How to Get Handyman Jobs

Where to Find Handyman Work

Have you ever looked around and thought, "I could fix that"?

Maybe you’ve patched up a broken chair, installed a ceiling fan, or helped friends with weekend DIY projects.

If picking up a toolbox feels more natural than picking up the phone to call someone else, there’s a good chance you have the skills to land handyman jobs; you just need to figure out how to get started.

This post will walk you through everything you need to know how to get handyman jobs and how to make sure your schedule stays full.

There’s no need to overcomplicate things or wait for the “perfect” opportunity. These practical tips will help you take the first steps toward building a steady stream of handyman gigs.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s get into it.

What Type of Work Can a Handyman Do Legally?

So, what kind of work can you take on as a handyman? The short answer is: a lot. If you’re handy with tools, good at fixing things, and enjoy solving small problems around the house, you’ll find plenty of jobs that fit your skills. There’s a real need for people who can handle small repairs and odd jobs that homeowners either don’t have the time or the skills to tackle themselves.

The following are just a few examples of what a handyman does:

• Assembling furniture like beds, tables, and chairs

• Painting rooms, doors, fences, or decks

• Installing shelves, curtain rods, or TV mounts

• Fixing leaking faucets or running toilets

• Repairing broken doors, windows, and locks

• Cleaning gutters and downspouts

• Patching drywall or filling in holes

• Replacing light fixtures and ceiling fans

• Installing or repairing flooring like tile or laminate

• Power washing driveways, siding, or patios

• Hanging pictures, mirrors, and wall decor

• Repairing kitchen cabinets or drawers

• Minor landscaping or yard cleanup

• Installing pet doors or weather stripping

• Small appliance repairs

But there’s a caveat: many states set a dollar cap on the projects you can legally take on if you don’t have a contractor’s license. If a simple repair turns into a major renovation or involves specialized work like plumbing or electrical tasks, you may need to hand it off to a licensed professional.

Handyman license requirements vary by state and city. In many places, handymen can work on smaller projects without a license. For example, in California, you can handle jobs under $500; Nevada sets the limit at $1,000. Texas, however, has no statewide cap.

Any work that exceeds these thresholds may require a license. States like California and Utah also restrict handymen from doing plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work unless they hold the necessary trade licenses. Always check both state and local regulations to confirm what’s needed for the work you plan to do.

That way, you’ll stay on the right side of the law while doing what you love and getting paid for it.

How to Get More Handyman Jobs

The formula to find more handyman work is simple: do great work and make it easy for people to recommend you.

There’s a lot of value in a positive word-of-mouth. If you leave a good impression, customers will remember you the next time something breaks. Maybe a neighbor will ask for your number, or maybe a friend of a friend will reach out after hearing about your work.

A quick mention in a community group, a casual chat at a barbecue, or a short review online can open the door to more jobs without much extra effort on your part.

That being said, there are plenty of ways other than referrals to keep the work coming, but we’ve narrowed it down to the six easiest and most effective ones.

1. Define your niche.

To get more handyman jobs, it’s important to know exactly who your ideal clients are.

Have you thought about what type of people or businesses need your help the most? There are different types of clients, and understanding who they are will help you tailor your services, set the right pricing, and pitch your skills to the people most likely to hire you.

Start by defining client segments for your handyman business. Are you focusing on homeowners, property managers, or small businesses? Perhaps you want to specialize in offering handyman plumbing services for those in need of repairs. You could also consider focusing on elderly clients who require handyman services for seniors, such as home modifications or regular maintenance to improve safety and comfort. These people often need ongoing support, and are therefore a great opportunity to offer the best handyman services with a monthly subscription.

Look at the local demand in your area too. Are there neighborhoods with older homes or commercial spaces that need regular upkeep? Customize your offerings to meet these needs, and you’ll stand out, no matter you’re offering commercial handyman services or specialized low-scale repairs. This will help you attract the right clients and grow your business.

2. Build an online presence.

A decade ago, handymen mostly advertised in the yellow pages or went door-to-door in their neighborhoods. Today, to find more work, it’s essential to invest in your online presence. Building an effective digital strategy will help you connect with potential clients who search for services online.

First, create a professional website that clearly mentions your services, pricing, and contact information. Keep it extremely straightforward and user-friendly, so that it's easier for non-techy customers to request quotes or book your services directly from the site.

Next, improve your website’s visibility by using search engine optimization (SEO). Use local keywords like "best handyman services in Elmont NY" or “handyman services Baltimore MD” to attract clients in your vicinity.

Also, create business accounts on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor (more on this in the next section). Design eye-catching Pinterest pins using photos of your projects, client testimonials, and helpful tips. Hyperlink them back to your website to drive organic traffic. Engaging with your audience this way will help you build trust and grow your client base, possibly beyond your immediate area.

3. Register yourself on freelance marketplaces.

Gig economy platforms (aka freelance marketplaces) are a great way to connect with clients who need handyman services. By signing up on these platforms, you gain access to a wide range of jobs that suit your skills and availability. Here are several platforms that can help you find work:

• TaskRabbit: Once you're set up, you’ll receive notifications for handyman jobs near you. This platform gives you the flexibility to pick jobs based on your skills and schedule, making it easy to secure a steady stream of work.

• Bizzby: You pay a monthly fee to receive job leads and submit quotes for handyman services. As you gradually build your reputation, you can take on more jobs and grow your clientele.

• Mila: This gives you the options to register as either a "Friend" or "Pro" depending on your experience. You'll receive notifications about jobs in your area and get paid for each service you complete.

• Thumbtack: It works by letting you bid on handyman jobs posted by clients. You only pay for the leads you choose to pursue, which means you can control the work you take on.

• Porch: It connects you to customers through a partnership with Lowe's, a popular home improvement retailer. As a verified professional, you will receive leads directly from homeowners in need of handyman services.

Other platforms to explore are:

• Amazon Home Services: It allows customers to book your handyman services for tasks like assembly or installation. You'll also need to pass a background check and possibly prove your qualifications.

• Craigslist: This is a more casual platform where you can find handyman jobs posted in the "Jobs" section for your city. It's a mixed bag but can sometimes lead to great opportunities.

• HomeAdvisor ProFinder: It connects you with homeowners who are actively looking for handyman services in your area. The platform operates on a pay-per-lead basis.

• Indeed: Here, you can find longer-term handyman jobs by searching listings based on your zip code. It's a good place to look for opportunities to expand your coverage.

• Nextdoor: Local neighborhoods use this platform to share information, and as a handyman, you can set up a free business page to promote your services to neighbors.

4. Offer loyalty and referral programs.

When you offer something valuable in return, clients are more likely to recommend your services to others and keep coming back themselves.

• Referral Discounts or Free Services: Offer a discount or a free service after a client refers a new customer to you. It’s an easy way to motivate people to share your name with friends and family.

• Exclusive Offers for Loyal Clients: Reward your repeat customers with special deals, such as discounts on their next job or priority scheduling for future bookings. This makes them feel valued.

• Points System: Create a points-based system where clients earn points for each job they book, which can be redeemed for discounts or free services once they accumulate enough.

• Birthday or Anniversary Bonuses: Send clients a small token of appreciation, like a discount or free minor service, on their birthdays or the anniversary of when they first hired you.

• Referral Rewards: Monitor closely who refers new clients the most and reward them every quarter. A fixed commission along with a heartfelt thank you message after every two or three successful lead conversions helps build trust and encourages more referrals.

5. Tap into local networking opportunities.

Another way to expand your handyman services and find new clients is by forming relationships with local businesses.

• Partner with related businesses: Build relationships with real estate agents, property managers, and contractors. They often have clients in need of handyman services and can refer you when necessary.

• Attend local networking events: Go to community events and business mixers. These are great places to introduce yourself, share your services, and make new connections with potential clients.

• Offer joint promotions: Work with local businesses to create special promotions. For example, offer a discount for customers who use both your services and theirs, increasing exposure for both parties.

• Distribute flyers: Create eye-catching flyers with your business name, services, and contact information. Leave them in high-traffic areas or with businesses that attract homeowners or renters.

• Sponsor local events or charities: Get involved in local events or sponsor charity initiatives. This not only gives back to the community but also boosts your visibility among potential clients.

6. Make sure your bid is unbeatable.

There’s a lot of competition in the handyman market, so your bid needs to be both fair and competitive. To stand out and secure the job, keep these tips in mind:

• Charge wisely: Decide whether to charge hourly or by the project based on the job. Project-based pricing might be more predictable for both you and the client.

• Build trust: Establish rapport with the customer right away. Show them your reliability and experience to help justify your price.

• Consider the timeline: Ask if the client has any time constraints. Adjust your price and availability accordingly.

• Know your worth: Highlight your experience, offer references, and talk about your handyman insurance. This reassures the client that you're a professional.

• Check competitor pricing: Understand what other local handymen charge for similar tasks, but don’t undersell yourself just to land a job.

Include all expenses in your bid—tools, supplies, travel time, permits, and overhead costs—when accounting for any special requirements like licenses or potential hazards.

Wrapping Up

If you’re passionate about fixing things and solving problems, follow the ways outlined in this blog to grow your handyman business. Build strong relationships with clients, offer competitive bids, and promote your services through loyalty programs and local networking.

Stay proactive, remain patient, adapt to the competition, and never shy away from showcasing your mettle whenever and wherever an opportunity presents itself. Be consistent, and in no time, you'll gain more opportunities and establish a solid reputation in your community as the go-to handyman for solving problems.