With the easy-to-read tips and business strategies taught in this book, readers will learn how to make a handyman business profitable. The book provides tips for both doing the job and the skills needed to run the business. The work life of a handyman can be very rewarding. It means finding creative solutions to everyday problems, learning new things, and enjoying a wide variety of tasks. Handymen can set their own hours and be their own bosses. But they will need the skills to make the business profitable, too, since only they will be responsible for finding customers. This book demonstrates, step-by-step, how readers can make a name for themselves as the handymen in their communities. This book will help you to:
Use strategies to get customers calling you
Learn basic bookkeeping to keep track of your profits
Learn basic electrical, plumbing, and carpentry skills
Set up an efficient home office
Provide excellent customer service
Negotiate and charge a fair price
Create clear, understandable invoices
Develop a network of tradespeople for when help is needed
INTRODUCTION xv1 THE HANDYMAN BUSINESS: AN OPPORTUNITY 1WAITING FOR YOU1. What a Handyman Does 12. Do You Have What It Takes? 23. Advantages and Disadvantages 44. Part Time or Full Time? 44.1 Part time 64.2 Full time 62 GETTING STARTED 91. Your Goals and Expectations 92. Sizing Up the Market 102.1 Market size 10CONTENTS2.2 Market research 112.3 Facing the competition 123. Developing Your Business Plan 124. Business and Legal Requirements 134.1 Zoning and licensing 134.2 Form of business 164.3 Insurance 164.4 Naming your business 174.5 Hiring employees or contract staff 185. Accounting Basics 195.1 Bookkeeping 195.2 Your balance sheet 195.3 Tax requirements 206. Getting Professional Help for Your Business 203 SETTING UP SHOP 231. Getting Organized 232. Your Home Headquarters 242.1 Keeping records 242.2 Communication needs 272.3 Your office environment 292.4 Tax advantages to the home office 302.5 Keeping your home and office separate 313. Your Vehicle An Office Away from Home 323.1 Van, truck, or car? 323.2 Using trailers and wagons 333.3 Vehicle supplies 344. Tools The Handyman's Best Friend 364.1 A basic tool kit 364.2 The right tools for the job 384 MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS 411. Letterhead and Business Cards 412. Word of Mouth 42viii Start & run a handyman business3. Advertising 434. Build on Existing Clients 435. Networking 466. Marketing Tips 525 MEETING THE CUSTOMER'S NEEDS 531. Estimates, Quotes, and Pricing 531.1 Understanding quotes and estimates 541.2 What to charge 571.3 Invoicing 582. Scheduling 592.1 Planning for a job 593. Organizing the Work Site 624. Serving Your Customers Well 645. Dealing with Difficult Situations 665.1 Not getting paid 665.2 Damaged property 675.3 Family arguments 685.4 Unhappy customers 686. When There Is Too Much Work 696.1 Saying no to work 696.2 Hiring help 707. Summary The Key to Customer Service 716 THE HANDYMAN AT WORK: ON-THE-JOB 73TIPS AND TECHNIQUES1. Doing the Right Job at the Right Time 732. Working on New Homes 753. Working on Older Homes 754. Painting Like a Pro 764.1 Painting preparation 774.2 Oil or latex? 774.3 How much paint will you need? 784.4 Cleanup tips 79Contents ix5. Working with Plaster and Drywall 796. Plumbing Pointers 827. Rules for Roofing 828. Yard Work 849. Taking on Wildlife 859.1 Removing animals 869.2 Pest prevention 887 KEEPING UP WITH TRENDS SOME IDEAS 89FOR TODAY'S MARKET1. Accessibility and Universal Design 902. Home Energy Audits 903. Home Checkups 924. Home Security 925. Keeping on Top of Trends 998 BUILDING SAFETY AND QUALITY INTO 101YOUR DAY1. Using Safety Equipment 1012. Assessing the Situation for Safety Concerns 1023. The Safety of Your Customers 1044. A Word about Ladders 1055. Taking Care of Yourself 1075.1 Staying fit and safe 1075.2 Taking time off 1089 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE 111CHECKLISTS1 Business Plan Outline 152 Home Energy Audit 933 Home Checkup 95ILLUSTRATION1 Learn to Lift Correctly 109x Start & run a handyman businessSAMPLES1 Business Plan for Goals and Measurables 142 Balance Sheet 213 Business Card 424 Flyer Sample (1) 445 Flyer Sample (2) 446 Seasonal Reminder Flyer 457 Yellow Pages Advertisement 458 Community Newspaper Advertisement 469 Customer Contact Form 4710 Customer Follow-Up Note (1) 4811 Customer Follow-Up Note (2) 4912 Network Contact Form 5113 Estimate Sheet 5514 Service Invoice 6015 Job Organization Form 6116 Weekly Work Schedule 63TABLES1 The Handyman Business: Pros and Cons 52 What Paint for What Job 783 Paint Coverage 804 Home Security Solutions 985 Safety Equipment and When to Use It 1036 Ladder Guide 105WORKSHEETS1 Is the Handyman Business Right for You? 32 Tools and Materials Inventory 26Contents xi
