Replies

1. 
   Timothy_Finn | Feb 05, 2002 06:09am | #1

   *
   I stink with computers, eh? I've asked you guys for advice before, but I'm always looking for more. I posted once before how I wanted to start a maintentance business, doing small repair jobs - drywall, paint, roof repairs, etc. I was discouraged from doing so because I only have about 2 years of part time remodeling experience. I do have a cleaning business, so I want to start this on the side. Though it was suggested I get some more experience with a builder, this won't really work for me. Without giving you a long story, I'll just say that my son (5 years old) has what is called Global developmental Delays (which means he is behind in everything & nobody knows why, we've taught him sign language since he still doesn't talk). So I need to be very flexible in my work schedule to make doctor's visits & work with him in his development. So, what do you suggest for getting started? Advertising, affordable business software, contracts? Also have a buddy interested in helping out, maybe partners. How would you set up a partnership you were just starting (read "little cash flow"), especially if you were the one with all the tools. He did take carpentry in high school, so he probably knows more than me. I love this work, I'm just trying to figure out where to start. Thanks for your past advice & please give me a whole lot more. Thanks

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Feb 05, 2002 07:42am | #2

   *tim.... one of the secrets of business is multiplying yourself.. and the easiest and most profitable areas to do that in are in specialty areas.. you are already in one.. a cleaning business...bring your "partner" in if you want..but any good arrangement should be laid out in writing.. if you can't write it down .. it probably doesn't exist...if you want flexibility and good compensation, i'd concentrate on what you already do..and slowly feed in the remodeling part if it presents itself...

1. 
   pantango | Feb 05, 2002 02:10pm | #3

   *First I would say "GO for it and good luck". You can do anything if you put your mind to it. Don't let people discourage you. I was in the same boat as you not too long ago and I stuck with it. As for advertising, you have to look at where you live. Are you required to have a builders licenses. Legally in my state you must have a license to advertise for such work (Michigan)(although I do know people that do without a license). Overall I think word of mouth is the best advertising but it takes awhile to get your name out there. As for partner, I wouldn't do it!! I'm going through this right now in fact. He is a good friend and things will work out but if you can try to avoid any partnership. You can still have him help you out but pay him for helping you do a job. Even if he does know more than you, you might have to pay him a little more than you like but learn from him and pretty soon you can do it yourself. I hope things go well for your child. I also hope you go ahead and do your home repair project. If you love doing it , you might as well.

1. 
   Scott_R | Feb 05, 2002 05:29pm | #4

   *For what you want to do, ideally you want to know a little about a lot.You have a great start for getting involved in maintenance/handyman work. Years ago when I was laid off while working for a builder, I started a cleaning business. For several of these accounts I progressed into other things like painting and DW repair. Although this was not the genesis of my current business, it certainly would have been a good launching pad if I had continued on that track. Be careful about partnering with somebody. Many partnerships end up in disaster.Scott R.

1. 
   Bob_Curry | Feb 09, 2002 04:12pm | #5

   *Timothy,I've been studying the handyman business for a while now. It's a great segment of the remodeling industry and can be highly profitable. You've got to charge the right amount for your labor ($45-75/hour depending on the region) and have a cost effective method for lead generation. Why don't you consider working for or closely with some successful builders or remodelers? They often have a difficult time with small jobs and would love to find someone they could trust with their prized customers.

2. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Feb 09, 2002 11:55pm | #6

   *Tim, I've just agreed to get re-involved with and old expartner. We had a good thing going, but a divorce (his) mucked things up. His two and three month vacations wreaked havoc on my cashflow. I'm sure it will be much better now.Anyways, here's what we do: We pay all costs of supplies and labor and divide the remaining funds into the total hours that we each work onsite.Example: $17k job. 8k labor, 1k supplies leaves 8k to be split. If we each worked 40 hours, then we would each receive $100 per hour, or 4k each. If he worked 50 hours and I 30, then he would receive 5k and I would get 3k. It's a simple job to job agreement. It works for us. We each supply our own tools and we each pay our own labor. We agree to pay 50% overhead against all hourly wages. This arrangement provides for flexible work scheduling. I don't feel the need to match his hours, since he's a working machine. I tend to screw off quite a bit more than he does on a week to week basis, but he tends to take longer vacations. Either way, we both get paid for what we do. The crews will have a supervisor either way...Charge an hourly rate for your tools. If your partner doesn't want to use your tools and pay the freight, he can always buy his own.Partnerships can work out. We don't have to be in competition with the entire world!blue

3. 
   ken_hill | Feb 10, 2002 02:25am | #7

   *Blue- I had a very similar arrangement with my EX partner. It worked well for awhile, untill he began to feel he was worth more than I because he worked faster. I was slower, but did superior quality work. He could not buy into that, so that is one reason we finally parted ways.

4. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Feb 10, 2002 02:51am | #8

   *Ken, both of us are very similar in all characteristics. We're very similar in speed and quality conscientousness. We have some very good laughs too about some stuff we do. You guys sound like a classic case of non compatible framers. It's probably the second biggest reason that framers break up. The first reason is lack of money. All too often, the builder isn't paying enough to support two quality skilled guys. As a framer, you have to resist the temptation to treat every part like it is interior trim. That fact escapes many framers. The other end of the spectrum is the guys that don't know what constitutes a quality frame. They think that if it's standing, it's right, no matter how technically incorrect.Learning the balance between quality and quantity is the most important skill a framer will ever learn. After figuring this out, he will be able to make better judgments that will ultimatly allow him to succeed in a lousy business.blue

5. 
   Timothy_Finn | Feb 10, 2002 04:24am | #9

   *Thanks for the info & encouragement guys. The reason I want to someday get out of cleaning is because it is sooooo boring & people where I live don't like to pay for it (live in rural Maine town). What's your opinion on the 1st classified ad I plan on putting in the local paper?:Priority Home Maintenance - Our services include light carpentry, wood flooring, drywall, painting, & other maintenance projects. We understand your small projects are not a small priority.Appreciate any feedback. Thanks again.

6. 
   ken_hill | Feb 10, 2002 05:50am | #10

   *Timothy- Just a quickee........."Your small projects are OUR priority.".........Keeps out negaitive terms like 'not'.....Just my two cents. Cheers- Ken

7. 
   tknight_ | Feb 11, 2002 03:41am | #11

   *Yup, just what I am doing! Check your insurance and licencing requirements BEFORE running the ad. We are in the same boat right now, email me if you want to compare notes, Trent.