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How to start a home repair business

How to Start a Home Repair Business in 5 Easy Steps

Starting a home repair business is a great way to get your feet wet as an entrepreneur. There is a fairly low barrier for entry because you can start out as a one-person operation and the cost to start up is low.

I started my handyman business as a solo operation in 2012 and continue to operate in this manner. It can be very profitable (think six-figure income), low risk, I work for myself, and most importantly, I enjoy it.

During the last ten years as a professional handyman, I’ve learned a ton. In this article, I share a simple, step-by-step process for starting a home repair business. Obviously, this is somewhat simplified, but it should be enough to point you in the right direction.

Once you get more serious, you can check out my complete step-by-step guide here.

Since you are interested in starting a home repair business, you are probably handy and possess most of the skills required, or at least enough repair skills to get started. A common misconception most people have about this industry is that you need to have a ton of construction experience and know-how to do everything. This just isn’t so and I’m living proof. If you have the desire to help people, can work well with your hands, and can solve common problems with a home, that’s all you really need.

Okay, so enough talking about why this business is so great. Let’s get down to how to start a home repair business.

It’s as easy as 1,2,3………4,5,6…….7,8…OK, there are a few steps.

As with any other business, there should be a lot of thought and planning during the initial setup. I’m not a fan of writing a business plan and believe it’s only necessary if you are trying to get outside funding. However, some planning and research are essential before you dive in.

Step 1: Are you cut out for this business?

The success of your home repair business isn’t going to be determined by how smart you are or how well you planned your attack from the beginning. The long-term success of your business will be determined by your motivation and your ability to get stuff done. If you don’t enjoy what you are doing, the motivation will slowly wither away and so will the profits. Hopefully, you actually enjoy working with your hands and fixing stuff.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you are a self-starter or need direction and external motivation in order to be effective. You’re in charge, and nobody is going to be holding you accountable to get critical tasks done or make tough decisions.

Step 2:  What services are you going to offer?

Start by listing your handy skills and then try to figure out which services you would enjoy doing.

Are there any services that get you excited to think about? I know that I really enjoy setting up home theatre systems so that is one of the primary services that I offer. Whenever I get the chance to set one up, it’s the highlight of my work week.

Oftentimes people enjoy what they are good at. If you are really good at repairing washing machines you might find yourself enjoying it even though somebody else would hate it. That feeling of excelling and being the best at what you do can really make a difference and keep you motivated.

Licensing is required for certain trades and the laws governing these licenses vary in each state. Make sure to check your state laws before offering or advertising any home repair services.

Another thing to consider when deciding what services to offer is your target customer, which leads to the next step.

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Step 3:  Whose homes will you repair?

Choosing a customer base is a very important part of the process and there are a couple of things that are worth considering. First, choose a customer base that actually needs home repairs and is willing to pay for it.

That second part is critical.

An example that immediately comes to mind is single women 50+ that live alone. These customers not only have money but are more than willing to give it to an honest home repair person so they can live comfortably. This is only one example and there are several profitable customers to target.

The second thing to consider (something that most people forget about) is the type of client you want to work with. Liking the customers you serve will make business much more enjoyable.

Now that you’ve chosen your target market, getting to know them will help you reach them with advertisements. Try to learn how they shop and where they go when they need a home repair, and then be found in those places.

For more on choosing a target market: Targeting the Right Customers

Step 4: Setting up Shop

Now that you know what home repair services you will provide and who you will provide them to, it’s time to get everything in order so can start raking in the cash. You may choose to postpone some of these steps and complete them as you go, but keep in mind that it gets more difficult to focus on these items while balancing a full schedule.

Here is a list of some of the tasks you should complete for the initial setup.

  1. Choose a name for your home repair business.
  2. Choose a business structure for your business.
  3. Open a business bank account.
  4. Have a logo designed. It helps you look professional and helps your customers remember you.
  5. Get some business cards and begin handing them out right away.
  6. Set up a business address separate from your home address.
  7. Get some liability insurance if necessary.
  8. Buy the essential home repair tools.
  9. Get the software you need to make running your business easy.

When I started my home repair business, the first thing I did was tell my friends and family what I was doing. This allowed me the opportunity to start getting business right away and helped fund some of the items on the above list. It’s not likely that you will be overwhelmed with business from telling friends and family, but it may just provide that extra bit of money and motivation you need to move forward.

Step 5: Market Your Services

This is where you will spend the majority of your time during the first couple of months in business. Just because you set up this awesome & well-branded business doesn’t mean that phone calls are going to immediately start pouring in. People don’t know you exist and it’s time to let them know.

So, whenever you aren’t working for a customer, you should be working on your marketing.

What’s the best way to advertise a home repair business you ask?

Well, the quickest way to get customers is probably Thumbtack or Angie – but these options are also expensive and frustrating.

Craigslist is a low-cost tool to consider, but this will tend to attract low-paying customers.

When it comes to the best way to advertise, there’s actually no contest. A well-optimized website and online presencece will generate more leads and customers than any other method you could possibly consider. And, if done properly, it’s very cost-effective.

In fact, all of the leads I get are generated completely free (well, other than the cost to keep my website live, which is about $15/month).

Can you succeed as a home repair expert?

If you’re reading this, you’re obviously considering the home repair business as your next career move, and probably wondering if you can make it work.

Is there enough demand to support another home service pro? Can you make a decent income by repairing homes?

Surprisingly, there seems to be an endless demand for good repair people, and the market continues to grow. With an aging population and people outsourcing more of their tasks than ever, more and more people need this kind of service.

You can make an excellent income providing home services IF you are willing to work hard and provide a quality service. In fact, I’ve personally made up to $200 per hour on certain repairs, and typically average about $90-$100 per hour.

If you’re serious about starting a home repair business, whether part-time or full-time, then I recommend you start by downloading my free report below. Not only will it help you avoid common mistakes, but it will give you a ton of insight into how to succeed from day one.

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  • Bill Parr May 1, 2013

    Hi Big D, I want to thank you for posting this website. I have tried to start a radon testing and mitigation business, and home inspector business and I was unable to get anything going. I have many years as a plumber and a few as a rough framer… I have taken some of the tips on advertising on Craigslist and getting listed on google places. I started 3 weeks ago… The first weekend on Craigslist I received my first handy man job. It two weeks for my google places verification to come in and I have recieved two jobs off that already and one of them wants me to do work in his Dr.s office after I fixed leaky pipes under his kitchen sink. I am planning on working on my website this weekend. I just subscribed to your podcast.

    • Big D May 2, 2013

      Hey Bill,

      It’s great to hear from you! That’s awesome that you are getting results that quickly from google places. You must have chosen wisely with your keywords.

      Thanks for the comment and subscribing to my podcast. If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know.

      Big D

  • Lloyd Virgill March 14, 2014

    Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated, God Bless

  • Dillon July 20, 2015

    Hi i would like to start my own lawn care and house repair business and was wondering requirements and the different challenges i will run into also better ways to keep a good costumer flow thank you sir

    • Md Hasan March 5, 2019

      Hello Dan Perry! Thank you so much for sharing a worth content, I have a home improvement business, after reading your blog, I made a plan to implement some tactic in my business, that I learned from here, hope this strategy will help to grow up my business.

  • tim stephens August 17, 2015

    I am 54 years old and have spent my life in the home improvement and construction industry. I am currently self employed doing home improvements and have a registered business , insurance, etc. Problem is that I do somewhat well in the busy months of summer but almost starve in the winter. Not sure if my hourly rate of 30 dollars is too low and I don’t bank money for slow times or I just need to fill winter months or all the above. Any ideas ?

    • Dan Perry August 17, 2015

      Hey Tim,

      Good question, and I do have some ideas for you.

      #1 – I would test increasing your rates. $30/hr seems pretty low to me, especially if you have that much experience.

      #2 – I recommend putting more time into learning and implementing marketing. I offer a course that shares my method for staying booked all year. It’s called the Handyman Web Academy. If that doesn’t resonate with you, there are plenty more resources both on and offline to build your marketing skills.

      #3 – Have you brainstormed services that are more common in Winter? Holiday Decorations, TV Wall mounts, hanging pcitures, etc. You may consider promoting these services to your existing customers with some sort of special or packaged deal.

      There are a couple of ideas. I hope they help!

      Dan

  • Rob April 15, 2016

    Hi, Thank You for this posting, I found it very helpful. I know all state requirements are different but do you know if a general contracting licence is required for handyman or home repaire service? Thanks in advance for any information you are able to provide.

  • Nguyễn Tiến Nam September 14, 2016

    Dear Mr D,
    I’m Vietnamese and My English is not good. But I seaching own business and I found you. I hope you’ll help me.
    Thank you.

  • Daniel Lozada December 14, 2016

    Helped me get my thoughts in order..I still have acouple questions though.
    How can i get further help?
    Got the business part started up,but I’m out of funds to actually get the material for these jobs

  • rajan March 6, 2017

    nice tips for home repairing

  • eMoov June 25, 2017

    Starting a home repair business is not easy. But with the help of these steps, you can do it with little ease. For sure, those who are planning to engage with this business will learn a lot with this article.

  • Calvin g. Wilson October 12, 2017

    Thanks a million. This was helpful.

  • Gary L Myers February 25, 2018

    Your article was very helpful.It gave me some very good information.One question I do have is what would you think about starting on a cash business as I am drawing social security .I want to avoid any legal problems .Mainly social security hassles as I’m wanting to do this to supplement my income.

  • Allison G April 27, 2018

    Dan,
    Your website and additional links are hugely informative and helpful. They have really inspired us to kickstand our business. One thing I haven’t seen too much guidance on is payment. Is it best to be cash only? Use an app like Venmo or PayPal? Purchase a credit card swipe piece for your phone? Accept personal checks?

    Also, do you recommend having the process be to have half the payment up front to purchase supplies with and the remainder when the work is complete? If not, what do you suggest as the best practice?

    Thanks, Allison

    • Dan Perry April 30, 2018

      Hi Allison,

      I recommend accepting all forms of payment. Cash, credit cards, or checks. Usually you collect payment after the job is complete (for small jobs). For bigger jobs you might ask for 50% up front.

      -Dan

  • Greg June 14, 2018

    Dan,

    I’ve been in Banking for 20 years and enjoy working with my hands and doing 100% of my own home improvements. Much like you, I’m an audiphile and enjoy setting up audio visual equipment. You are very much an entrepeneuer. May I ask what state you work in?

    • Dan Perry June 14, 2018

      Hey Greg!

      Sure, I’m from Nevada.

  • Paul June 20, 2018

    Thank you for the info. I’ve been looking to start up my own company. I’ve been in building maintenance for 10+ yrs and not making much of a living. I already have 6 people I do side work for, and thought it would be a great idea to go on my own. Thank you for your help.

    • Dan Perry June 21, 2018

      Paul, you can make six figures as a handyman if you set your business up properly.

  • Mosima June 27, 2018

    I hv a business with my partner and we have hands but my problem is we don’t knw how we must market our business.we do get clients but is not much and I hv to make this work cos this is wat keeps me going after loosing my son

  • Shelby June 29, 2018

    Hi Dan. I’m thinking about starting up my own property maintenance business with my husband. I’m wondering how would I find out what to charge? Would it be a monthly rate or just charge for the job itself?

  • Jasper August 19, 2018

    Hi I’m interested in home repairs/maintenance but I don’t know how to grow big. I have five years experience

  • Naomi September 5, 2018

    Hie, I have been searching for info on how to start a maintanance company and I got redirected to this site.The information I got was so helpful,it helped me to gain more insight although I have never been in to maintance business. Thanks alot for the highlights.

  • fred December 16, 2018

    hi i want to start a renovating business can you please tell me what i need to do
    thaks

  • John Buxton February 28, 2019

    Hello,
    I have been in the HVAC business and worked as a building maintenance engineer for commercial properties. If I wanted to start my own business doing things like changing belts, changing air filters, greasing motors, etc…how would I go about getting commercial clients?
    Thanks!

  • Jason August 6, 2019

    Hi,

    This was a great read for someone currently running a local handyman business. I think it’s important to let young people know that there is a growing demand for new handymen in the business, as you have mentioned.

    Great points and keep up the good work!

  • MARVIN September 3, 2019

    HI That was great information about the business i really appreciate the time and effort you put into on how to operate a business.THANKS

  • Owusu November 9, 2019

    Pls am now planning to start home renovation business pls what I start first

  • Hans December 11, 2019

    What’s up big D. Looking for help on the insurance part have no clue where to start. I’m in Florida. Looking to start a home maintenance business. Like pressure washing, painting , small tree trimming , etc.

  • Lungelo January 13, 2020

    Hi Big D, I’m South African and planning on starting my own handyman business. I’ve been in different businesses that has nothing to do with handiwork. My question is, is it a good idea to start-up with limited skills like painting,tiling,etc but enjoy working with my hands?

    • Dan Perry January 17, 2020

      You can start a business offering just one service if you want to, so it depends on what you want to do. You could go get a job to get more experience or just start a business doing what you know how and slowly learn new things as you go. I had very few skills before starting my business.

  • Del February 13, 2020

    Hi Dan, great article. Im a 35 year old family guy. Im thinking of starting a business. Im leaning towards something I can do on my own without having to hire workers. Worked in residential concrete for 15 years doing Exposed aggregate, stamped concrete, interlocking, and more, Worked as a bridge carpenter and in tunnels as well. Im self taught in all types of home repairs, ie: flooring, tiles, drywall, plumbing, minor electrical, and much more. framing, shed, carports, driveway sealing, gutters, siding, you name it. I even did a metal roof last year with no help. it took me 2 weekends, but I did it .lol. I also have a couple clients whom I cut grass for on the side. I love dealing with home electronics. Im highly motivated, but really bad at the sales part. Should I stick to a certain niche and how do I go about selling jobs ? Thanks in advance, Del.

  • Wilfried May 23, 2020

    Hi Dan. Now I think I made my mind to start a handyman business. I was actually looking for some ideas on how to set this kind of business but now with the few you gave i appreciate. But what if I want to set the business up and I would like to have some professional men who may work incase there is an offer?? Is that good for me? I’m not based in US but in West Africa. Wish to set up this business. Please guide me.

    • Dan Perry May 24, 2020

      I typically teach a one person service business model. If you want to hire employees there are a lot of similarities, but also a lot of differences.

  • John Campbell July 31, 2020

    I didn’t find anything on a price list, Can u recommend a book with price list for maintenance work? I have been a Apartment Maintenance Supervisor for 35 years and am thinking of doing a small business. I need a price list. is there a book that has that?

    • Dan Perry August 3, 2020

      There are several cost estimating guides for handymen and contractors available on Amazon. I don’t personally find them very helpful, but you might.

  • Angel August 13, 2020

    I want to start my own remodeling business, but I’m afraid that my plan wont work out. One of the reasons why is I’m young and i believe people wont take me serious. Any advice on how should i approach my plan to start my own business ?

    • Dan Perry August 17, 2020

      You can overcome your age by creating a professional image. Act professional, setup a website and online presence, put decals on your vehicle. All of this will easily overcome your age and people will take you seriously.

  • Bob Frapples December 3, 2020

    Great idea you have shared here. This type of business have a future specially in US. Thanks for sharing this article with us.

  • B.Ruff February 24, 2021

    Hi D,
    What do i do if i dont know how to do the work but want to make money off sub contracting? Would that be a smart move or shall i go get more skilled in this field that i want to be in? Any advise would help.

    • Dan Perry February 26, 2021

      Definitely get some experience doing the actual work. Not only so you can do high quality work, but so you know if you actually like it. You can practice on your own home or get a job working for a contractor.

  • Mario August 17, 2021

    Big D, you’re due for your next posts. WHen are we getting one?

    • Dan Perry August 23, 2021

      Finishing one up right now. I should send it out this week.

  • Oy Austin August 15, 2023

    Hi.I am owner of a small handyman and landscaping business.Do you believe there’s a call for handyman helper . Do you have an idealistic job description or what is expected of their position?

    .

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