Making a Living as a Handyman
Building a good reputation is often a hard start for new handymen. Word of mouth makes a huge difference. Depending on one's skills and what one is willing to do, there are a number of places to get work.
There's always something that needs to be added, taken away, fixed or replaced on a house and other dwellings. To be a handyman/person usually means that one needs experience, flexibility, dependability, ownership of ones own tools, and a commitment to the work. Handyman work is usually self-employment. Some jobs provide tools but many will expect one to have their own.
Places one might find work as a handy person includes apartment building maintenance, contractors for home improvement stores (a credit check is usually required), contractor for a mobile home manufacturer, leaving word and business cards at local hardware or equipment rental stores, neighbors, family, word of mouth or other advertising.
A large percentage of new work is gained from referral and ask-backs. So, one's appearance needs to be respectable, the work needs to be done in a timely manner as well as doing quality work. For example, if a man looks mean and unkept, some customers won't even let them into the house to do their work.
Pricing and perception of cost by the customer is also important. Instead of saying that all work is $40 an hour, look at the job to be done and calculate what to charge. Then give the total estimate and a written copy of all that this amount will cover. This requires skills at estimating, but may get more acceptance by the customer.
TO GET THE EXPERIENCE AND PROFICIENCY:*Work as an employee at a manufactured housing plant. Start by familiarizing yourself with the different brands like Liberty, Holy Park, etc. Then find their manufacturing plants and apply. They've got illegal Mexicans lining up for these jobs in America. That means that the ability to speak and read English well will be an asset.*Get some credentials by taking classes or getting certified to do certain kinds of work.*Apprentice with someone.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR AND TO GET WORK:*Installation for major hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.*Repair work for Mobile/Modular home dealers.*Maintenance jobs at schools, retailers and/or other public companies.*Advertising on your vehicle.*Large apartment complexes and housing developments need repair people who are dependable.
Getting work isn't just about putting an ad in the paper and waiting for the phone to ring. One has to decide where to ask for work. If one does work for a company and if they like your work, then they will ask you back on a more regular basis. They may even refer you to others.
One's success as a professional handyman hinges on experience and commitment to the work. Good contractors are often hard to come by and so they are in demand in many locations.
