Handy Man, Handy Money

If you’re able to perform most odd jobs around the house then you’re a handyman who is perfectly placed to offer a handyman service.

Believe it or not, there are many people who cannot change a light bulb or put a plug onto a cable.

There are also people who don’t know how to replace a tap washer.

As a handyman, you will be called on to replace broken door locks, fix cupboard hinges, clean gutters, drill holes through a wall to pass a cable through or maybe even paint the front wall.

General all round ability will however take a handyman only so far and it would be a good idea to know a few tradesmen who provide specific skills, and who would give you a lead commission.

Installing a new light outdoors is not difficult, but integration into the main electrical supply of the house requires a wireman’s license. You do the whole job, taking the cables to the distribution board, and your friendly wireman comes along and finishes the job off.

Unblocking a drain is usually fairly simple, but on occasion you may need someone with tools you don’t have, call your local plumber in.

When starting out with your handyman service business, after finding out what the client needs you will know whether or not it may be necessary to call in a tradesman. If you even suspect it may be necessary to call in a tradesman, you need to let your client know right away that it may be necessary, and may cost more. You will not be considered to be a real handy handyman, or be very popular if you cannot finish the job.

Job costing for a handyman service is entirely at your discretion. Replacing a light bulb takes a minute or two, whereas laying the piping for a sprinkler system may take 3 or 4 days, including the possible need for several other workers. Assess the work, and quote accordingly. Formulate a basic price list from the word go, so that when you get a call to replace a tap washer you can immediately give a price on the job with or without a washer. Don’t forget transport costs, as this is an extremely important part of your business costs. If a client needs you immediately, charge more. If they can wait until you’re close to their general area, charge less. This may seem unfair to the client, so have standard prices for various areas, then offer discounts if the client is prepared to wait a few days.

To operate as a handyman you will need some form of transport, and you will need a good selection of tools. Advertise your business on community notice boards, and have business cards printed. No job is too small or unimportant; today’s light bulb change at the little old ladies’ home may lead to tomorrow’s automated gate installation. Have a sign made, similar to those used by estate agents, and before you start work, put the sign out in front of the clients’ home, and it must be the last thing you take when you’re done working.

Working as a handyman can be hectic at times and frustrating on occasion. A handyman service business can be very profitable one month, and bring in no business another month. However, as with any other business, perseverance and honesty will pay off.

© copyright Tony Flanigan 2011

Further Reading and Resources:

Guide to opening a business in South Africa’s golden city: Johannesburg
“Although no trading licenses are required for most new businesses in
Johannesburg, certain types of enterprises may not trade without
proper trade licenses.”

Guidelines for Contractor Registration

Become a licensed plummer in South Africa

Becoming a certified electrical contractor

Some job vacancies for a handyman in South Africa

and some more job vacancies for a handyman in South Africa