How To Be a Good Handyman

by Team Tradify, November 30, 2023

If you're a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle household repairs like a pro, this guide will teach you how to be a good handyman. Good, skilled handymen are always in demand, so learning these skills can set you up for a lucrative business opportunity. Homeowners love to find a go-to handyman they can trust—someone to call on them whenever a new job pops up.

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Looking for advice about a specific trade?

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Skip ahead:

Getting started as a good handyman
Prioritise integrity in your customer service
Become a lifelong learner
Watch your wallet
Don’t shy away from technology
Keep up to date with health and safety
Your career as a good handyman

electrical and building tools on top of blue step ladder

1. Getting started as a good handyman

If you’re just starting out as handyman, then the best way to get ahead is with an apprenticeship a trade like carpentry. The biggest perk when it comes to apprenticeships is that they give you the chance to earn while you learn, which means less student debt. Whatever trade you choose, you’ll divide your time between work-based and classroom learning, and you’ll be assigned a mentor who will guide you through your training.

Learn more about the highest-paying trades.

You don't need a qualification — but it helps

It's not necessary to become qualified in a trade to be a handyman. In fact, part of the appeal of 'handyman' status is that you don't need any qualifications at all — experience is more important. However, if you're just starting out then exposing yourself to 'the trades' as an industry is a great way to upskill and broaden the services you can offer as a handyman.

🇺🇸 Getting started as a good handyman in the USA

Depending on the trade you’re interested in, you’ll probably need to be 18 years old to start an apprenticeship. Make sure you work hard at school to gain your high school diploma. As well as math and English, woodwork and the sciences are ideal subjects to focus on to support your future in the trades. You can find available apprenticeships via the Federal Government’s Apprenticeship Job Finder.

🇬🇧 Getting started as a good handyman in the UK

Apprenticeships are widely available to those aged 16 and over. Some GCSEs, particularly in maths and English, will help you get your foot on the first rung of the apprenticeship ladder. You can start as a labourer or something similar and ask your employer to support you through an apprenticeship. Alternatively, the Government's Find an Apprenticeship site lists numerous apprenticeship vacancies across all trades and areas of the UK.

Once you’re qualified, you’ll be ready to move straight into paid work, and you’ll be pleased to know that good handyman get paid well for their skills. While the average hourly rate can differ depending on the trade, if you put the hard work in, you’ll be rewarded.

🇦🇺 Getting started as a good handyman in Australia

Once you’ve finished Year 10 at high school, you’ll be ready to jump into your chosen trade apprenticeship. Australian Apprenticeships Pathways is a great source of information for would-be trade apprentices.

🇳🇿 Getting started as a good handyman in New Zealand

There are no specific qualifications for many trades in New Zealand, but a lot of employers will expect you to hold a qualification or be working towards one. An apprenticeship is a great way to show that you're committed to gaining a qualification in the trades, and prove that you're capable of learning the skills necessary to become a good tradie.

Learn more about how to get an apprenticeship in the trades.

electrician sitting in back of work van looking at tablet

2. Prioritise integrity in your customer service

Sometimes, handymen can get a bad rap — mainly because of a few bad eggs that let everyone else down. Make it your mission to change this! Reliability, integrity, admitting when things go wrong and putting them right are the hallmarks of great customer service. Nail your customer service and it’ll go a long way towards building and maintaining your reputation as a handyman, particularly if you choose to start your own handyman business.

Read these tips for how to build a strong client-contractor relationship.

3. Become a lifelong learner

Learning doesn’t stop once you finish an apprenticeship. As in most industries, new technological developments are rapidly changing the trades, so it pays to keep ahead of the game. Short online courses are a great way of upskilling and adding a new service to your toolbelt.

Take a look at our podcast for great industry insights from leading handymen, or check out our blog for more articles like this one.

4. Watch your wallet

There are lots of moving parts when it comes to running a handyman business, but it’s critical to keep track of all outgoings. From that bag of nails you pick up on your way to a job, to splashing out on a brand-new work van, expenses can add up quickly and start to chip away at your profits without you even realising it.

To make things easy, we’ve created a Cash Flow Forecast Template that you can download and fill out yourself.

5. Don’t shy away from technology

From social media to cloud-based apps like Tradify that streamline your work processes, technology is the not-so-secret weapon for becoming a good handyman and running a successful business. You need automated systems that help eliminate unnecessary paperwork, so you can focus on the tools and growing your handyman business.

You also need an online presence to build a brand for your business. The majority of customers will discover and learn more about you online, so make sure your digital marketing is up-to-par.

6. Keep up to date with health and safety

As a handyman, you’re often exposed to health and safety hazards. It’s just part of the job. A good handyman will work hard at minimising these risks to keep their colleagues and customers safe. Be sure to stay on top of your health and safety obligations:

🇺🇸 Health and safety requirements for businesses in the USA
🇬🇧 Health and safety requirements for businesses in the UK
🇦🇺 Health and safety requirements for businesses in Australia
🇳🇿 Health and safety requirements for businesses in New Zealand

7. Your career as a good handyman

With good handymen in high demand, the sky is the limit when it comes to your career. When you feel you’re ready, there’s nothing to stop you from starting your own handyman business and specialising in an area that interests you. With the right qualifications, mindset, and tools, you’ll be well on your way to success.

Great handymen use Tradify to run their businesses. Sign up for a free 14-day trial, or jump into one of our weekly live walkthroughs.