Handyman Business?

Pablo · Mar 31, 2005

Still job searching. Had a long distance telephone interview that went excellent, according to my inside source. But we really don't want to move.

Still working the Teriyaki restaurant scheme. Will have a local restaurant guy look at my plan.

There are some local job prospects still out there. I guess I can take that one job in May. All will be a cut in pay.

The waiting sucks. Don't feel quite as emasculated as three weeks ago - but still I feel crappy and have low spots.

Now my question: How whacked is starting a home handyman business? Sorta with a twist, because I'll include a Pest Control business, and maybe a third specialty service. Is this crazy? Any tips?

Drew99GT · Mar 31, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by Pablo:
I'll include a Pest Control business, and maybe a third specialty service. Is this crazy?

That's a stepping stone to house majority leader!

Shannow · Mar 31, 2005

"a third specialty service"....sounds interesting.

Maybe Amsoil oil changes in the comfort of your own driveway ?

Not the Autorx Frank · Mar 31, 2005

You could be the "All Around Maintained Super Guy"

Could offer full service misc.

Pest control
Auto maintenace
Pool cleaning
Lawn Service
Light carpentry
Window washing
Chiminey Sweeping
Teriyaki Catering

You could be your own minimall on wheels...

Heck, how far do you travel, could you stop by.

Not the Autorx Frank · Mar 31, 2005

Seriously...I think about this sorta thing...I know I do most everything a notch better than the current businesses in my area.

Kinda a "Rent a Hubby" Service.

The catering might be fun... Could be more of a side bar than a stove you slave over....

Pablo · Mar 31, 2005

I am pretty serious.

The third thing was dryer (think of ALL those FIRE warnings) and bathroom ducting (got mildew? - your house is a mold factory!!).

However, yard work, stump pulling is a dern good idea!

Gary Allan · Mar 31, 2005

quote:

Could offer full service misc. Kinda a "Rent a Hubby" Service.

Hmmm ...pipe cleaning??

Pablo · Mar 31, 2005

Gary - I thought you to be a clean guy. You just confirmed it.

BTW. I have gone through a sort of spiritual renewal. Watch for my lack of bad taste posts in the future.

tom slick · Mar 31, 2005

I know a "retired" guy that is busier as a handyman then he was with his "full time" job. he got in with a couple of real estate companies that need repairs done on rentals or homes for sale. he has to turn down work he is so busy. they like his work and think is labor is cheap becuase it is cheaper than having a contractor come in.

Pablo · Mar 31, 2005

tom - my plan to a T

jthorner · Mar 31, 2005

There is plenty of demand for competent handyman rent-a-hubby type work.

Things to watch out for include any state contracting license laws which might trip you up as well as liability and insurance issues. Unfortunately the liability and insurance stuff is part of what is really sucking the life force out of many things these days

.

I don't mean to be a nay sayer though. Go for it!

John

DKT · Mar 31, 2005

A couple of people I know got fed up (one was a school teacher) and he got into the handyman and property inspection business. Our neighborhood had quite a bit of real estate activity and I think he is doing pretty well at inspecting houses and handy man work.

Another idea that sounded interesting is a friend of mine needed a bunch of odd jobs done around his house that had accumulated over the years. There are 3 guys that you rent for the day for $xxx. Two were skilled and the young one was the runner. As a homeowner, I really like this concept (except these 3 are in another part of town so I can't use them). The homeowner identifies the work, and the 3 give an idea of how long it will take, and the owner can adjust the schedule based upon this. You may want to consider this approach.

GROUCHO MARX · Mar 31, 2005

Pablo, my guess is that you will come out of this better than before.

Schmoe · Mar 31, 2005

That is exactly what I was pondering on doing when I retire, which is still years away. Do it this way....they call you and tell you what they want done. If you can do it, tell them. If not, then decline. That way, your being honest and won't have to worry about screwing up. Also, get paid in cash....no receipts.

Big John · Mar 31, 2005

There is a company that opened around here called Mr Handyman,it's getting quite big..90 bucks an hour for labor is what they charge..

haley10 · Mar 31, 2005

Health insurance is a concern. I no longer work for big companies and I like having my own. It sucks to have your insurance tied to where you work. I'm fortunate that I can buy it.

My neighbor has always survived on lawn mowing, pressure washing, garden tilling, and in Winter, general handyman indoor stuff.

Pablo · Apr 1, 2005

Per Amkeer:

quote:

I have a handyman in the home next to me and has completely botched everything. He turned a beautiful home into a ......... He is in the handyman business.

I have a song that I whistle and my kids sing along to:

The handyman, the handyman, the handyman thinks he can, but you know he really can't, the handyman, ooh the handyman makes everything look breaked........

How cheerful! Maybe there is a market for GOOD handymen in your area. That guy sounds like a loser!

oldman · Apr 1, 2005

Pablo, I am a licenced Maryland Home Improvement Contractor. MHIC is what they call it. I started it in 2001 when I was to retire from the USAF. I started in Sep 2001 and then was called back to Active Duty after Sep 11. I had three jobs and worked all day and after work until it got dark. It was a long year until they let me retire again. I use the business as a tax benifit also. My son-in-law and his best friend do most of the work and contract out most of the work. They stay busy. I pay 325 ever two years for a license. My business insurance is about 800 a year. My business is an LLC so we don't have to pay workmanscomp. I have my own health insurance but if I did not it would be over 700 a month. Maryland used to charge 50 a year for LLC's until it became popular and now I get to give them 300 a year. We build decks and sunrooms and sometimes refinish basements. Be careful, people expect you to work for nothing. I am redoing my upstairs bathroom at the moment and I am putting in all high end stuff in it and it would have cost me over 20k it someone else did it. I will be in for about 6k for the materials. I am free labor. The tax breaks are great but the work is hard. We put up a fence last Jan in 5 degree weather. Rain slows you down. Maybe you can work with someone for a few weeks to see if you like it. Good luck. I am waiting for my clearance and hope to go back to the NSA soon and do what I used to do.

I think Whimsey does the same type of work in NJ.

Amkeer · Apr 1, 2005

I have a handyman in the home next to me and has completely botched everything. He turned a beautiful home into a ......... He is in the handyman business.

I have a song that I whistle and my kids sing along to:

The handyman, the handyman, the handyman thinks he can, but you know he really can't, the handyman, ooh the handyman makes everything look breaked.........

PulMax · Apr 1, 2005

Not everyone is good at their job

Handyman Business?

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