I gave you my idea on it before, lots of widows out there tghat can't tie thier shoes and have nobody they can or would ask.

Go for itm no big investment, throw an ad in the local paper, mow lawns too, that's how I made my fortune, lol.

Big John

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Replying to:

To al of my fishlakewinni buds, I pose the following question. Do you think a Handyman business would generate enough business to support someone? I don't want to build houses or additions, I am more looking at small jobs. Around here some of the contractors have guys they refer for the small jobs they don't want to do. I have a friend who is a 50+ single woman and she thinks there is a ton of small jobs out there that the contractors don't want to/can't afford to do. Fuel prices would kill the big guys to go replace 3 pieces of vinyl etc. Any how, I am close to kicking this off, just want input from a cross section of people before I go lose my large sized Irish butt. Any and all inout is deeply appreciated, please be blunt.

Stay fexible and do about anything. Once the word gets out.I think you will do allright. Leave cards in retirement Parks.Retired pople are always looking for help.

Bill.... Trav call me 455-0268

If this is something that you are truly passionate about GO FOR IT!!!!!!! From what I've seen from ya Your a jack of all trades Put out some ads etc... You'd be surprized how word of mouth can get you more work then you imagine, If you put in the time and effort it should reward you Good Luck I think you would do fine!!!!!!! Take Care God Bless LOL Dave From up North

there is a guy down here that brings stuff in occasionally to be fabricated/welded. he does both residential and small business. i know he likes the more commercial work better as its more steady, works places like the vetrinary clinic next door to me and at the catholic girls school down the street. i would definatly drop cards off at places like a vet or a beuaty salon where they are trying to keep the place up. down here the lawn care guys seem to do extremely well, my neighbor does regular lawn care, masonry like patos, walls, bbq centers, and in the winter has a small plow truck with a sander in the bedd for convienence center parking lots and driveways that need sanding were a normal plow guy just has the plow. these lawn care guys all have new equipment, trucks, trailers etc, there has to be some money in it

I do lawn mowing and yard work on the side and have often thought of leaving my full time job to do it full time. I ran one ad on craigslist, and the first year I got seven customers. I am sure there are alot of people who would rather have there small home repairs taken care of than a cut lawn... I say go for it!

back in the early 90's me and another guy were doing car detailing on saterdays, we would just do 2 cars and we would pocket about 100 dollars each after expenses.a couple hours each car. theres a guy down the street from me that hires 2 kids about 20 years old and cleans maybe 10 cars a day for an average of maybe 150 each and there must be a discount for the city police cars and one of the dealerships in the area. hes been doing it for a few years now.

I'd sell cars, if Trav can do it anyone can!! R.R.

Bill, I,d say go fot it. Wish I,d done something on my own 35 years ago instead of being someone elses slave all this time. Am currently looking for someone to replace some ceilings in this old house. Also I know for a fact there is good money in small engine repair; and you most likely already own all the tools you,d need. Cal P.

Bill,
As is my norm around here, I will play devils advocate. I think that the idea of a handymans service is great. BUT, make sure you have insurance that covers you for EVERYTHING you do. Also make sure you don't touch items that you need a license for, such as electrical, plumbing, and (new this year) some aspects of heating.
Doing anything nowadays without the proper license or insurance is just asking for trouble. Also, take pictures of what you do, so that you have proof of how you left it. That way, two months down the road (after the homeowner has tinkered with it and messed it up) you will have proof of what you did.
Another new law that passed this last year is workers comp related. If you are self employed and working directly for a homeowner you don't need it. BUT, if you are "subcontracted" by another building trades business, you (or they) may be required to cover you with workers comp. For a sole proprietor in NH the base cost of workers comp on yourself is $14,400. I was never told of this law by the insurance company. I found out because I was a "subcontractor" on a job where the general contractor was insurance audited. Trust me its a big fine if you break that law and get caught. Close to 2 grand per day in violation!`
The only loophole I know of at this time is to do everything via quote... do no work "by the hour" as a "subcontractor". I doubt that "loophole" will be open much longer though.
In short, cover your a$$ at all times.
Best of luck to you.
Craig

Craig's points are valid...just be sure you have the laws covered. I know in my Real Estate business here I am always being asked by clients if I know of some that can do small jobs. Put your name and cards out to all the local Realtors I am sure they would help.
Go for it!