how to become a handyman

Training to become a handyman will vary drastically depending on where you live, your experience level, and the services you would like to offer. Since there isn't a single training program, online course, or book that will contain the information you specifically need to acquire the necessary skills, it will be up to you to decide what you learn.

For example, you may have excellent business skills but very few home repair skills. You would obviously want to focus on getting some hands-on repair experience.

Or, you might be amazing at fixing homes and have 30 years of experience, but your business skills are non-existent. In that case, you'll need more business-related training.

Or, you could be like me when I started my business and have NO business experience and minimal hands-on home repair experience.

Either way, in this article, I'll share several options for handyman training and the benefits and shortcomings of each. Then I'll share how I gained my skills.

Hopefully, if you are reading this, you have some experience with home improvements or home maintenance – even if it's just doing DIY projects. If not, your best bet is to get a job working for a contractor or handyman for a while until you gain the confidence and experience required to even consider being a handyman.

To determine the best way for you to begin your handyman training, I'd recommend you take an inventory of your current skills and determine what services you would like to offer. One common assumption that people have is that they need to know how to do everything to become a pro handyman. This simply is not the case. You can run a business offering just a handful of services or even a single service.

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Here are several different methods for gaining experience as a handyman. You don't need to train using all of these methods; just choose the ones that are necessary for you to reach your specific goals.

#1 – Vocational Schools and Community Colleges

There are several online programs and schools where you can get trained on specific trades such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilating, and cooling). These courses may be a good option if you are interested in taking the long road to becoming a specialty contractor.

This can be an effective way to start out since you will learn how to do one specific trade well, get licensed, and then slowly broaden your services to other things.

In my state, a license is required to do any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. I don't have any of these licenses (there is a different license for each trade), so I cannot perform this type of work. Of course, I lose some business because of this, but that's okay. There is still plenty of work to keep me busy.

Getting licensed in one of these trades will help you gain customer trust and help you demand a higher rate. This is probably the best reason to get licensed. There is a downside, however. It can take several years to become a licensed plumber, electrician, or HVAC specialist.

In most states, you are required to first complete formal training with a certified education facility. Then, you may be required to complete up to 5 years as a journeyman before you can go out on your own. That's a long time working for somebody else, but it's still a good option if you have the patience.

There are also several websites online that will provide you with the formal training you need. Before you start any course, make sure it is something that your state recognizes for credit toward a license. You don't want to waste your time on unnecessary training.

#2 – Volunteer

Volunteering for a program like Habitat for Humanity can be a valuable hands-on method to gain experience. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit company that builds homes for homeless and less fortunate families. If this program exists in your city, you may consider volunteering some of your time. You're likely to get exposed to a wide range of trades, and the best part is you don't have to pay a dime. It's basically free education while helping those in need.

Another option would be finding a local contractor or small business owner and volunteering to help them out. They will be getting free labor, and you will be gaining experience. You can be pickier about what jobs you do since they aren't paying you, too. There may be some liability issues for the business owner, but I'm sure they'd work something out for free labor.

As a handyman business owner, I'd be ecstatic if somebody eager to learn to be a handyman offered me free services in exchange for training.

#3 – Work on Your Own Home – DIY Baby!

I believe doing DIY projects is the single best way to gain handyman experience. This is how I gained confidence and experience with home improvements and maintenance. When I bought my first house, I made home improvements whenever I had a chance. I successfully taught myself how to paint, install windows, install interior doors, install molding and trim, lay tile, build a pathway with pavers, build shelves, and much more.

The key here is to research before you start on the best way to go about the project. YouTube is an amazing resource for this. You'll find that most projects aren't that complicated and that with enough time and elbow grease, you can tackle just about any project.

Sure, you will make mistakes. I know I did. But there is no better way to learn. When you make a mistake, you have to fix it, and in doing so, you'll gain a deeper understanding.

You'll also be training yourself in the art of self-reliance and problem solving, which are two critical skills to have as a pro handyman. As a pro, you'll always be faced with challenges you've never seen before. Being able to solve those problems using your own creativity and judgment makes you much more valuable to your customers.

#4 – The Internet

If you found this article, you obviously know how to use the internet. Make sure and use the incredible wealth of knowledge for honing your handyman skills as well.

I can honestly say that if the internet didn't exist, I wouldn't be a handyman because I wouldn't know where to start. I still use the internet to brush up on my skills, as do most contractors and handymen.

In fact, I've even quoted jobs that I had no experience with because I knew I could find a solution online. Of course, that confidence only comes with experience in solving problems in the past.

This method of training is an absolute must. Even the most experienced handyman can brush up his skills by researching online.

Here are some of the websites that usually provide good handyman how-to information.

FamilyHandyman.com
ThisOldHouse.com
YouTube.com
ehow.com

You can even take a look at my Youtube channel right here.

#5 – Find a Mentor

If you know somebody that already works in construction or is a handyman themselves, get a little closer to that person. Offer them some help and ask questions in return. Most people are more than willing to share their knowledge. You just have to ask.

Hopefully, you can establish a good enough relationship so that you can give them a call whenever you have a question or problem.

Even if you don't know somebody, I'd still recommend finding a mentor in the industry. You may be surprised by how much information some people are willing to give. It may take some time to find that person you can build a mentor relationship with, but the time will be well worth it. Some things you just can't find on the internet.

My Handyman Training

The majority of the skills I use to make money as a handyman I learned while working on my own house. If there was a leak in the sprinkler system, I would dig it up and fix it. When the toilet wouldn't flush, I'd do a quick Google search, read at least three different how-to's, and get after it.

My projects weren't always easy, but I'd eventually figure it out and learn a LOT in the process.

I've always enjoyed doing things myself and naturally built up my problem-solving skills to the point where I can fix just about anything. I may need to do some research and buy some tools here and there, but I can make it work.

If somebody asked me to build them a house, obviously I wouldn't be able to help them. But the truth is, most of the work people ask a handyman to do only requires basic knowledge and the ability to pick up a drill, hammer, or screwdriver.

The ability to problem-solve and the passion to work for yourself are the two main components you need to become a handyman. If you already have these skills, I'd recommend you consider offering services immediately.

Now, take the first step to start a handyman business and read Evaluating Your Handyman Skills and Deciding What Services to Offer. And be sure to sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest tips and strategies for growing a profitable business that you love.