idea allows you to offer state-of-the-art detailing and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to clients at their homes or businesses. You can offer services such as interior and exterior detailing, paint correction, and headlight restoration.
Budget: Low
Difficulty: Low
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Low
Income Potential: Medium
Flexibility: High
Work-Life Balance: Good
Training and Certification (if needed): Car detailing skills
Mobile Car Detailing Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low start-up costs | Seasonal fluctuations in demand |
| High demand for car cleaning services | Competition with established detailing companies |
| Flexibility in scheduling | Need for specialized car detailing equipment |
| Potential for repeat business | Exposure to outdoor elements |
| Opportunity to offer convenience | Physical demands and extended work hours |
Home Security Installation
Home security installations include installing security cameras, alarm systems, motion sensors, and smoke detectors. You would work closely with clients to identify vulnerabilities on their properties and help them enhance their security and surveillance systems.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Medium
Work-Life Balance: Balanced
Training and Certification (if needed): Security system installation skills
Home Security Installation Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for home security solutions | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Opportunity to enhance safety and security | Competition with established security companies |
| Potential for repeat business | Licensing and certification requirements |
| Ability to offer smart home integration | Need for specialized tools and equipment |
| Contribution to peace of mind for clients | Irregular work hours and on-call responsibilities |
Emergency Repair Services
And, last but not least, as a handyman you can provide 24/7 emergency repair services for plumbing, electrical, or other emergencies homeowners might have. By offering quick assistance to homeowners and businesses in crisis situations, you can build up a good client base that trusts you to be there when they need you.
Budget: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Start-Up Costs: Medium
Income Potential: Medium-High
Flexibility: Low
Work-Life Balance: Potentially Bad
Training and Certification (if needed): May need emergency repair skills
Emergency Repair Services Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High demand for emergency repair services | Medium to high start-up costs |
| Potential for 24/7 income | Competition with established repair service providers |
| Ability to provide critical assistance | Licensing and certification requirements |
| Opportunities for repeat business | High-stress, on-call work environment |
| Essential service for clients in crisis | Minimal work-life balance |
Handyman Business Ideas Ranked By Difficulty
I thought it might be an idea to include a summary of each handyman business idea ranked by difficulty so that you can quickly and easily get an idea of some of the easier businesses to start if you want to get going with a business idea sooner rather than later.
Keep in mind that these difficulty levels are like pizza toppings – opinions vary (anchovies anyone?). So, please take these ratings for what they’re worth – which isn’t a heck of a lot considering I’m no handyman!
| Business Idea | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Painting Services | Low |
| Pressure Washing | Low |
| Gutter Cleaning and Repairs | Low |
| General Handyman Services | Moderate |
| Emergency Repair Services | Moderate |
| Home Inspection Services | Moderate |
| Appliance Repair | Moderate |
| Mobile Car Detailing | Moderate |
| Drywall Repair and Installation | Moderate |
| Plumbing Repairs | Moderate |
| Lawn Care and Landscaping | Moderate |
| Fence Installation and Repair | Moderate |
| Electrical Repairs | High |
| Carpentry Services | High |
| Flooring Installation | High |
| Home Security Installation | High |
| Roofing Repairs | High |
| Property Management | High |
| Handyman Franchise | High |
| Window and Door Installation | High |
| Deck and Patio Construction | Very High |
| Bathroom Remodeling | Very High |
| Kitchen Remodeling | Very High |
| HVAC Maintenance | Very High |
Conclusion
I hope that these handyman small business ideas have been helpful! I think that starting a handyman business could be a very rewarding and profitable venture for those with the right skills and equipment. Also, once you have decided on a business you would like to start, don’t forget to take advantage of our free website-building tutorials when you would like to take your business online!
