Let me tell you a secret: most homeowners would rather pay someone $75 to hang their TV than attempt it themselves. And that’s where you come in.
I’ve seen guys with nothing more than a drill and basic toolset build six-figure handyman businesses. No fancy licenses needed – just common sense, reliability, and the ability to show up when you say you will.
The Sweet Spot of Home Repairs (Where the Money Is)
Forget major renovations. The real goldmine is in the small jobs contractors can’t be bothered with:
- “IKEA Whisperer” Services – Charge $100+ to assemble that 8-drawer dresser that’s been sitting in boxes for months
- TV Mounting – 30 minutes work = $75-150 depending on wall type
- Drywall Patch Jobs – $50 to fix those nail holes before the landlord inspection
- Door/Drawer Adjustments – That sticking cabinet door drives people crazy
- Smart Home Install – Nest thermostats, Ring doorbells – easy money
Real Example: My neighbor Mike started with just a ladder and basic tools. His first gig? Changing lightbulbs in vaulted ceilings for elderly neighbors at $25/fixture. Now he books 3-4 jobs daily through Nextdoor.
What You Actually Need to Start
Tool snobs will tell you you need $2,000 worth of gear. Bull. Here’s the bare minimum:
- Cordless drill/driver ($100 for a decent one)
- Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, hammer, level)
- Stud finder ($20 lifesaver)
- Putty knife & spackle (for drywall repairs)
- Plunger & drain snake ($30 investment)
Pro Tip: Buy tools as you need them for specific jobs. Your first $200 in earnings can fund your next tool purchase.
How to Get Clients Tomorrow (No Website Needed)
- The “IKEA Assembly” Hack – Post in local parent groups: “Tired of wrestling with flat-pack furniture? I’ll assemble it for $75+”
- Landlord Special – Message rental property owners offering turnover repairs
- Realtor Hook – Text agents: “Need last-minute touch-ups before showings?”
- Senior Service – Church bulletins are gold for elderly needing help
Josh’s Story: He printed 50 flyers offering “TV Mounting – $99 Guaranteed” and slipped them under apartment doors. Booked solid for 3 weeks.
What to Charge (And How to Get Paid More)
- Hourly vs. Flat Rate – Flat rates always win. $75 to hang curtains sounds better than “$50/hr”
- The “While I’m Here” Upsell – “I notice your toilet’s running – I can fix that for an extra $40 today”
- Emergency Premium – Charge 25% more for same-day service
Pricing Hack: Check TaskRabbit rates in your area, then undercut them by 15% until you’re booked solid.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Electrical Work – Unless licensed, just say no
- Structural Changes – Not worth the liability
- Problem Clients – The ones haggling over $10 will be your worst customers
Smart Move: Carry a $1M liability policy (about $50/month) – it makes you look pro and protects you.
Turning Side Hustle Into Real Business
The game changer? Getting recurring work from:
- Property managers (monthly repair lists)
- Airbnb hosts (between guest fixes)
- Elderly clients (weekly honey-do lists)
Final Tip: Take before/after photos of every job. These become your best marketing material.
Bottom Line: There’s never been a better time to be the “guy who fixes things.” Most people are helpless when it comes to basic home repairs, and they’ll gladly pay you to be their solution. Start small, do good work, and word will spread faster than you think.