Getting started as a Handyman

With the depression still here and while employment figures are beginning to rise again, there remains hundreds of thousands of residents across the UK looking to set up their own business as a route to generate an income into the house.


Many people see beginning to offer local handyman services as a cheap and easy startup which can generate paid work instantly. If you have a car and a toolbox of basic tools then it is possible to get work with some basic advertising.


While it is possible to ‘bootstrap’ your way into becoming a handyman it will be a lot easier if you have some money which can be invested while you get going, we will inspect how these can be put to best use shortly.


What jobs does a Handyman do?


Most handyman businesses offer general household repairs both indoors and outside, they can be classified as a ‘jack of all trades but master of none’. Knowing your limits as a handyman is very important so not to finish with time-consuming and expensive errors to correct.


Whilst you may be willing to replace cupboard shelves and install coving you may want to keep away from other skilled projects such as decorating and kitchen plumbing. Work involving electrics and gas should be steered clear from as you are expected to be qualified to work in this environment.


Deatiling a list of jobs you have carried out before and jobs you are able to do will help you with advertising your handyman business.


How to advertise your Handyman Business


A lot of handymen who have been established for a long time will have a base of clients they perform regular work for. As a beginner to the industry this is a result you can look forward to and wish for but to begin with you will have to market your service to attract new clients.


Most handyman services will try and target their home town. Local targeting mostly occurs in these ways:


Local Newspaper


An advertisement in the back of the local newspaper can bring phonecalls from people searching for a handyman that specific week.


Leaflets


Creating a leaflet and delivering it can be very cheap and create lots of jobs. You can target an exact area such as the more expensive area of town where residents have extra disposable income.


Vehicle Sign writing


Having your vehicle sign written can be very inexpensive for a basic sign and attract enquiries on a continuing basis, not just a single day a week like a couple of the methods above.


One more way that is becoming more popular to Handyman Companies is websites targeted to attract web surfers looking for your type of trade in your specific town. The brilliant thing about having a website is it is created for customers actively wanting your services (permission marketing) whereas the most other advertising methods are interruptive. Websites can be cheap/free to get started and have very minimal ongoing costs.


When you have decided what work you will take on, then promoted those services you should hopefully start receiving some jobs or at least some phonecalls from customers requesting you to give quotations.


Once you start getting enquiries you need to look at getting business insurance, this will protect you incase you damage a customer's house, or even worse severely injure a passer by.


As you have received a few jobs you need to look at reinvesting the profits into extra marketing or extra tools so you can increase the amount of jobs you are able to fulfil. If you receive continual phonecalls for a particular area of work, maybe wet plumbing, it may be worth your while learning that craft in an evening school so you can then promote it to your customers.


Good luck in beginning your new Local Handyman Business.

An Alphabetic Guide to Choosing a Painter & Decorator

A is for Attention to Detail
Whatever the job, attention to detail is one of the imperitive assets a painter and decorator should own. The key to a professional job is in the fine detail. That is why I always ensure that finished article is absolutely spot on.

B is for Beautiful Finish
Beautiful, professional finishing is my speciality. You can expect smooth, non-run, gloss finishing to woodwork – I’ll leave your utility room cupboards and units looking perfect again.

C is for Clean
A expert painter and decorator will treat your home like his own. Preparing the needed space to work, taking care to avoid mess and tidying as I work, I will leave you without anything to do but rejoice in the glossy new look.

D is for Dependable
You can plan on me to get the job completed fast, tidily and on time – every time. If I say I’ll be there at a specific time, I won’t keep you waiting.

E is for Expertise & Experience
I have more than 18 years’ painting and decorating expertise, joined with the expertise to give you a professional finish every time.

F is for Fittings & Furniture
You’d be in awe at the difference a lick of emulsion or stain can make to your furniture and fittings. Sideboards are a breeze.

G is for Guaranteed Satisfaction
You can place trust on me to take care of every bit of your painting and decorating needs – and I confirm that you will be utterly pleased with the service that I provide.

H is for Honesty
Everyone is aware of ‘cowboy’ tradesmen. Us however is one painter and decorator that you can put your trust in. I will not mess you about & I’ll every time give you a fair, honest estimate.

I is for Impeccable Customer Support
I take great pride in the service that I supply. From the very first moment you complete that first call to the end of the project, you can be assured of faultless customer service.

J is for No Jargon
I won’t puzzle you with complicated painting and decorating jargon. I’ll talk to you clearly and concisely and make sure that you always comrehend specifically what is happening at every stage of the project.

K is for Knowledgeable
I know everything that there is to know about wallpapering. With over 20 years expertise, Decorators Manchester know all of the tricks of the trade – I even know where to buy the best, cheapest materials. If you have a query for this painter and decorator or you want advice, just contact us!

L is for Local
I work all around Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Wherever you are… Rochdale, Sale, Hyde, Trafford, Ashton, Staley Bridge, Whitefield, Stockport, Denton, Manchester City Centre, you name it – I will be there quick as a flash.

M is for Materials
Decorators Manchester know what works and what does not work. I know exactly what materials to use and where to find them, from paints and glosses to rollers and sandpaper. And my van is filled with all the necessary tools for the job.

Require a expert Handyman in Greater Manchester?

By following these 3 tips you can source, select, and know that the handyman who carries out your home remodeling projects and other household improvements will be a trustworthy worker. From getting an experienced worker to making sure they are fully aware, these pieces of advice will give you a better idea on what to watch out for.



- Confirm that the company is a properly licensed handyman and insured in the village you reside. Not all Manchester handyman businesses are fully insured to go ahead with trade. If an accident should happen during any type of home maintenance or trade work at your home then you will be without risk because of this tip.

- Are the contractors aware of all types of city and county building code regulations for your particular job? These standards are enforced for numerous reasons but primarily because of health reasons so this tip is imperitive. If a handyman isn't willing to show you proof of this detail, Manchester Handyman is, find a different company to take on your building repairs.

- How much experience does the handyman have with their trade and other home improvement type projects? If they have been trading for over 4 this is a excellent mark that they provide highly regarded craftsmanship. Another great way to tell how good they are is to request and look at some before and after photographs of their past jobs from past customers.

With the above three tips you can make a better decision and be more confident that your handyman can be a good contractor for your repairs. Whether it be a decorating job, extension project, house, or other household or fixing jobs you can rest assured your handyman will get the job completed in proper finish.


The three tips were provided free of charge from Manchester Handyman