Starting your own business is the pretty much better thing that going to happen in your life. And Today I want to talk specifically about how to start a handyman business in California. California is a state with a diverse population and a wide range of climates. This means that there’s always a demand for handymen who can handle a variety of tasks.
The best part about starting a handyman business is that you can get started with very little investment.
The future of handymen in California is looking good. Many people in the next generation of homeowners don’t feel confident doing DIY projects, and over half of millennial dads prefer to hire a professional.
This means there is a high demand for handymen in California. Don’t even need a license to get started. A license needs if the total cost of your projects exceeds $500 or involves multiple experts. Read on with the same curiosity and eagerness that you have when exploring how successfully you can start your online handyman business in California.
5 Steps to start a handyman business in California
Step 1: Planning
Regardless of its size, planning is crucial for any business. When you plan your business, you should set specific, achievable, measurable, relevant, and time-bound goals. By doing so, you can remain focused and attain the outcomes you aim for.
For example, you could set a goal to acquire five new clients per month, increase your revenue by 25% in the next six months, or expand your services to include additional home improvement tasks. These are all specific, achievable, measurable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
Setting goals increases the likelihood of business success. It provides a clear direction to follow and enables progress tracking.
Step 2: Identify target market
Another important step is to identify your target market and competitors. Your target market is the specific group of people or businesses you will be serving with your services. It can include homeowners, property managers, real estate agents, and small business owners.
Once you know who your target market is, you can start to research your competitors.
Step 3: Determine your Business model
If we look at the business model then, we differentiate into two types, they are:
Single-service handyman app:
These apps are designed to provide a single service, such as car repair, beauty, or house cleaning. This makes them easier to manage because they only need to connect with professionals from one specialty.
Multiple service handyman app:
In this model, the apps provide a wide range of services, such as plumbing, carpentry, repair, construction, and furniture shifting within a single application. This can be a great way to meet the needs of a diverse customer base. However, it also means that these apps need to collaborate with various professionals with different skills.
Step 4: Create a handyman business website/app
After determining the business model it’s time for you to catch the right development team.
You can develop your app/website in two ways: from scratch or using a ready-made solution.
If you choose to develop your app from scratch, you will need to hire a dedicated team of developers who are experienced in building handyman apps. This can be costly and time-consuming, but it gives you more control over the development process.
If you choose ready-made handyman app solutions, they can save you time and money, as they are already developed and tested. This can be a great option if you are on a tight budget or if you need to get your app up and running quickly.
Step 5: The legal procedures to launch your Handyman business
Ensure that your on-demand handyman services comply with all relevant laws and regulations in California, including employment and labor, data protection, and tax laws. It is crucial for business owners to be aware of the state’s provisional laws to avoid any future legal mishaps.
Employment and labor laws:
California has some of the strictest employment and labor laws in the country. This includes laws governing minimum wage, overtime pay, and paid sick leave.
Data protection laws: California is one of the few states with a comprehensive data protection law. This law, known as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), gives consumers control over their personal data. You will need to comply with this law if you collect or process personal data about California residents.
Tax laws:
On-demand handyman services in California need to collect and remit sales tax on their services. They may also need to withhold income tax from their employees. You will need to register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and comply with their requirements.
Licensing and permitting:
Depending on the type of work you will be doing, you may need to obtain a license or permit from the city or county where you will be operating your business.
End note
Starting a handyman business in California can be a rewarding venture, but it takes careful planning and dedication to succeed. As said, to increase your chances of success, research the market, understand your competition, and be aware of the legal requirements. Creating a comprehensive business plan with clear goals and financial projections is crucial.
Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, building a professional brand, and providing excellent customer service are essential steps to attract and retain clients. Additionally, stay up-to-date with industry trends and continuously adapt your business to meet customer needs. Hard work, professionalism, honesty, and trustworthiness will play a significant role in building a successful handyman business in California.
