Handyman is a term used to describe someone who knows how to perform minor repairs and home improvement tasks. This person can be self-employed, but may also work for a construction company or a repair service firm that offers these services to clients.
Handymen often complete a wide variety of maintenance and repair jobs in commercial and residential settings. These range from minor plumbing or electrical work to refinishing floors, installing new cabinets and doors, painting walls and ceilings and repairing a leaky roof.
Most handymen are self-employed. Some have a permanent job with an employer, while others work on temporary contracts.
You need a lot of hands-on experience to be a successful handyman. It is best to start out by doing small and simple jobs that are easier to complete with your skills and tools. This will build your confidence and help you earn more money in the long run.
The right tools can make a big difference in your ability to get the job done and finish on time. You don’t want to be caught without the proper equipment when the job comes in, so it is important to invest in a high-quality toolkit that has all the basics you will need for your projects.
This includes a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and more. These can be a lifesaver when you’re putting together furniture, removing nails or working with metal pieces. Try to get a multi-bit screwdriver rather than filling up your toolkit with many single-bit models.
Another essential piece of gear is a circular saw. This will help you cut a straight line when fitting a new door or window. It will also be helpful when you need to cut tiles.
Safety gloves are essential for any job where you will be cutting, drilling or sanding materials. A pair of good gloves will protect your hands from splinters, dust and even electric shocks while you work.
A headlamp is a great addition to any handyman toolkit as it helps to illuminate your work area. This is especially useful in dark attic spaces, under manufactured homes and in places with no light.
As a handyman, you’ll be using a lot of hand and power tools. This is why it’s important to have a decent set of safety glasses and goggles.
These will be your best friend if you’re dealing with OSB or other rough wood that can be a hazard for your eyes. They will also keep your face from getting scratched up by splinters.
You’ll also want to have a stud finder and wall anchors as these can be vital when mounting large items on a wall. These tools can be expensive, so it is worth investing in a quality set.
You will need to be able to manage your schedule and all the different jobs that you have on your books. This is why it’s a good idea to use FieldVibe as your handyman management software, which allows you to track all of your jobs and send text message reminders to clients. It will also allow you to clock in and out, so you can get a sense of how much work you’re doing.