Being a handyman often involves more than just fixing things around the house; it's about navigating the dynamic and competitive market for handyman services. It’s also about making money and earning a living.
Handymen, like anyone else, have financial needs and goals. Starting a handyman business allows them to have more control over their income potential. Instead of relying solely on one-off repair jobs, having a handyman business enables them to explore various revenue streams within the industry.
Handymen often find that they have a diverse skill set beyond traditional repair tasks. Making money as a handyman may push them to expand services, such as home improvement consulting, property maintenance, or even small-scale construction projects. This diversification not only broadens the scope of their business but also enhances its profitability.
Learn more: Best businesses to start with little money
10 ways to make money as a handyman
Handymen can leverage their skills in numerous profitable ways—here are 10 potential services to offer clients when starting a business:
Tip: Learn how to start a service business with our guide.
01.Traditional handyman services
Traditional handyman services involve providing clients with general home repairs and maintenance. As a handyman, you earn fees based on the services rendered.
How to make money as a handyman:
Success in traditional handyman services involves effective handyman marketing, building a reliable reputation and offering a range of skills. Utilizing online platforms and staying updated on industry trends are essential.
Why is this idea profitable?
General repair and maintenance are constant needs for homeowners. By offering quality services, handymen can build a steady stream of income and attract repeat business. Consider also starting a contractor business.
A1 Nerdy Homes offers comprehensive handyman and home repair services across New Jersey. Their informative website provides details about financing, the ability to request an online quote, plus a gallery of completed projects including appliance installation, fence building, deck refinishing and room remodels.
02. Property maintenance
Property maintenance involves ongoing care for residential or commercial properties. This includes tasks such as lawn care, cleaning and minor repairs.
How to make money as a handyman:
Charge a fee for routine property maintenance services. Building a portfolio of maintained properties, to show future clients, can lead to recurring income.
Why is this idea profitable:
Property owners often seek reliable maintenance services to keep their assets in good condition. Providing regular upkeep ensures a steady income flow for the handyman responsible.
Handyman Meno has a simple, professional website promising efficient and friendly service in checking off your homeowner's to-do list. They offer drywall repair, floor and cabinet installation, picture/mirror hanging, plumbing and painting.
Learn more: How to make a handyman website.
3. Handyman consulting
Handyman consulting entails providing expert advice on various aspects of home improvement, repair strategies, or property enhancement. It can be provided to private homeowners, large corporate property owners, or even hotel and other commercial properties.
How to make money as a handyman:
Charge clients on an hourly or project basis for consulting services. Build a reputation for expertise to attract clients seeking specialized insights - for example, you might specialize in repairs necessary or common in hotels and how to avoid them and tackle them promptly.
Why is this idea profitable?
Consulting leverages a handyman's knowledge beyond traditional repair tasks. It's a scalable business model that allows for flexibility in pricing and target clientele. You can start small and scale, building up to larger, corporate clients.
04. Home improvement education and training
Home improvement education involves conducting workshops, webinars, or training sessions to educate homeowners or aspiring handymen.
How to make money as a handyman:
Charge fees for participation in educational programs. Consider creating online courses or partnering with educational institutions to offer your courses. You can sell your courses online, generating passive income too.
Why is this idea profitable?
Sharing expertise not only generates income but also enhances the handyman's reputation as an industry authority. Capitalizing on the demand for home improvement education can lead to a lucrative and scalable business.
05. Handyman blogging
Handyman blogging involves creating informative content about home repairs, DIY tips, or home improvement trends for blogs. You can start your blog and post your own handyman-related blog posts or you can write guest posts on the subject for other blogs.
How to make money as a handyman:
Monetize a blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored content or display advertising. Leverage the blog to showcase services and attract potential clients, by generating organic traffic to your website.
Why is this idea profitable?
Blogging establishes the handyman as an industry influencer, attracting a broad audience. Monetizing a blog diversifies income streams for the creator and complements traditional handyman activities.
Get started with a blog maker.
06. Home staging services
Home staging involves enhancing the visual appeal of a property before it goes on the market. Handymen can offer staging services by arranging furniture and decor to highlight the home's best features to help it sell.
How to make money as a handyman:
Charge fees for staging services. Collaborate with home sellers or real estate agents to enhance the market appeal of properties. Once you partner with a real estate agent, you can make more money by working with them on all their properties that need home staging services.
Why is this idea profitable?
Staging improves a property's perceived value and can expedite sales. Providing staging services positions the handyman as a comprehensive home improvement professional, potentially leading to increased referrals and more clients.
07. Home flipping
Home flipping involves putting your handyman skills to good use by purchasing properties that need repairs or improvement to be sellable, then working to improve them to sell them on for a higher profit.
How to make money as a handyman:
Generate substantial income through property appreciation, once you’ve done repairs by selling properties for a profit. You may need to work with someone who understands real estate investments and selling.
Why is this idea profitable?
Repairing and flipping houses is a great business idea if you understand both home improvement and real estate. While it can require extensive time and resources, it can also prove to generate significant income.
So popular has house flipping become in recent years, that it’s now the premise of several popular TV shows around it - including, The Flipping El Moussas.
Making a website is important to establish an online presence and show off your work.
08. Handyman networking events
Hosting handyman networking events brings together industry professionals, potential clients and homeowners seeking repair or improvement services.
How to make money as a handyman:
Charge entrance fees, secure sponsors or partner with local businesses. Use the events to network, generate leads and showcase your services. Building a community of handymen and clients can benefit your business and help you make money, helping others too.
Why is this idea profitable?
Networking events provide exposure and build relationships. Income from events can supplement your general handyman earnings while positioning you as a community leader.
09. Podcasting
Podcasting as a handyman involves creating audio content discussing repair and improvement trends, home maintenance tips or DIY projects.
How to make money as a handyman:
Monetize your podcast through sponsorships, affiliate marketing or premium content for subscribers. Leverage the podcast to promote your handyman services and build a loyal audience who can become clients.
Why is this idea profitable?
Podcasting enhances your brand and helps attract a diverse audience. Monetizing the podcast diversifies income and provides a platform to showcase your expertise.
10. Commercial handyman services
Commercial handyman services focus on providing repair and improvement solutions for businesses, offices or retail spaces rather than private homes.
How to make money as a handyman:
Earn fees from successful commercial repair or improvement projects. Develop expertise in commercial handyman services to attract clients seeking specialized solutions who you can build a long-lasting relationship with for long-term clients.
Why is this idea profitable?
Commercial repair projects often involve higher values and payments, leading to substantial fees. Specializing in commercial handyman services can result in a lucrative niche market.
Consider creating a portfolio website to showcase your commercial service experience for future clients.
Looking for other types of service businesses to pursue? Check out:
How to make money as a handyman FAQ
How do handymen earn money?
Handymen primarily earn money by charging fees for their repair, improvement, or maintenance services. Fees can be based on an hourly rate, a project basis, or a combination of both.