Handyman

beefy2

:hello:Hi all,

I'm new on hear so bear with me.

I have a Dilema,i have been a plasterer for best part of 20 years unfortunately all the physical work has taken its toll on the body,i have all the usual aches and pains.

I have always worked in the construction trade and have taken other courses in carpentry and plumbing,for which i have qualifications.

Which brings me to my question,i would like to start up a handyman business to the domestic market covering all of the above work,but on a smaller scale,I'm really looking for some advice on whether its worth it or not.

All replys gladly received

vansboy

You'll have LOADS of work, be far better off than a plasterer - if the plasterers we've used are anything to go by. They do seem to be the most un-appreciated of all the trades!! Unfair really, 'cos it looks easy, but I know it isn't!!

Being able to adapt, once you've done a few good jobs, at a fiar £$£$£ you'll be working on recommends all the while!!

Good luck!!

VB

bookduck

You could always try a college that offers trade courses. One and a half years ago Hemmel Hempsted had a vacancy for a full time plastering lecturer, but no one wanted the job, so they had to get a contractor in.

I'm fairly sure there is a market out there for old people whom want small jobs done too.

woodbutcher_2

I say go for it.Been self employed since 91 and never been short of work.I'm a joiner but can do most things in the building trade.Plastering takes it's toll,you would do right to get out and you can always keep your eye in by doing the odd bit of plastering.

looby-loo_2

I work long hours and would gladly employ a reliable handyman to do a variety of small DIY type jobs. I'd like to employ him on a daily basis to do all the little jobs I never get round to.

Good luck!

paintpot

As a landlord, handmen are invaluable to me, I have a really great one now and I use him alot as he is reliable and will go out at short notice. If you decide to go this route then contacting local letting agents who manage a vast portfolio of properties could be a valuable source of business. They may try you out and see how you go then if you do a good job then more business will come your way. Check agent's payment terms though as they are not always swift payers. Also, tapping into the private landlord market could be lucrative aswell. I am sure there is also a huge market generally for private individuals and word of mouth is usually the key to developing a business like this.

TomsMom

I would say you would be very popular (and when I move house can you come to north Wales and do some jobs for me as OH doesn't feel he can tackle big jobs now he's nearing retirement)!

Build up a good reputation by being honest, reliable, a clean worker (I always appreciate workmen who clean up after themselves, put down dust sheets etc), charging a fair price and be willing to do small jobs as well as large. If your prices are reasonable and your work good quality then word of mouth will bring you more work.

My son is a ceramic tiler, had a change of career, and then started doing tiling again part time. His prices are very reasonable (about half what B&Q charge) and he will do anything from a splashback to a fully tiled bathroom. His reputation now precedes him and he is in constant demand with virtually all of his work coming from recommendations, he has never had to advertise.

There are always plenty of people, including senior citizens, looking for jobs to be done by good honest people at a price they can afford. My mum's in her 80s and lives alone but has found a couple of good honest people who she can call on and know that they will do a good job and not rip her off. She always goes back to them when another job crops up.

Go for it and good luck.

beefy2

Thank you all that have replied to my thread.I have made my mind up,once i kit myself out with additional tools and get the ball rolling:j

I now a guy near me who charges £30 for the first hour and £15 thereafter:eek: is this the going rate for a Handyman!!!!

TomsMom

beefy2 wrote: »

I now a guy near me who charges £30 for the first hour and £15 thereafter:eek: is this the going rate for a Handyman!!!!

I think it depends where you live.

We have an exceptionally good carpenter a couple of years ago who charged £12.50 per hour. We also had a very good painter/decorator who charged £12 per hour. These were not small jobs, took a few days each, so no extra for first hour. We are in north Wales.

vansboy

I wouldn't charge by the hour, much better to say what you want for the 'job', rather than expecting the customer to work it out for themselves.

What's the point in saying it'll be 4 hours at £30 first hour, then 3 hours more at £15, then another £10 for travelling to B&Q, then another....

Just price it & if you get it done quiker, think about giving a discount, or if you come accross a REAL BIG problem, explain it to your customer & say it's more complex & you'll take longer & you might just need to ask them a bit more £$£$

Much fairer & clearer way to price things.

VB

ukwoody

Pricing wise, for a handyman you often have to charge by the hour, and whilst not universally popular it does make sense to charge more for the first hour - a bit like a callout fee - if it's only a couple of hours work. I do a lot of locksmith work and I charge a callout which inlcudes the first hour - otherwise you'll only fit in 4 or 5 jobs a day and you'll lose out big time. I'm proof! Different if it's a whole day of course.

The thing about a handyman, is knowing where your limits lie. Yes, push yourself a bit to learn, but be sensible if it's too big or not known to you, don't to do it. It's better to have a reputation for doing a good job well, then doing everything, but poorly.

You should do very well, and I wish you well.

woody