Handyman services

[Help@hand]

I'm thinking of starting my own handyman business in the Bournemouth area,I have plenty of experience in the building trade over the years,but feel unfulfilled,can hang doors /skirting board etc also have most tools also can do gardening and landscaping.
Is now a good time to launch myself, don't mind building up slowly as i have a bit of cash in reserve,I have my first customer in large house in Westbourne 1 day a week maintaining garden alone, agreed an hourly rate of £20 per hour plus expenses ,is this reasonable.

 

[johnny2007]

Yes, go for it.

 

[Notch7]

There's a guy who set up near us he markets himself as a handyman, but he only does small jobs, nothing more than a couple of days but mostly just a few hours work.

The idea is that he is doing the jobs that most tradesmen can't be bothered with and by only doing small jobs it means he can be available within a few days.

around here I know so many people that can't get a tradesmen to even come around for a quote - plumbers, electricians, chippies etc.

 

[Dangee]

Where abouts Notch?

 

[Charlie George]

I'm on nextdoor digest (local news etc) and people are always looking for little jobs to be done,a lot of the posts seem to go unanswered probably as Notch says most tradesmen can't be bothered.

 

[diy_fun_uk]

I'd say go for it. If handymen/women are good at what they do, they tend to get a fair bit of repeat business. Build up your customer base and you also have word of mouth to help you.

 

[durhamplumber]

I'm thinking of starting my own handyman business in the Bournemouth area,I have plenty of experience in the building trade over the years,but feel unfulfilled,can hang doors /skirting board etc also have most tools also can do gardening and landscaping.
Is now a good time to launch myself, don't mind building up slowly as i have a bit of cash in reserve,I have my first customer in large house in Westbourne 1 day a week maintaining garden alone, agreed an hourly rate of £20 per hour plus expenses ,is this reasonable.

Seems cheap to me,but yes,go for it.Self employment was the best career move I made.Not dreading Monday morning is priceless.

 

[Bodd]

I think £20 per hour is too cheap. Thats just a wage and not a profit. You need to bear in mind:
Holiday
Sickness
Wear and tear on tools and van.
accountant fees.
Insurances.
ect ect

 

[fillyboy]

I think £160 a day isn't too bad, If I'm quoting for decorating work, I'd need to come in at a little less than that, if I'm fitting a kitchen, it'll be more than that.
I hate doing small jobs and rarely do unless it's a regular customer who I'll always try and help out.
I've ignored 4 messages this week, one was 'can you give me a quote to fit worktops in my new kitchen'. I didn't call back because I would have likely been rude to them. Who fitted the kitchen? get them to quote.

With a handyman type business you're going to be fannying about doing small jobs, even to hang a few pairs of blinds it's probably 3 trips to the van bringing in tools then 3 trips back out, 4 if you forget the radio. With small jobs, you'll never achieve £20 per hour because of setting up tools, travelling etc etc, there needs to be a minimum charge (maybe 45-50 for the first hour) and then £20 per hour thereafter. £160 a day is OK but too many small jobs could see you at £80 per day.

Also, your area, lots of retired people, a lot of wealth. Don't put out a pricelist as such, keep it flexible. £20 per hour is fine but if somebody from Sandbanks or Canford Cliffs phones up, stick another £5 per hour on at least, an extra £10 per hour if it's Harry Redknapp.

Other than that, go for it, it's a challenge, it can be rewarding, no two days are ever the same and if nothing else, you'll meet some very interesting people.

 

[Bodd]

£45 1st hour then £20 after that is fair. That would make a difference over a week or a month.

 

[Brigadier]

..... at least, an extra £10 per hour if it's Harry Redknapp

And in cash

 

[johnny2007]

I've ignored 4 messages this week, one was 'can you give me a quote to fit worktops in my new kitchen'. I didn't call back because I would have likely been rude to them. Who fitted the kitchen?

Probably the same potential customers are asking advice here

 

[blup]

If you have trade or general labouring skills you have something to fall back on. Bournemouth is the probate capital of England so plenty of retired customers who will need small and not so small jobs doing.

Blup

 

[ReganAndCarter]

Bournemouth is the probate capital of England

Diplomatic way of saying 'Coffin Dodger Central'.

 

[ReganAndCarter]

, one was 'can you give me a quote to fit worktops in my new kitchen'. I didn't call back because I would have likely been rude to them. Who fitted the kitchen? get them to quote.

Poss a DIYer who did the easier part fitting cabinets and wants someone to do the skilled bit that needs special tools.