If you see yourself as a jack of all trades, then why not consider becoming a handyman in Australia? From home improvement services to yard work, being a handyman (also referred to as a handyperson or handyworker) offers great diversity and flexibility.
If you are looking to build your skills and become a qualified, licenced handyperson, this small business guide can provide you with a few tips on getting started. .
Setting things up
- Get an Australian Business Number (ABN) – Your ABN is an 11-digit unique number that will identify your business to the government.
- Register your business name – This is done through the ASIC website so you can begin trading under that name.
- Trademark your logo – Make your business identifiable to your audience.
Recommended reading: Guide to Understanding Trade Marks for Small Businesses
After you’ve completed these steps, you’re officially a small business owner! However, there are still a few things you need before you can begin seeking out customers and paying jobs.
Sorting out your handyman insurance
Given the variety of tasks handymen undertake, you may encounter a variety of risks. A claim made against you could be extremely expensive and damage your reputation. This is especially important if you are a sole trader, as you are personally and financially responsible for the operations of your business.
Handyman insurance (a general term for all the different kinds of insurance a handyperson could consider) is designed to protect you from these situations. Here are two types of handyman insurance that you might consider:
Public Liability insurance
From someone tripping over a poorly placed toolbox to knocking over an antique vase in your customer’s house, there is a lot that can potentially go wrong.
Luckily, Public Liability insurance is there to cover legal fees and compensation costs if a third party claims against you for injury or damage to their property due to your alleged negligent business activities.
Business Insurance
A Business Insurance package* provides cover for your business contents, tools, stock, and commercial premises when an insured event occurs, such as a fire, storm, theft, or even accidental damage.
It can also cover your portable equipment, glass, and for loss of revenue as a result of business interruption in some circumstances.
Getting qualified
A common question for people new to the handyman industry is whether they need a specific qualification to work as a handyperson in Australia. The good news is for most small jobs, this is not required.
Some common handyman jobs include:
- Home repairs: Fence repairs, door repairs, painting, and furniture assembly.
- Home maintenance: Gutter cleaning, window inspections, carpet laying.
- Home installations: TV installations, curtain and blind installing, mirror hanging
However, it’s important to note that where the total cost of labour and materials exceeds a certain amount, handymen will generally be required to get a contractor’s licence. Handyworkers who perform specialised tasks, such as plumbing or electrical work, may also need additional certifications. Each state or territory has its own threshold for this licensing requirement, so it’s best to check your local guidelines.
Tools you may need
Since being a handyman is a diverse profession, the tools you need may vary from job to job. However, there are some that are always good to have on hand.
Firstly, getting a durable and portable toolbox is a necessity. You should get a good range of screwdrivers, screws and nails as well as a set of pliers, a hammer, and a tape measure.
It’s also best practice to ensure you have appropriate safety equipment. This could include gloves, goggles, ear muffs, boots, and a face mask.
Getting handyman jobs
Once you’ve acquired the appropriate handyman insurance and licences, it’s time to begin getting your first customers.
Here are three tried and trusted methods to reach your audience:
- Distribute flyers and brochures across your neighbourhood.
- Develop a website and set up social media profiles.
- Sign up to Airtasker , an online odd-jobs service to directly connect with customers.
The bottom line
Starting a handyman business can give you the freedom to be your own boss, choose your work hours and have a fulfilling hands-on career. From sorting out your handyman insurance, to getting the right tools and safety gear for the job, there is plenty you can do to start off on the right track.
