Handyman business

[Matt1959]

Well beleive it or not even assembling Ikea packs is quite rewarding. Arrive at someones home and find a load of screws, bits of wood and sign lanuage instructions on the floor and a husband that has been trying to turn it all into a coffe table for three weeks. You do the job in ten mins flat and you are the HERO.

fair enough, but most people muddle through surely in the pursuit of saving a few bob:| I'd be interested to know of the true percentage of consumers who just cant be bothered with flat pack and "get a man in".

Seems to me like a service for the idle rich but then that type don't go shopping in Ikea surely:|

 

[Deleted member 9840]

fair enough, but most people muddle through surely in the pursuit of saving a few bob:| I'd be interested to know of the true percentage of consumers who just cant be bothered with flat pack and "get a man in".

Seems to me like a service for the idle rich but then that type don't go shopping in Ikea surely:|

Dunno what the percentages are but if my brother gets flat pack, he first rings me, then our Dad and if neither of us are available he then calls the local handyman.
He has even been known to change the gas bottle on his BBQ for him.
Fair play i say, my bro does not feel confidant with DIY, the local handyman has a regular customer.
The same chap now does his gardening, cleans his windows, washes the cars and does any other little jobs that crop up.
I bet he gets £200/month from my brother alone. How many more clients does he need like this to earn a good living?

Steve

 

[estwig]

Well beleive it or not even assembling Ikea packs is quite rewarding. Arrive at someones home and find a load of screws, bits of wood and sign lanuage instructions on the floor and a husband that has been trying to turn it all into a coffe table for three weeks. You do the job in ten mins flat and you are the HERO.

Brilliant, not sure about some of your other posts, but that's first class!!!




When it comes to tools and making things, me is a God among men!!!!

 

I paid just under £200 a few months ago, for a bedside table, wardrobe & set of draws to be assembled all stuff from IKEA. It took the guy not even an hour to assemble it all.

It was worth every penny and I'd use him in the future. I'm rubbish at DIY.

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=33302&highlight=assembly

 

[Matt1959]

I paid just under £200 a few months ago, for a bedside table, wardrobe & set of draws to be assembled all stuff from IKEA. It took the guy not even an hour to assemble it all.

It was worth every penny and I'd use him in the future. I'm rubbish at DIY.

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=33302&highlight=assembly

I'm speechless do you think theres lots of people out there like you Carl? This sounds bad me saying it this way doesnt it! I don't mean to sound funny, just curious.....

 

Yes I do, as the guy I used does it full time. He isn't a handyman he just does self-assembly so there is definitely a demand for such a service.

 

[roythehandyman]

Hang on there everyone, I am a professional handyman not an Ikea fitter J I don't spend all my time assembling flat packs. If that were the case I would have gone bust a long time ago. There are a great deal of people that can not assemble flat pack because it is not something they do very often. I have had years of experience and so it's easy for me. I also have the ability to imagine in 3d, so I can visualize the finished unit before I start. A rough guide to success is: (1) take a good look at the item that is on display and take a couple of photos of the assembled item (mobile phone is useful). (2) When you get the pack home clear a nice big area. (3) empty contents of pack and lay everything out neat. (4) Pin the instructions on a wall. (4) Arm yourself with a rubber mallet, Screwdrivers and pin hammer. Don't even think about a cordless screwdriver, they wreck more packs than anything. (5) lay the packaging on the floor to protect coverings from damage. (5) Now make a nice cup of tea and study the instructions. That's a bit like a game of chess in so much as you have to get into the mind of the person that formatted the instructions. In order to save printing and translation costs the plans will probably be in sign language. Now, when you have finished studying the plans you are all set to go.
In order to cut costs, a great deal of furniture is self assembly these days. Even though it would cost all of 30p to pay some chinaman to assemble the unit, Shipping the pack is cheaper, as you can get ten times as many units unassembled in a container than if the were ready assembled. Plus it helps keep me in work. Just a thought though, M.F.I did very well when they only sold flat pack. Once they went up market they went down the pan!
With present economic situation being as it is, Many of the unemployed people will be seeking handyman type work. so I expect the market will be full of cowboys.

By the way, I met richard branson in Ikea ( cardiff) He had quite a few boxes on his trolley!!!

 

[saracen]

I also have the ability to imagine in 3d,

Wow, i wish i had that ability then i would never of had to sit in the cinema wearing those crazy 3D cardboard specs that came free in the Sun newspaper for watching Jaws movie in 3D.



EDIT, i forgot to add, those cardboard specs came flat pack in the newspaper - i had to build them !

 

[roythehandyman]

Wow, i wish i had that ability then i would never of had to sit in the cinema wearing those crazy 3D cardboard specs that came free in the Sun newspaper for watching Jaws movie in 3D.

I just knew I should not have wrote that

BUT its true. I can look at something at one angle and turn it around in my mind and visulize what it would look like from another angle. Sounds mad I know. I only wish I could explain it more without sounding like an escaped patient. Its a gift that some people have and I am one of those. Some people need to draw plans to get an idea of how something would look, I can do it in my mind. some people need a calculator to count some are teriffic at mental arithmetic, same thing I supose. A sun reader eh

 

[J.D. Landscaping]

Some great points Roy.

I do the handyman type stuff but only when asked and i looked at joining the "Handyman Network" website thingy, the guy even said he would let me have the Cumbria area for free until it took off, i took it no further though.

However i may well look into a website for this after reading your posts, youve certainly given me food for thought mate.

 

[computaguy]

Hi, depends on the job. Plumbing I would pay £15 per hour to a non reg plumber. Flatpack... not sure price per item maybe?

I do know this. I searched for a handyman when I moved into my house six months ago to do things like hanging doors, curtain rails, replacing locks etc. I would happily have paid £20 per hour if I knew that I could leave my family in th house safely at the time. Take the time to get a CRB check made available and build a relationship with your clients. Concentrate on villages where income tends to be high but disposable time is low.

These are only my opinions and no way reflect the opinions of the mamagement (whoever they might be!)

 

[CKG]

I consider that post to be SPAM. If I wanted to work for someone else ( after all that is what purchasing a franchise is ) I would take a look down my jobcentre.

The origional post was seeking advice to become a handyman to boost his income. I can just imagine me going to a callout on a motor scooter laden down with, A step ladder, a couple of toolboxes, a router kit, plastering mixing bucket and trowels, Plumbing kit etc.

If someone thinks he is gong to earn a living arriving on a scooter armed with a screwdriver and hammer, then he is very much mistaken.

£17,500 plus V.A.T for the chance to try out your d.i.y skills is not the daftest idea that I have heard of, but it is very close. Thats £100 a week of any earnings gone for the next THREE years, Not to mention the v.a.t
"The banks, subject to status, will lend up to 70% of the total amount required" I would love to be a fly on the wall of a bank managers office when someone walks in is office asking for for a £10,000 loan to start a handyman business. Lets see now. The punter has no experience of the trade but thinks it is a surefire investment. he is going on a 5 week course to learn what it takes most people al least five years to learn. He intends to go from job to job, like john wayne, but on a scooter instead of a horse! Just what planet have you been living on for the last 9mths.
Get real.

Yadda yadda. It's all about you isn't it?

Just a site I came accross and though it a rather good take on building a large scale business out of a semi skilled service. I thought it may be of interest to someone as a concept.

Please accept my most sincerest appologies for subjecting you to such blatant spam Mr flat pack assembly dude.

 

I just knew I should not have wrote that

BUT its true. I can look at something at one angle and turn it around in my mind and visulize what it would look like from another angle. Sounds mad I know. I only wish I could explain it more without sounding like an escaped patient. Its a gift that some people have and I am one of those. Some people need to draw plans to get an idea of how something would look, I can do it in my mind. some people need a calculator to count some are teriffic at mental arithmetic, same thing I supose. A sun reader eh

Hi roy I do the 3d thing too mate i hardly ever do drawings for the work I make other than a design sketch its a dyslexic trade off for me crap at mentalo maths and spelling but able to make anything I fancy or take engines apart and fix them with no left over bits at the end LOL

 

I just knew I should not have wrote that

BUT its true. I can look at something at one angle and turn it around in my mind and visulize what it would look like from another angle. Sounds mad I know. I only wish I could explain it more without sounding like an escaped patient. Its a gift that some people have and I am one of those. Some people need to draw plans to get an idea of how something would look, I can do it in my mind. some people need a calculator to count some are teriffic at mental arithmetic, same thing I supose. A sun reader eh

Hi roy I do the 3d thing too mate i hardly ever do drawings for the work I make other than a design sketch its a dyslexic trade off for me crap at mental maths and spelling but able to make anything I fancy or take engines apart and fix them with no left over bits at the end LOL

 

[J.D. Landscaping]

Yadda yadda. It's all about you isn't it?

Just a site I came accross and though it a rather good take on building a large scale business out of a semi skilled service. I thought it may be of interest to someone as a concept.

Please accept my most sincerest appologies for subjecting you to such blatant spam Mr flat pack assembly dude.

Ouch.........

 

[lockie]

I do know this. I searched for a handyman when I moved into my house six months ago to do things like hanging doors, curtain rails, replacing locks etc.

I all too often see this and can never understand why.Many handyman types dont know about what type of lock to fit. Sure anyone can change a lock but do they know what the latest insurance standards are ? Are they fitting something that offers good protection or is reliable ? Are they aware of the flaws being exploited by criminals in certain types of locks.

I see loads of builders fitting era fortress locks as sold by wickes (rebadged),howdens,travis perkins(rebadged) and more yet ask any locksmith and they will tell you all about the problems these locks are causing as they fail left right and center.

It amazes me people spend a fortune on their house but want to spend little as possible protecting the most expensive asset they have.

Sorry rant over, attended too many burglaries this last month and last night saw a woman completely break down with the shock of it, totally devastated her.

 

[roythehandyman]

So someone will let you have a whole area for free Eh! So let me get my head around this, You take on a whole county, Build up a good customer base, Start raking in the cash, and only then does he want paying for the rights to that area! That sounds great to me. Why did I not think of that. Now if I can just find half a dozen good handymen with sawdust for brains. I can sit back and let them make me rich. I Cover the M4 corridor between Carmarthen and cardiff. That is about 60 miles end to end. I wonder how much he would let me pay him to carry on working that area!! On a serious side though, A website is the way to go. It does say something about the handyman, he can even build his own website! How cool is that! Look if you need any help with a site let me know, I would love to help. And before anyone comments on my website bang " handyman swansea area " or " kitchen fitter swansea area " into google and then say something.

 

[roythehandyman]

I all too often see this and can never understand why.Many handyman types dont know about what type of lock to fit. Sure anyone can change a lock but do they know what the latest insurance standards are ? Are they fitting something that offers good protection or is reliable ? Are they aware of the flaws being exploited by criminals in certain types of locks.

I see loads of builders fitting era fortress locks as sold by wickes (rebadged),howdens,travis perkins(rebadged) and more yet ask any locksmith and they will tell you all about the problems these locks are causing as they fail left right and center.

It amazes me people spend a fortune on their house but want to spend little as possible protecting the most expensive asset they have.

Sorry rant over, attended too many burglaries this last month and last night saw a woman completely break down with the shock of it, totally devastated her.

Well you and me both know that That it takes about 15 seconds to bump even a 5 lever euro lock that is fitted to most homes. I have told a lot of my customers about a certain fluid that performs very well ( starts with the letter P ), Whats your thoughts on the stuff lockie ?

I reckon the powers to be should ban euro locks,and make it law, that all new doors should be fitted with mortice locks. Two thirds of theiving B*&*&**&&* gain entry through a door and one third use a window so the door is the weakest point of any home. A few years ago our home was burgled whilst my wife and I were in bed and the guy even entered the bedroom! Insurance would not pay up because there was no sign of entry!!! the thieving get had bumped the front door lock! I made sure that I treated all my locks with the special brew and I now I have an alarm system that even sends me a text message if the system is compromised.

 

[computaguy]

And before anyone comments on my website bang " handyman swansea area " or " kitchen fitter swansea area " into google and then say something.

I did just that. You know what he's right at the top of the listings. Either he's the only welsh handyman in the swansea area or his optimisation is pretty damn good.

 

[roythehandyman]

I did just that. You know what he's right at the top of the listings. Either he's the only welsh handyman in the swansea area or his optimisation is pretty damn good.

Yep cool or what I had the number one spot for years! Then some dasterdly black hat went and purchesed swanseahandyman dot com!! and knocked me into second place It took me three whole to days kick him back down the listings Not bad for an oldie eh.

 

[lockie]

Well you and me both know that That it takes about 15 seconds to bump even a 5 lever euro lock that is fitted to most homes. I have told a lot of my customers about a certain fluid that performs very well ( starts with the letter P ), Whats your thoughts on the stuff lockie ?

I reckon the powers to be should ban euro locks,and make it law, that all new doors should be fitted with mortice locks. Two thirds of theiving B*&*&**&&* gain entry through a door and one third use a window so the door is the weakest point of any home. A few years ago our home was burgled whilst my wife and I were in bed and the guy even entered the bedroom! Insurance would not pay up because there was no sign of entry!!! the thieving get had bumped the front door lock! I made sure that I treated all my locks with the special brew and I now I have an alarm system that even sends me a text message if the system is compromised.

I fit locks pretreated with pickbuster.Bumping is becoming a real problem with more and more locksmiths reporting burglaries done in this way.Euro locks are ok though if you use the right ones.

That was my point in the post above although many can perform the task of changing one it doesnt mean they have the knowledge required to get the correct one for the job at hand.
The organisation im in is involved in the development of better euro cylinders and the new ones coming out soon are extremely good value with loads of protection built in.They are going fustrate the hell out of burglers and locksmiths alike.

 

[roythehandyman]

Good! its about time. but just like any security system, if can be made, then it can be breached. with access to the internet so easy now, anyone can broadcast how clever they are by showing others how to crack just about anything. My wifes car is an import and restricted to 110 mph. Within a couple of days I found a website that gave me a blow by blow account of how to overide the system!

 

[seasonsonline]

Before I started my current business I thought I would try and start my own "Domestic home cleaning service". I know this ain't quite the same as what your planning, but it's not far off!

Anyway, all I did was simply draw up an A4 flyer offering the usual stuff "Great friendly service", "no job too big or small". I remember that I didn't state a fixed price, because I wanted to test the water. All I did was say "Competitive prices!".

I posted 200 flyers in middle to upper class areas, and got 8 requests for jobs (4% hit ratio- not too bad). Also, after speaking to these people over the phone I was able to work out that the the kind of hourly rate I would be able to achieve was around £12/hour. So, maybe this could be your plan of attack to design a simple flyer, mine was hand written (I was poor back then and didn't have a computer!). Get it cheaply photo copied, black and white will do, get it posted, and get some feedback.

Good luck...

 

[J.D. Landscaping]

Errr ok then, thanks.....

 

[ledbillboards-co-uk]

Just give a ring to your competitors and ask them. There is the best way to know it and set up a competitive price in your area. My friend did the same when he started his business Power flushing London
Good luck

 

[Tej]

Good! its about time. but just like any security system, if can be made, then it can be breached. with access to the internet so easy now, anyone can broadcast how clever they are by showing others how to crack just about anything. My wifes car is an import and restricted to 110 mph. Within a couple of days I found a website that gave me a blow by blow account of how to overide the system!

I trust your wife did not get you to overide the system. 110mph is fast enough for anybody these days

 

[computaguy]

What car does your wife drive?

 

[richmondhandyman]

Hi,
I am unsure if this thread is still on.
You rates sound ok to me.

Working as handyman around Richmond area TW9 I am asking for £30 for the first hour and £20 for subsequent hour, and I think I am one the cheapest among my competitors.

My rates are published on my website -
richmond-handyman.co.uk/price

Cheers

 

[adbase]

I charge £25 per hour but £25 for the first half hour which covers travelling time to or between jobs. I'm lucky enough currently to be the most highly-rated Handyman on FreeIndex. If people are happy enough to rate me then I must be charging about the right price or else I'm too cheap.
The local market and the range of your abilities will dictate what you can charge.
I don't have a different price according to what I do so I know I might be cheap compared with a plumber if I'm swapping a radiator but I could easily be a bit pricey compared with a gardener if I'm just digging out an old tree root.

 

[Man that's handy handyman]

I run a handyman company and have found if you represent yourself professionally enough you can charge up to £40 per hour. Its all about setting yourself apart and creating a good image. I have found people will pay for a outfit that is creadible and is not a fly by night operation. It may seem like a lot of effort and money in the begining but its well worth it.
Having a good website has made all the difference

 

[wyld]

if my memory serves me correctly, im sure electrical jobs have to be carried out by certified sparks. They have to fill out appropriate documents and the local council informed ? Im sure i read that somewhere last year when i was having a new electric shower put in. It may only be regs in England. Likewise for plumbing, a snipf approved plumber has to carry out nearly all jobs.

You are correct as of 2005 new legisation was brought in which brought electrical work in dwellings under the Building Regulations, and made it a controlled service. This does NOT outlaw DIY but does make it somewhat more difficult to do some major electrical work along with the fact that some DIY electrical work could invalidate your house insurance if the correct course has not been taken.

But as a handyman you should have a electrical certificate to carry out any electrical work for a fee.

 

[Tom_Dwan]

I see this thread is a little big forgotten ( just a little bit ) so, no handymen around ?! I am running a London based handyman company and it would be nice to say a word or two with some colleagues.