Do you know how to get work as a handyman? You’re always as good as your last job. And a word-of-mouth referral — online, in person, within a community or in business circles — is the most powerful tool in your toolbox.
These tried-and-true methods can help you source, find, bid on and win handyperson work to help keep your workload thriving. Jump ahead to read:
A handyman or handywoman has a knack for problem-solving. From minor home repairs like fixing leaky faucets to basic renovations like repairing drywall, there’s a lot of flexibility around their work.
But handymen don’t have free rein to just start working. Laws and handyman license requirements vary by state dictate the type of work you can do and the scale of the project. In some cases, if the project exceeds a certain cost threshold or is part of a larger job, you might cross into general contractor territory.
Websites and apps are a good place to begin marketing your handyman business. Once you start to bid on jobs and get work, schedule your work carefully. Make sure you give yourself enough time to complete jobs so your customers are satisfied and willing to recommend you to their friends.
If you’re a handyman looking for work, here are some of the best websites to help you find handyman jobs:
In addition to community sites, these job sites are a great resource to find handyman jobs:
Social media for small businesses is a must. You can use sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to display your talents and publish pictures of completed jobs. You can build a portfolio of your work on each site and write and share relevant information.
Before you start posting, it’s best to develop a plan for your social media efforts to get the most out of these channels. (Avoid posting personal photos and political comments that might turn potential customers away.)
Don’t overlook online communities and forums when considering how to get work as a handyman. It can be a virtual hub of opportunities, valuable connections, and a supportive network where word-of-mouth referrals and job postings flow freely.
You can showcase your expertise by sharing tips on tackling home improvement projects to start building a relationship with potential customers. Then, you’ll be top of mind when they need a handyperson.
Local business owners can be a game-changer for job leads as a handyman. It can expand your network and position you as a reliable handyman resource.
Connect with real estate agents, contractors and suppliers who can send valuable referrals your way. Strike up a conversation with homeowners associations and property management companies, too. They may oversee maintenance for multiple properties and outsource some of their tasks.
Local hardware stores, home improvement centers, and community gathering spots like libraries or cafes can also be a steady stream of work. Leave your business cards or flyers in these locations to catch the attention of homeowners who may need handyman services.
Working for the government can unlock a steady and reliable income. Federal agencies use USAJOBS.gov to match applicants to jobs. Finding handyperson jobs at the federal level might be competitive and somewhat slow, but the rewards can be worth it.
You can also expand your search to local government opportunities to win handyman contracts. Keep an eye out for listings on employment agencies, recruitment firms and platforms like Indeed.com, where government handyman jobs occasionally make an appearance.
Your bid should ensure that you’re able to complete the job, cover your expenses and profit. But before you start bidding on handyman jobs, consider strategies that can put you ahead of the competition. These tips can help.
The obvious expenses you’ll need to consider in your bid are:
The not-so-obvious expenses include:
When you offer a bid, check to see if the work will require a handyman license. And look for any potential dangers like electrical wires that could interfere with the job.
Many states require handyman insurance. But even if it’s not a requirement, the right coverage is a crucial safeguard against injury, illness, property damage and more.
NEXT offers customized insurance that’s tailor-made for small business owners like you.
Our 100% online platform makes it easy and convenient to get an instant quote, review coverage options and purchase your policy in less than 10 minutes. You’ll get immediate access to your certificate of insurance without needing to call an agent.
Amy Beardsley, insurance expert and contributing writer at NEXT Insurance, is a content marketing writer who specializes in small business coverage. Leveraging her background in the legal field, Amy brings a deep understanding of laws, regulations, and compliance requirements to her work. As a content marketing writer since 2016, she has contributed to publications like Legal & General, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Insurify, and NerdWallet. Her work has also appeared in CNBC, Kiplinger, and US News. When she’s not writing, Amy enjoys playing cards with her family and experimenting with new recipes.
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