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How to train to become a handyman

Handyman Training: Becoming a Handy Man

Training to become a handyman will vary drastically depending on where you live, your experience level, and the services you would like to offer. Since there isn’t a single training program, online course, or book that will contain the information you specifically need to acquire the necessary skills, it will be up to you to decide what you learn.

For example, you may have excellent business skills but very few home repair skills. You would obviously want to focus on getting some hands-on repair experience.

Or, you might be amazing at fixing homes and have 30 years of experience, but your business skills are non-existent. In that case, you’ll need more business-related training.

Or, you could be like me when I started my business and have NO business experience and minimal hands-on home repair experience.

Either way, in this article, I’ll share several options for handyman training and the benefits and shortcomings of each. Then I’ll share how I gained my skills.

Hopefully, if you are reading this, you have some experience with home improvements or home maintenance – even if it’s just doing DIY projects. If not, your best bet is to get a job working for a contractor or handyman for a while until you gain the confidence and experience required to even consider being a handyman.

To determine the best way for you to begin your handyman training, I’d recommend you take an inventory of your current skills and determine what services you would like to offer. One common assumption that people have is that they need to know how to do everything to become a pro handyman. This simply is not the case. You can run a business offering just a handful of services or even a single service.

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Here are several different methods for gaining experience as a handyman. You don’t need to train using all of these methods; just choose the ones that are necessary for you to reach your specific goals.

#1 – Vocational Schools and Community Colleges

There are several online programs and schools where you can get trained on specific trades such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilating, and cooling). These courses may be a good option if you are interested in taking the long road to becoming a specialty contractor.

This can be an effective way to start out since you will learn how to do one specific trade well, get licensed, and then slowly broaden your services to other things.

In my state, a license is required to do any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. I don’t have any of these licenses (there is a different license for each trade), so I cannot perform this type of work. Of course, I lose some business because of this, but that’s okay. There is still plenty of work to keep me busy.

Getting licensed in one of these trades will help you gain customer trust and help you demand a higher rate. This is probably the best reason to get licensed. There is a downside, however. It can take several years to become a licensed plumber, electrician, or HVAC specialist.

In most states, you are required to first complete formal training with a certified education facility. Then, you may be required to complete up to 5 years as a journeyman before you can go out on your own. That’s a long time working for somebody else, but it’s still a good option if you have the patience.

There are also several websites online that will provide you with the formal training you need. Before you start any course, make sure it is something that your state recognizes for credit toward a license. You don’t want to waste your time on unnecessary training.

#2 – Volunteer

Volunteering for a program like Habitat for Humanity can be a valuable hands-on method to gain experience. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit company that builds homes for homeless and less fortunate families. If this program exists in your city, you may consider volunteering some of your time. You’re likely to get exposed to a wide range of trades, and the best part is you don’t have to pay a dime. It’s basically free education while helping those in need.

Another option would be finding a local contractor or small business owner and volunteering to help them out. They will be getting free labor, and you will be gaining experience. You can be pickier about what jobs you do since they aren’t paying you, too. There may be some liability issues for the business owner, but I’m sure they’d work something out for free labor.

As a handyman business owner, I’d be ecstatic if somebody eager to learn to be a handyman offered me free services in exchange for training.

#3 – Work on Your Own Home – DIY Baby!

I believe doing DIY projects is the single best way to gain handyman experience. This is how I gained confidence and experience with home improvements and maintenance. When I bought my first house, I made home improvements whenever I had a chance. I successfully taught myself how to paint, install windows, install interior doors, install molding and trim, lay tile, build a pathway with pavers, build shelves, and much more.

The key here is to research before you start on the best way to go about the project. YouTube is an amazing resource for this. You’ll find that most projects aren’t that complicated and that with enough time and elbow grease, you can tackle just about any project.

Sure, you will make mistakes. I know I did. But there is no better way to learn. When you make a mistake, you have to fix it, and in doing so, you’ll gain a deeper understanding.

You’ll also be training yourself in the art of self-reliance and problem solving, which are two critical skills to have as a pro handyman. As a pro, you’ll always be faced with challenges you’ve never seen before. Being able to solve those problems using your own creativity and judgment makes you much more valuable to your customers.

#4 – The Internet

If you found this article, you obviously know how to use the internet. Make sure and use the incredible wealth of knowledge for honing your handyman skills as well.

I can honestly say that if the internet didn’t exist, I wouldn’t be a handyman because I wouldn’t know where to start. I still use the internet to brush up on my skills, as do most contractors and handymen.

In fact, I’ve even quoted jobs that I had no experience with because I knew I could find a solution online. Of course, that confidence only comes with experience in solving problems in the past.

This method of training is an absolute must. Even the most experienced handyman can brush up his skills by researching online.

Here are some of the websites that usually provide good handyman how-to information.

FamilyHandyman.com
ThisOldHouse.com
YouTube.com
ehow.com

You can even take a look at my Youtube channel right here.

#5 – Find a Mentor

If you know somebody that already works in construction or is a handyman themselves, get a little closer to that person. Offer them some help and ask questions in return. Most people are more than willing to share their knowledge. You just have to ask.

Hopefully, you can establish a good enough relationship so that you can give them a call whenever you have a question or problem.

Even if you don’t know somebody, I’d still recommend finding a mentor in the industry. You may be surprised by how much information some people are willing to give. It may take some time to find that person you can build a mentor relationship with, but the time will be well worth it. Some things you just can’t find on the internet.

My Handyman Training

The majority of the skills I use to make money as a handyman I learned while working on my own house. If there was a leak in the sprinkler system, I would dig it up and fix it. When the toilet wouldn’t flush, I’d do a quick Google search, read at least three different how-to’s, and get after it.

My projects weren’t always easy, but I’d eventually figure it out and learn a LOT in the process.

I’ve always enjoyed doing things myself and naturally built up my problem-solving skills to the point where I can fix just about anything. I may need to do some research and buy some tools here and there, but I can make it work.

If somebody asked me to build them a house, obviously I wouldn’t be able to help them. But the truth is, most of the work people ask a handyman to do only requires basic knowledge and the ability to pick up a drill, hammer, or screwdriver.

The ability to problem-solve and the passion to work for yourself are the two main components you need to become a handyman. If you already have these skills, I’d recommend you consider offering services immediately.

Now, take the first step to start a handyman business and read Evaluating Your Handyman Skills and Deciding What Services to Offer. And be sure to sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest tips and strategies for growing a profitable business that you love.

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  • ct contractor June 15, 2012

    I think you are talking me into offering handy man services, I know roofing, gutters and siding, but I was always scared to get too much into interior, but might as well give it a go. I can jus turn down stuff to complex

    • Big D June 17, 2012

      If you already a licensed contractor for roofing, gutters, and siding you could apply the same marketing techniques I talk about to grow your business without expanding the services you offer. The principles I discuss on this blog apply to handyman business, construction businesses, and pretty much an other small service business.

      Unless you want to expand your offering for pure enjoyment, it may be more profitable to stick to what you’re already good at and pump up your marketing efforts a little.

      As far a turning down stuff too complex, I do it all the time. It’s funny because whenever I do, the customer always thanks me for not stepping outside of my skill set. It actually gains a ton of trust and they usually call back and ask me to do other tasks down the road.

  • Dave January 6, 2013

    Just so I’m clear in my understanding, when you say you can’t do electrical or plumbing work, does that mean even small things like changing a light switch or putting in a kitchen faucet?

    That seems like it would cut out a significant source of work. I’m struggling finding out what the licensing requirements for my state are, but I hope it isn’t that strict.

    • Big D January 6, 2013

      Dave,

      That is a bit of a grey area, but I certainly do not advertise those services.

      If you are trying to find out the technicalities of your state, the best way is to contact the contractors board and ask to speak with an investigator directly. The people at the front desk don’t know what they are talking about. The investigators are the ones that are enforcing the laws so they are the only ones that really know since the laws are typically written in such a vague manner.

    • LAMAR R July 3, 2020

      Most States, as of 2019, require anyone changing faucets valves and all the way to the city supply be a licensed plumber. Same as with electrical. A permit is required meaning licensed individuals.

  • plumbing January 23, 2013

    I became plumber cuz of my GF, it is like nightmare, i hate plumbing job 🙁

  • Noah February 10, 2013

    I’ve been running a handyman business for about twenty five years. I would agreee with you that the biggest obstacle to most people just starting is that they believe they need to know everything. I also agree that you can start a service company with just a few skills if you market them correctly.

  • joe March 2, 2014

    I am able to do tiling, roofing, plumbing, carpentry,laying blocks and building a home structure. I am in Illinois and no jobs.

    • Noah Woodard August 29, 2016

      How did you learn how to do all of that? I’m interested in flipping houses but have little knowledge on that stuff specifically speaking. Can you help me out?

  • Chris June 3, 2014

    Hi Dan!
    Just had to give you a shout out on your blog! We just had a young gentleman call about volunteering to learn some stuff about construction. We have just started tracking where volunteers hear about us and you are our most unique!
    So a big thank you from Habitat for Humanity Hernando County Florida.

    • Dan Perry June 3, 2014

      That’s awesome, Chris! Thanks for letting me know.

  • Gene Taylor April 8, 2015

    Thanks for this great article. The other day neighbor of mine who has a part-time lawn service asked me if I’d be interested in doing a couple of minor home repair jobs for a 2 of his clients. I had never though of doing Handyman work to make money, but he said he has watched me over the years doing all the improvements on my own home. I went and looked at the jobs, which were basic exterior carpentry repairs and took them. Made $600 for about 8 hours work. I am now going to get some business cards printed and start a side business doing only the type jobs I am good at and expand my services offered as I go. This article will be very helpful to me as I get up and running.

  • Kevin May 15, 2015

    Wow! A great article for the aspiring handy man. I’ve been striving to become more handy around the house and in the garage, and i have a question to you pertaining to tools.

    Do you have all your own tools? what tools would you say are a ‘must’? once again, this is looking for working at home and in the garage.

    • Dan Perry May 15, 2015

      Hey Kevin,

      As a handyman you will need a wide variety of tools that would be too long to list here. A couple of the most common would be a cordless drill, a hammer, screw drivers, and paint brushes.

      But, I wouldn’t get too hung up with which tools you need. Your best bet is to buy tools as you need them. Knowledge of which tools you need comes with the home repair know-how.

      • Neil Dailey December 10, 2015

        I agree with Dan 100%. I buy my tools as I go and need them. It is so much easier that way. I have actually worked just for the tools on many occasions myself. I have literally been a handyman my entire life and can say that Dan is right on point.

  • Andrew July 8, 2015

    I really enjoyed this article. I love to work on and fix things, right now I am in college trying to figure out my life and I was wondering if trying to be a handyman would a good weekend and maybe afternoon job I am very familiar with landscaping and small interior fixes.

    Thanks,
    Andrew

    • Dave February 17, 2017

      Hello,

      I would highly recommend looking for a maintenance irnhandyman job while in college. I, like you, was in college trying to discover my passion and needing employment to support myself and pay for school. I was fortunate enough to be given a chance to work for a larger property management firm and it set the course for my entire career. For five years, I got paid to learn how to make repairs and do various trades. It also allows for varying schedules because if the unit was vacant, I could work whenever i wanted. I could take side jobs and weekend jobs and make significant profit in a little time while providing the client with a quality service and product for a reasonable price. I ended up obtaining a bachelors in Construction Science and since then have managed projects of all types including commercial, residential, oil and gas pipelines, etc. the opportunities are literally endless. However, I’m thinking of starting my own handyman business now as the management side isn’t the same as the love of hands on work that every handyman should possess.

      You should see if your college has any similar program. The discipline itself isn’t that old as many of the senior level career guys learned by on the job training. Look for an apartment complex or property management company that is willing to train you. Worst case scenario, you learn how to maintain your own home which will save you thousands over time.

  • Bongani August 27, 2015

    , I also want to do maintenance like fixing things around the house. Is there anyone amongst you who can email me a booklet

  • Ernesto September 30, 2015

    Thank you for this great article it has let me put a lot of things into perspective I’ve been breaking my skull thinking of how to start my handyman business and the answer is there is no way just start marketing yourself and buy tools as you go gold figure thank you for this

  • Ren Bita February 1, 2016

    This article made me want to be a handyman, much inspiration!

  • Cinawendela Livingston February 4, 2016

    I’ve been the handy woman in my household for as long as I can remember. I’ve learned a lot from watching my dad, asking other handymen, and just looking closely and figuring it out. However, I’d REALLY love to get training and do this for real. Yes, a female, 44, wants to switch gears. I do have tools but need more like a drill etc…. How do I start?

    • jill November 9, 2019

      Hi, i love this. I am 56, own my own home, and have put off too many things that i could probably do. I have fixed alot by myself, but sometimes just need advice. I really want to learn more. You have given me the motivation to seek more help and training by volunteering and using the internet for answers. Thank-you!

  • Jorge Gomez August 4, 2016

    Hi Dan, found your blog while I was looking for a job, I’ve been doing my own repairs at home and building few things here and there for over 15 years while in 9 to 5 jobs and frankly I’ve been thinking of becoming a handyman for a number of years but never gave myself the opportunity to really dive in to it, your blog is inspiring and so far seems pretty legit I’ll keep on reading.
    big THANK YOU for all the advise.

  • Thabo September 13, 2016

    I realy wish to be a handyman at the moment i’m looking for someone who can help me with a job so that i can gain experience plz help me guys.

  • Daniel Barrett September 29, 2016

    I want to start a handyman business. I have knowledge with plumbing,landscaping,some electrical,gutter work repair,etc. But, I need some help with some HVAC,and roofing repair work. Can someone help me? Thank you. Dan

  • Thabo October 5, 2016

    I realy like this job can anyone give me a chance to prove my self i have my own toolbox.i’m around kempton park if there is somebody out there feel free to reach me i can even volunteer to gain experience.

  • Ryan October 20, 2016

    Great article!
    I happened upon this while researching courses to get qualified as a handyman.
    One thing I haven’t seen posted yet and thought I’d share is that it’s all well and done going out and buying a set of tools for the job, however if you buy the wrong type of tools to do the job then it will make for a rather unpleasant experience and more than likely put you off.
    Having the correct tools for the job makes going from a terrible/fair experience to one that feels both fun and fulfilling!
    It is always worth investing in good quality tools too, spending a bit more on good quality will end up saving you money in the long run!

  • Michael Liebers December 27, 2016

    I really want too become a handyman and too help people out and it would be very rewarding work doing that. I watched a man named June from the Phillipines doing it paint and fix toilet screen doors etc.

  • Sibongile Caroline Lecheko January 21, 2017

    Dear Sir/Madam
    My concern is my father know all trades bt he is specialising in plumbing. He has Cetificate of plumbing; building; solar gizzar; so he need to be a handyman and he has more than 15 yrs experience .Please sent me information so that he can qualified to be a handyman. We live in Free-State in Qwaqwa please help me;

  • steven March 20, 2017

    Hi I wanted to know how to get a certificate or were I can go to apply for one please help, I have 8years experience but know I don’t have papers I need paper please help

  • carl June 2, 2017

    Hi I wanted to know how to get a certificate or were I can go to apply for one please help, I have 8years experience but know I don’t have papers I need paper please help.i also have lots of tools

  • Gerry Blair July 20, 2017

    Hi.I am just about to settle in New Zealand after 40 years working on Aircraft as an Electrician and being a handy man really appeals to me.Any advice would be much appreciated.Thanks.

  • GottaGuy August 6, 2017

    I’m a Handyman. Quit my Municipal job after 15 years. Worked for a few contractors locally. Older guys that became mentors. Left each on a good note. I found a “reputable”,I thought, handyman and got a job. After a few months client we’re asking me to come back and do other jobs. It’s taken 2-3 years of struggling but it finally is where i want it to be.Every word of this article is true and everybody story is different.

  • Koena October 19, 2017

    I want information about how to get licenses for Diesel mechanic tractors

  • Nicassa Handyman Services February 1, 2018

    Just started listening to your pod cast. Ironically I started of learning SEO and is now a Handyman myself. I also have a brand building and can agree that being a Handyman is a gifted talent to provide to the world. I am currently earning 5 figure income from nearly a years start. I am uptimistic as to network and share knowledge in this field.

  • Andrew Navarrette February 7, 2018

    Hi, I’m sorta trying figure this type of work; I originally cleaning an older gents yard, he saw my work and figured he use me on jobs. He is a handyman (heard used to be general contractor) back in like 70’s I think. He has sorta been teaching me but I don’t think he plays by “rules” as a handyman I’m reading a handyman can’t touch main breaker or water heaters. He’s had me run lines to rv’s. He doesn’t turn power off while working on electrical. I don’t think he’s licensed, not sure off hand. How long do licenses last? He charges $700, I keep reading $500 max for unlicensed job. Just curious, this man kinda thorn in my side, spinning wheels, cuz I’m not progressing to journeyman or anything. Took a couple classes in college for remodeling/surveying 7 years ago. I’m not comfy doing this for others cuz I feel inexperienced but I really don’t agree with what this guy does. I don’t kie if I’m even considered an employee, I get maybe $40 from him. I’m 26. Feel like he’s just using me. I was interested in this especially to do this type it work for myself first then branch out. Most people tell me to stop Workin with him. Why would a contractor drop to handyman? He’s also very outdated he’s in 80’s, always references 30-40 years ago and I’m sure OSHA has changed over years.

  • Feliciano fernandes April 22, 2018

    I’m a H.V.A.C technician experience in Kuwait basic of electric and plumbing more than 15years experience unable to find my trade job

  • Michael Weaver September 21, 2018

    I’m looking for handyman Apprenticeship Training Classes in New York City; please email me any addresses and information that you can provide. Thank You.

  • Handyman Logan October 8, 2019

    Hey man, great article! Getting into being a handyman definitely isn’t easy, there’s a lot of learning and creativity involved, but it sure is a fun job! I worked for 4 years at a lodge in Alaska where I was required to do everything from drywall to fixing boat motors and GPSs. It taught me a lot of problem solving skills that I use even today. And if I can’t figure something out, blogs and Youtube baby!

  • Krissy Grant October 22, 2019

    I really like this article. It is definitely an inspiration. You have provided a lot of great information. I have been working as a handyman for the past few years. I agree with you completely about the internet. The internet has a vast source of information for anyone to learn how to fix anything around the house

  • Milton atkinson November 4, 2019

    I need to become a handyman and own my own business I know all the job , i did basement, simple plumbing, and others

  • Highlands Ranch Handyman February 17, 2020

    I just started a handyman business and found this article really helpful! I’m working with a few other handymen who have their own specialties, so we can cover each other’s blind spots so to speak. It’s amazing what a bunch of diy-ers can do when they come together! Thanks for sharing your insights!

  • Teresa C April 19, 2020

    I stumbled across this blog because I really am desperate to fix stuff around my house. My late husband was a contruction supervisor for Habitat for the last 5 yrs of his life, and although he learned basic skills from his father for doing repairs that I was too busy with Home Ec things to help him with, I ate, drank, and slept This Old House, New Yankee Workshop, and Handyman magazine in the background of my day-to-day. Sadly he passed away shortly after we became empty nesters so I never got a chance to work hands-on to really learn how to not only apply what I had absorbed but also to know what tool was best and how to use it…..but it fascinated me. Thank you for the info here for some direction. The local Comm Colleges all seem to be less trade-oriented these days (although I did find one that teaches upholstery so that has helped somewhat) but I do have access to internet so I appreciate the links.

  • Walker June 6, 2020

    Hello Dan,
    You provide a ton of helpful information here. It will help me to improve my business by putting into practice best methods to run my business. Thank you so much.=!

  • Johnathan Davey June 9, 2020

    I absolutely love the sound advice and reality of this article. The part that a lot of people can get tripped up on is having a mentor, but it is absolutely an important step in the process to refining and being accountable to your skill. Loved the article. you we’re able to present it in an entertaining way. Very informative and I can tell you have walked the walk. Thanks for sharing!

  • Thank you. I really appreciate your time effort and information.

  • George Ross November 27, 2020

    Hey Dan! Interesting reading. Great article! I run a home handyman business in Australia and it’s interesting to see the experience and licensing requirements between states and countries. In our state here, for example, a handyman can carry out home repairs services up to a value of $3,300 without needing a building license. Anyway, thanks for writing this article. Really helpful. George

  • Leander Handyman February 6, 2021

    We recently started our own handyman services company and came across this article.

    Doing home repairs around my own home was how I got started in the business.

    Great job making your writing clear and interesting. Thanks a ton!

  • John February 8, 2021

    We just started our new handyman service company and came across this article. Really appreciate you taking the time to educate us on this! Found these extra tips and the information in your article very helpful. You’re completely correct about learning online, we will definitely check out the other websites you mentioned! There is always still so much to learn! Thanks a ton

  • Rey May 18, 2021

    I agree with everything you say. I have also taken your courses which has helped me when I started out. Thanks again

  • Stephen September 22, 2021

    I just turned 18 years old last Month! I’m interested on gaining skills as a handy man, but no company or contractor will hired me cuz I am in school Monday to Thursday.
    I lived in Westland MI.
    Anybody there to give me a chance?
    Stephen Hansen.

  • Greenleaf Dallas October 6, 2021

    I totally agree with you that it is possible to run a business by providing a handful of services or even a single service that I am doing. It is good to master a particular subject so that you can keep your skills updated. If you want to be proficient in many things, there are many times when there are many births because it is seen in most of the people that many things cannot be mastered in the end while trying to be proficient in many things.

  • Tiff Gregers November 29, 2021

    Thank you for talking about how it is good to have business skills as a handyman. I just moved into a new home and want to get some things fixed. I will find a reputable handyman near me.

  • Damian February 4, 2023

    Hello Super Dan !!

    Thanks so much for taking the time to put your website resources together for us to see.

    This has been a great insight and a resource I will gladly return to, for more information and advice as I change career.

    Due to the rising costs of living in the UK, I have been forced to look for better paying jobs, with good job security. Also, deep down inside, I have always felt like I wanted to be my own boss. (its only taken me 45 years to figure out what in)

    So, last September 2022, I enrolled myself on a Multi Skill Construction course at my local College. Never too old to learn new skills.

    I like the advice I have seen on the website about buying things as you need them, I dont currently have tools, but this is advice I will certainly use. I’m trying to buy things I might need as I’m studying, as the lessons are giving me insights on the type of things I would be doing. So far, Power Drill, Hammer, Screw Drivers and selection of screws, nails and glue, have easily been the ones I used the most often in lessons.

    I would definitely advise anyone to start out buying those. Also, do some good research and make sure you buy Durable Reliable tools. These will serve you for many years and will be worth the expense at the start. You will soon make money back on tools, as you will use them for many years if you buy really good, durable and reliable ones..

    I will be glad to return to the website to learn about how to advertise a new business startup. This has been something I have been concerned about, as I have never been self employed before and I would like to go into business for myself.

    I would like to get into Property Refurbishments which is why I chose A Multi skill course at College. I will cover Basic – Joinery, Plumbing, Tiling and Brickwork skills in my 2 year course.

    I feel this would give me the necessary skills to do basic refurb work on properties. As mentioned on this page, I too will only take on jobs that I feel confident about having the skills to do, I think this is very important from a safety aspect but also building trust with prospective future clients.

    Thanks again Dan for taking the time out to put this website together, its a great resource for somebody like myself, that is going to be venturing into self employment for the first time in the construction trade,

    Cheer Dan !!

  • HanktheTank February 16, 2023

    Dan, you the man!
    I’m in Highschool right now and am seriously considering being a handyman for a living. It seems like a fun/rewarding job, and I love helping people, and that’s a big part of this job it seems. This website/blog has been super helpful, thank you so much!
    I was wondering about what tools I would need to start, and thanks to you and others, I know now!
    Also, for becoming licensed, which vocation would you recommend starting with, because I want to eventually be able to do any job. (Is it possible to be licensed for every type of job? {If it is, may I get a price estimate?})
    Another question, do you bring all of your tools to each job? or do you go to the job with some basic tools, and if you need specialized tools, you buy or go home/to the shop and then back to the job?
    Thanks!
    ~Hank

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