Starting a Thriving Handyman Business

Starting a handyman business can be a financially rewarding career. It can bring you a variety of different tasks on a day-to-day basis that can leave you feeling very fulfilled and satisfied.

With people working longer hours and the rise in the older generation staying in their homes longer, the rise in demand for handyman services are in high demand and it’s only set to increase over the coming years. The average industry growth in Portugal for handymen has been around 0.9% per year and is predicted to only increase further over the next few years .

There are two main aspects to starting your own handyman business:

1. Becoming a handyman

2. Starting a business

This guide will take you through both stages of this process and breakdown not just the steps you need to take to become a successful handyman but also some tips for starting your own handyman business too.

Starting a handyman business 

If you’re interested in becoming a handyman you’ll need to have a broad understanding of how to fix, install, repair and maintain things around the house. Sometimes handymen are also required to do some simple electrical, carpentry or plumbing tasks such as installing light fixtures, clearing blocked drains, changing washers, appliance repairs or window/floor restoration but in general tasks should be simple and not to the scale of a professional plumber or electrician.

Types of handyman services

There are 6 general types of handyman services

1. Home Maintenance

Home Maintenance work may include tasks such as gutter clearing, window frame mending, flooring and wood rot inspections plus general maintenance around the house.

2. Home Repairs

Home Repairs include tasks such as door repairs, painting and furniture assembly.

3. Carpentry

Carpentry work can also be classified under handyman services and can include tasks such as installing pet doors, cabinet installation and shelf installation plus anything that needs repairing with woodwork

4. Electrical Work

Electrical work can also be included under a handyman's tasks such as installing light fixtures, simple rewiring tasks or installing light switches or appliance repairs. In general a handyman won’t have an in-depth knowledge of electrical work but he or she should have a general overview of how electrical products work.

5. Plumbing

Handyman can also be asked to complete some light plumbing tasks such as repairing pipes or installing a sink

6. Home Installations

Lastly, a handyman might be required to complete some home installations such as TV installation, blind installation or picture hanging. To be a good handyman it’s important to have general skills in a few areas as every task will be different with different skills required.

Handyman Training and Licenses 

To become a handyman you don’t need any specific training or licenses but it is beneficial to obtain a professional license like plumbing and or electrical to add more skills to your portfolio, so you can complete more complicated tasks.

If  you’re looking to offer more complex and specialized services like plumbing and electricity work you’ll have to obtain a license in this area.

Do I need a license in Portugal?

To become a handyman you don’t need any specific training or licenses but it is beneficial to obtain a professional license like plumbing and or electrical to add more skills to your portfolio.

What type of insurance does a handyman business need?

Insurance is essential for all handyman businesses of all types, but the right type of insurance will depend more upon your specific business. If you’re a sole trader you won’t need workers compensation cover for example.

Types of insurance:

- Public liability insurance

- Portable equipment and valuable items insurance

- Personal accident, injury and illness insurance

- Life insurance

- Workers compensation cover

- Motor insurance

- Contract works/contractual liability insurance

- Property insurance

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