Is there a demand for these 'Handyman' services?

CBL123

Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the employment forum.

I've struggled to find a permanent job over the last couple of years. I have a bit of money saved that I could start a business with and I'm contemplating having a go at offering a 'Handyman' service.

The two areas I'd want to focus on would be furniture/flat pack assembly and pressure cleaning. With a bit of garden maintenance thrown in.

But is there a demand for these services? I'm not necessarily looking for it to be a full time venture, if I got 1, 2, 3 jobs a week it would be better than doing nothing. And maybe help with getting into employment.

What would people expect to pay per hour for someone to put up a flat pack or clean their drive?

Thanks.

I_have_spoken

Tricky to price it, depends on location. Gardeners get £10/hr upwards, 'jobbing' labourers from £150/day, a skilled trade nearer £250/day. More within M25, of course.

You'd need liability insurance and maybe CRB, but I'd focus on the aging boomers and aim for referrals via Age Concern etc. from old folks who need work done around the home.

Flat pack not so sure about. Anything for women is 100% dominated by all-women companies and I'd say 99% of Ikea shoppers expect to do it themselves.

There's always the LGBT niche market

davenport151

A great idea!
Mmm. I think it would be worth more than minimum wage. I do the flat pack myself but would expect to pay more for other skills like putting up a shelf.
I'm sure you will find a demand for these services. Try spreading the word in your area to start with.

whitesatin

Not sure what charges to recommend but we were recently looking to buy some Ikea furniture and looked into their assembly service. Can't remember what it was now but we were going to use a local handyman instead as we know it would have been cheaper. As it happens, we bought ready assembled furniture this time.

We recently asked if our handyman would be willing to come and clean our decking (pressure wash then treat it with whatever is appropriate) as it is slippery. He said he doesn't do that sort of thing so we are now looking at approaching a decking maintenance company.

So yes, I am sure there are lots of people who can't/won't do things for themselves and suggest you get some flyers done and circulate them locally. Rates and demand will very much depend upon the area you want to work in.

Where we used to live we had a highly qualified chap who wanted to give up the rat race and started a handyman service. He did very well - not least through us! Word of mouth is very important as people always want to know the standard of your work.

We are both retired and can do some things on our own but often don't choose to. I would say, give it a go, maybe on a small scale to begin with to build up a reputation. Good luck with it if you do decide to try.

fluffpot

Where are you located? In London or a big city, then yes I think there is demand.

I think you could do well by focussing on on 'small' jobs that builders/carpenters/decorators aren't interested in - like as you say - shelves, furniture assembly, painting a new front door or gate. Just make sure that you are are reliable, clean and tidy - that will see off about 50% of the competition!

I would start with some flyers in your local area. You could phone around other similar services acting as a 'customer' to see what the hourly rates are in your patch. That's what I did when I first started out as an electrician

Good luck with your new venture

CBL123

Thanks for the positive responses.

I have wondered whether a 10% off for over 65's or for anyone within say 2 miles offer could help me starting out.

fluffpot

It might do, but if you're starting with a fairly low hourly rate, don't cut yourself to the bone - you need to cover your costs such as insurance (car and work) , petrol, car costs etc.

whitesatin

When quoting, please make sure you make it clear about who will provide the materials used. Sounds simple but I have known some confusion. You might be able to get materials at trade price.

As for a discount for the over 65s, it might matter but I would rather pay full price for a job (as long as I consider it to be reasonable) being more interested in getting a good job done.

Some small business, e.g. like handymen, don't earn enough to charge VAT which can be a genuine saving to the customer. I think that is legit, unlike someone charging less and not paying tax. Check that one out though.

I don't pay in cash either, I like to know it is all above board.

Sorry, rambling on a bit but we have had a lot of work done in recent years so have had quite a lot to do with various tradesmen.

themull1

I wouldnt hire anyone who charges an hourly rate to do a job, i always get a quote for the job itself.

cte1111

My BIL started a gardening and handyman business a year ago. They made out leaflets and distributed them around the local area. He started off charging £10 an hour and has managed to make a full time job out of his business. He's now increased his prices to £12 an hour.

I think my FIL helped by recommending him to his friends, many of whom now use him regularly. He has also got work from the leafleting though, mind out for dogs though, both my FIL and SIL got bitten when out leafleting. Good luck!

CBL123

Thanks for the further responses. All very helpful.