How to become a handyman full-time or on the side

Do you have a knack for fixing broken pipes and leaky taps? Can you do more than change a light bulb, such as replace old electrical wiring and outlets? When something needs repair, maintenance, or installation in your home, do you quickly rush to the scene?

If you answered “yes” and the prospect of earning money from your passion appeals to you, then you can become a handyman!

In this guide, you can learn how to become a licensed handyman and create a steady career or additional income. Read on below.

What you’ll need as a handyman

One of the best things about being a handyman is if you choose to work as an independent contractor, you’re pretty much your own boss. You can set your own hours, choose which jobs to take, and keep all that you earn (after paying the appropriate taxes and deducting the costs, that is).

You’ll need all the appropriate tools, equipment, and certifications or licenses necessary to do your job. Here’s a list of what you’ll likely need on your journey to becoming a reliable handyman.

Tools

As a handyman, you’re expected to tackle many different tasks that deal with various repair or construction issues in different areas of the house. Some of your handyman tasks can include:

• Floor tile repair or installation
• Installing or updating insulation
• Plastering walls
• Painting walls
• Basic electrical repairs or maintenance
• Basic plumbing repairs or maintenance

It’s advisable to get all the tools necessary for plumbing, electrical and carpentry work. Here’s a sample of what tools you’ll need:

1. Set of pliers
2. Set of screwdrivers
3. Set of wrenches
4. Set of chisels
5. Hammer or nail gun
6. Metal snips
7. Tape measure
8. Spirit level
9. Tile saw
10. Drywall hawk
11. Electric sander
12. Stud finder
13. Cordless drill with drill bits and hole saw attachments of various sizes
14. Toolbox or tool bag
15. Electrical tester
16. Wheelbarrow
17. Marking tools like carpenter’s pencils
18. Headlamp or flashlight with clip

These are but a small sample of the tools you might need. Depending on the scope of your work, the list can become longer or shorter. And as you go through training courses, you’ll have a clearer picture of what sort of handyman services you want to deliver, which will help you determine exactly which tools you’ll need.

Safety equipment

Apart from the tools to perform your duties as a handyman, you’ll need the proper safety equipment. The basic safety equipment you should have in your kit can include:

1. Safety gloves
2. Safety goggles
3. Hard hat safety helmet
4. Safety shoes or safety boots
5. Rubber boots (for treading or wading in water)
6. Safety harness
7. Dust mask

Safety equipment is just as important as your tools. If you choose to work for a service provider or contractor, you can’t always expect them to provide you with safety equipment, so prepare to get your own. Some contractors or customers may not even allow you to work if you don’t have them.

Apart from potential objections from your employer or customer, even the most cautious handyman can’t predict accidents at the worksite, so always have the appropriate safety gear ready.

Proper training and skills development

Part of how to become a handyman entails training. Don’t rely on the basic handyman skills you already have when dealing with new or unfamiliar tasks. Without proper training, you’re prone to making mistakes and you may also end up hurting yourself.

You can get training from community colleges, NGOs, vocational schools, or courses offered by government offices. Another way to develop the skills you already have is to apply for an apprenticeship with other experts. You also have the option of joining service companies or charitable institutions that provide training.

Attempting to do work that you don’t have the training or skills for can also result in shoddy workmanship and unsatisfied customers. Here are some of the skills you must have or can develop as you learn how to become a certified handyman:

• Installing windows and doors
• Using power tools and hand tools
• Basic building and construction
• Painting
• Clearing and maintaining rooms
• Clearing and maintaining gardens

As you start out, stick with what you know. Declining to do a job is better than doing a bad job, as the latter can get you bad reviews! These bad reviews can ruin your reputation and prevent you from getting more jobs in the future.

Australian licences and certifications

Another advantage of becoming a handyman is its ease. If you plan to become a handyman that specialises in simple handyman tasks, you only need an Australian Business Number (ABN) for tax purposes, no certifications are required. You can apply for an ABN at the Australian government’s website.

If you want to do more complex plumbing or electrical work, you’ll need to get specific certifications for these. You can read more about how to get electrician certification and plumbing certification.   

Insurance

If you’re a handyman, insurance isn’t usually required by law but it’s advisable to have an insurance policy—especially if you work as an independent contractor. Here are the types of insurance policies you can get as a handyman; note that these policies are optional unless required by state law:

1. Worker’s compensation insurance

This type of insurance is applicable if you’re working for a service provider or contractor. It covers injuries or illnesses sustained on the job. Most states require this type of insurance for their workers.

2. Commercial auto insurance

This covers any accidental injuries or damages sustained or caused by business vehicles. For example, if your van or truck sideswipes another car, your commercial auto insurance pays for the damages or any injuries sustained by the concerned parties.

3. Tool and equipment insurance

This type of insurance is used to fix or replace any damaged, broken, stolen, or vandalized tools and equipment. This can cover equipment at your workshop, stored in your commercial vehicle, or at the worksite.

4. Professional liability insurance

This covers costs and liabilities due to errors in execution, failure to meet deadlines and stipulations, and other forms of a breach of contract.

5. Commercial property insurance

This covers the cost of repairs or replacement of business assets, tools, equipment, and other inventory items due to accidents, work hazards, or natural disasters like earthquakes or floods.

Transportation

You’ll need reliable transportation for your work as a handyman, as having your own truck or van isn’t only about getting to your worksite on time. A business vehicle also serves as secure and safe storage and transport for your tools and safety equipment. In some cases, you may also have to use your truck to procure and transport materials from the supply store to the worksite.

Physical fitness

Handyman work can require significant effort like repeatedly going up and down flights of stairs, lifting heavy equipment, or carrying loads of materials to the worksite.

To be efficient and to be able to handle more handyman jobs, it’s advisable that you keep yourself in decent shape. Try to maintain a level of physical fitness that allows you to lift and carry at least 25kg without too much exertion on your part.

Getting handyman jobs

Once you’ve acquired the appropriate licenses or certifications and training for becoming a handyman, get your tools and equipment ready and start taking on jobs! A good way to begin is to let your neighbours know that you’re now offering your services as a handyman. Here are some simple ways to promote your services:

• Go door-to-door to promote your services in your neighbourhood
• Distribute flyers to nearby areas
• Use social media as a promotion or sales tool

You can also sign up on Airtasker, create a profile, and start offering your services to customers.

Become a handyman, get hired on Airtasker

Working as a handyman in your spare time can be a rewarding part-time gig that boosts your income. To get started, become a Tasker and choose from lots of jobs available on the Airtasker platform. Sign up now!