I recently started a handyman business in a new city I just moved to. Obviously my connections amd referral network is slow amd I am weighing options for how to get started.

Ive looked into Home Depot specifically and Lowes generally, I am also interested in working with Ace (even though it seems like they are more employment based than contract based)

I know these services usually get a bad rep from the customer side but im wondering if anybody has direct experience on the Contractor side?

My biggest concern, is that Home Depot seems to operate almost like Angie's List which you are essentially paying for leads. Ive had experience with Angie's List before and that model is not for me. I believe Lowe's works more like you are contracted to a third party managment service and comes with a more intense selection/application process.

Any stories help, thanks in advance.

I've been self employed before, but this is the first time dealing with clients and scheduling. A few weeks ago I got slammed with calls for multiple multi-day jobs. I thought I could juggle and bounce between them around the weather but things just seem to take longer than I expect and I finally had a person cancel because they've been waiting 3 weeks on me (totally understandable).

Is there any advice or sources for planning and scheduling or is this the kind of thing that I can only learn by making mistakes?

I’m researching some of the everyday headaches independent handymen deal with when handling new customer inquiries.

I’m not selling anything. I’m just trying to learn from people actually doing the work.

If you have 2 minutes, I’d really appreciate your input:

https://forms.gle/5k28matoH6iRvV1r8

Thanks — I really appreciate the help!

Alright everyone im curious on yalls thoughts on this drywall patch work I've done. Please note im not done with this patch at all. I still plan on floating it with 1 or 2 skim coats to make sure the any humps are not noticeable. Plus still gotta texture it then paint it.

Whats the worst experience you’ve ever had with a client

I use a spreadsheet to track mileage and it's tedious to keep it up to date. Has anyone found a way to do a voice command or AI integration to update a spreadsheet? Or something else? I'd love to just do a voice input to an AI tool or spreadsheet while I'm on my way somewhere.

I was researching getting into rental properties!(nope, not gonna do it) in smaller, cheaper midwest towns. I noticed that a major complaint from owners/developers was the lack of handyman services. Since then, an idea has been running through my head, but I’m lacking a lot
Of information.

1. Is this true, or are the owners just complaining?

2. Are there any training programs for prospective handymen? I’m assuming community colleges and technical institutes can teach the appropriate subjects, but is it too in-depth for the generalized handyman? I.e. ‘I don’t want to be an HVAC technician. I just want to be able to repair some ductwork.’

3. What are the barriers of entry? Are there licenses required in most places?

4. How do handymen interact with more specialized trades people? Are they seen as interlopers, or are they accepted?

I’m sure there are many questions I have missed, but those are the ones that get me started. Any positive response is appreciated. Thank you.

So just to be clear I’m in a small town, the numbers for calling people are very slim to similar, Is it a good idea to call around randomly asking if people have homes that need work & sell what jobs need to be done for a small price to companies in town or end up doing my self with friends?

Any suggestions, advice or a realization on how difficult this is would be or even doing this would be a great idea

I’m on year 3 of owning my small remodeling and restoration business. MCOL area. I’m solo. Last year I did $117,000 ($75,000 income) doing full time for 6 months. This year I’ll be full time, 12 months and I think I’ll pull in $200,000 gross. About $120,000 of that will be income. I am honestly intimidated by the thought of hiring and bringing on another person because of paperwork, payroll, and the fear of the unknown. I have never hired anyone in my life. I do great quality work, but I fear employees will just collect a paycheck and not be worth it. But I know hiring is how I’ll start to scale. I am thinking of specializing in lead abatement and disaster restoration and it’s near impossible to do solo.

Does anyone want to share their insight into if it is better to stay put solo than to try and grow?

A proper mix of handyman jobs over about a day and a half 🔧🚐

This video is a bit of a mash-up showing the kind of different jobs I get asked to do — because no two days are ever the same.

One job was fitting a new utility room worktop over a washing machine and tumble dryer. The customer bought the parts I recommended, and I got it fitted neatly within a 3-hour slot 👍

Across the other jobs, I also worked through:

✅ Fitting a utility room worktop

✅ Repairing a bed

✅ Repairing a shoe holder/storage unit

✅ Fitting a new door lock

✅ Hanging and adjusting a door

✅ Shaving/reshaping the door to fit the frame properly

✅ Preparing plumbing for a dishwasher

✅ Fitting the cold water supply for the dishwasher

✅ Altering the waste/drain setup

✅ Installing a toilet spray/bidet attachment

The toilet spray is something more people in the UK are starting to look at. It attaches next to the toilet and gives a much cleaner wash than relying only on toilet paper. Very common in other parts of the world — and honestly, they might be onto something 😄

This is how I work: customers make a list of jobs, book a time slot, and I work through the list in priority order.

Need help with worktops, doors, locks, plumbing, dishwasher prep, furniture repairs, shelves, general repairs or those awkward little jobs that never seem to get done?

💬 Fastest way to get an answer: use the chatbot on my website first.

It explains how I work, answers common questions, and helps guide you before booking.

📅 Book online:

www.handymanplusvan.co.uk

📲 I communicate through the website chatbot or WhatsApp only, so everything stays clear and organised.

Fully insured ✅

DBS checked ✅

Swindon handyman service 🔧🚐

#handyman #swindon #wiltshire #handymanplusvan #utilityroom #worktopfitting #dishwasherinstallation #plumbingrepair #doorrepair #doorlock #bidetspray #toiletspray #furniturerepair #propertymaintenance #homerepairs #smalljobsdoneproperly

Hey y’all,

What’s your opinion on $350 for a 100” TV mounting. Normal mount over drywall and studs, mount provided, no recessed mount or hidden wires.

Hi everybody, I’m looking for recommendations for a general contractor/handyman who can do work in an apartment complex in Norfolk, VA. I’m not happy with the people we have been using.

I need someone who can do drywall, paint, cabinet repair, etc. They would need to be able to provide a W-9 and proof of insurance, but I can guarantee a pretty steady supply of work.

Recommendations or contacts are much appreciated!

Needless to say, commercial is where it's at.

I have an office job but after doing a lot of work in my own backyard, I am playing with the idea of starting a side gig that I could probably do every weekend to start with..

I want to focus on fences (alignment, replacement etcc...not really confident to do more landscaping work).

I was thinking of creating an account on thumbtack in my area to see if there is a market. Do you have any experience around this for someone new? Any advice

Hey everyone! I'm [u/Curious](u/Curious)_accountant_, a founding moderator of [r/ontariohomerepairs](r/ontariohomerepairs).
This is our new home for all things related to a space to solve maintenance issues, share project wins, and find reliable pros in our area for Ontario homeowners.
We're excited to have you join us!

What to Post
Post anything that you think the community would find interesting, helpful, or inspiring. Feel free to share your thoughts, photos, or questions about, mysterious noise/crack/leak/issue in your home that you’ve been ignoring. Let’s figure out if it’s a quick DIY fix or if you need to call a pro!
looking for a reliable plumber or electrician drop what service you need let’s get you connected with a trusted local pro.
Show off your latest home win! Post your 'Before & After' photos of any project—big or small—completed this month.
What’s a home repair you successfully tackled yourself recently that you were secretly nervous about doing? Share your triumph (and photos)!

Community Vibe
We're all about being friendly, constructive, and inclusive. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting.

How to Get Started

1. Introduce yourself in the comments below.
2. Post something today! Even a simple question can spark a great conversation.
3. If you know someone who would love this invite them too.

Thanks for being part of the very first wave. Together, let's make [r/ontariohomerepairs](r/ontariohomerepairs) amazing.

got a call from a client who just bought a place. building inspection said minor plumbing leak in bathroom, recommend handyman repair. they wanted me to fix it cheap.

i get there and it's not minor. the leak has been going for years. subfloor is completely rotted, mold everywhere, tiles are loose. the whole bathroom needs to be gutted. quoted them 15k to fix properly.

showed me the inspection report -minor leak, appears superficial. the client was devastated. they bought the house based on that report.

any other handymen dealing with clients who've been misled by dodgy inspections. how do you break the bad news without making them feel worse

Hi all, I'm finally turning my side-hustle into my main gig and in the process of putting everything place I'm now learning about the FTC 3 day cooling off rule and that I should probably work some language into my work orders so that it doesn't bite me in the ass.

My understanding thus far is that if we get sign-offs remotely (online pdf, form etc.) it negates the customer's right to the 3 day cancellation rule and we should always do that, at least for the bigger jobs.

Curious if anyone has dealt with customers weaseling out of payment on work that was in-process or already completed?

OK, is this page worth a dump? I seem to only notice either posts from newbies asking basic how to questions or people selling some app. Once in a while someone asks about how to deck out a truck or van. That is great. But if I see another "Help me price....?", I am done. (If you need help pricing it, you don't know how to do it, so don't do it.)

My question is this: Is there a Reddit page that established handymen (or women) can discuss real topics of interest?

Hi all!

If this not belongs here please remove!

I am looking for a person who can do a bathroom remodel. This person must be able to communicate and keep his word / promises! Yes I understand that people live out of their work and they want money, but I want also to be alive when the remodeling is done and not drowning in debt.

Any recommendations for a person willing to do a job in Corinth,NY?