You can start a handyman business for $1,500 to $5,000 if you already own basic tools and a vehicle. The steps are simple: register the business, get general liability insurance, check your state's repair dollar limit, set your rates, and get found online. The work that decides whether you stay busy is that last step — being the one a homeowner finds when they search.
We run our own home-service companies, so we'll be honest about which steps matter on day one and which can wait. Here's the practical version with real numbers.
Register the business and get an EIN. An LLC runs $50–$500 by state and shields your personal assets. The EIN from the IRS is free.
Check your state's repair limit. Many states let you work license-free under a per-job dollar cap — often $500–$1,000 — as long as you avoid electrical, plumbing, and structural work. Know your line.
Get general liability insurance. Budget $500–$1,500 a year. Most clients and platforms ask for proof before they let you in the door.
Set your rates. Most charge $50–$100 an hour with a one-hour minimum so a quick visit still covers your drive. Move to flat per-task rates as you learn your speed.
Get found. Claim a Google Business Profile and put up a simple site with click-to-call so "handyman near me" lands on you.
If you already have tools and a truck, a real start under $3,000 is normal. The handyman trade is one of the cheapest service businesses to launch.
Handyman work is a search-and-referral trade. When a homeowner has a list of small fixes, they search "handyman near me" or ask a neighborhood group. Being the obvious, reviewed answer is most of the job.
We build websites and lead systems, but in your first month you don't need to pay us. Do the free basics first.
When you hit that ceiling, that's where we come in. Our Start Getting Leads plan ($249/mo) is a hand-built site plus AI lead capture that books after-hours searchers. Grow in Google ($597/mo) adds the monthly SEO engine and attribution; Own Your Market adds CRM and reputation automation from $1,750/mo. You own the site and every lead, free working demo in 48 hours.
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It depends on your state and job size. Many states let handymen work license-free under a per-job dollar cap, often $500–$1,000, as long as you skip electrical, plumbing, and structural work. Check your state's limit first.
Most charge $50–$100 an hour with a one-hour minimum so a quick visit covers your drive. Move to flat per-task pricing as you learn how long each job takes you.
With a claimed profile, a few reviews, and a click-to-call site, days to weeks. Neighborhood apps and referrals can land work the first week while your search presence builds.
Send your company name and area — we'll confirm your market is open and build a working demo within 48 hours. Free, no card, no commitment.
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