*
I’m thinking of starting a home maintenance business in the near future. Been working for about 1 1/2 yrs helping out with remodeling jobs off & on. I’m thinking of just doing small repair jobs so I don’t get myself in over my head. Any thoughts on pros & cons of this type of business? What do I need to be aware of & what are some good sites on net to find more info other than here. You guys always have good advice, looking forward to your response.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
Featured Video
SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than BeforeHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
*
Timothy,
i Been working for about 1 1/2 yrs helping out with remodeling jobs off & on. I'm thinking of just doing small repair jobs so I don't get myself in over my head.
Please don't take this wrong. It is not meant as an insult or smart alec remark, but...
Since this is the only info that you gave, it is all I have to go by. I can tell you point blank that you will be broke, disheartened, and looking for a job in a about 6 months or so.
Small jobs can mean any number of things. Very little knowledge or experience will make the number, and type of jobs you are able to do few and far between.
I understand that you probably mean jobs that don't require a crew, are easy to do, and do not take months to complete. But, you will need to know how to correctly and sufficiently do electrical, plumbing, all phases of framing, trim work, painting, installation of vinyl, tile, and other flooring, drywall, roofing, etc... You will need a vast amount of knowledge, skills, abilities, and tools/equipment. Honey do type jobs will not keep you in business long, and will not make you enough to earn a living. You will need to expand your services to include a lot of things that you may or may not want to get involved in.
The small jobs that most people associate with "maintenance of a home" will not be large enough, nor will they pay enough to allow you to make a decent living. You will need to get into the repair side of a home, remodeling, and other larger projects (all can be accomplished by a one man crew).
Give some more info on your skill levels, type of tools and equipment you own, and what type of jobs you want to get involved with. With more info, we can give more advice.
James DuHamel
*Well said James.
*You also have to be real hard-hearted with those little old ladies on a fixed income. That was always my downfall, especially if I liked them. Half a day finding a faucet stem and then charge them $40.
*Tim, That is just about what I do. But I also teach school. I repair, fix or replace things. And occasionally do vinyl replacement windows or a roof. I have a few guys that I can call on for help if I need it and a few guys that I can sub to. I have been in the repair and maintenance business for over 20 years and have bought, rehabbed and rented out houses for 16 years. Point being the advice above is true, need lots of experience to be able to do lots of different stuff. I have a maintenance mentality, like to work on short term items and move on. If you don't feel like that this isn't for you. Last month in one week I did a small vinyl window replacement job for 3 days, an electric service upgrade on day 4 and then on day 5 a garbage disposal. Also lonecat is right. Got to charge or you will go broke. I charge $35 and hour and double all material as most of the material is small. I make money and stay pretty busy but I won't get rich doing this, but it is satisfying as people like finding someone they can count and trust to do work and are generally appreciative. I do lose work because of price but that is a business decision I have made. DanT
*
I'm thinking of starting a home maintenance business in the near future. Been working for about 1 1/2 yrs helping out with remodeling jobs off & on. I'm thinking of just doing small repair jobs so I don't get myself in over my head. Any thoughts on pros & cons of this type of business? What do I need to be aware of & what are some good sites on net to find more info other than here. You guys always have good advice, looking forward to your response.