Hello all new here few questions currently working at the nissan factory doing production my quals are gnvq lvl 3 in vehicle repair (panel beater) but having a 2 year old son i want to see more of him not stuck in a factory for 10 hours a day on different shifts every week money is good but id rather have a family life not being there is putting strain on my marriage. Now to start im classed as a highly skilled worker apparently and the last couple of years ive took to a lot of my own big jobs at home converting my loft,now a home cinema for us lot reskimmed the full house and just recently put up fences and a load of decking for the family.i want to set up a small buisness/sole trader specialising really in plastering and a bit of joinery and the rest that comes with handyman work ie grass flat pack furniture laminate flooring, lino floor you get my drift but what im really hoping for is what tooling ill need stuff i can buy over the coming months obviously working weekends and between shifts to start doing friends repairs to gain experience. And how do i go about registering a company name i have 2 in mind but not gonna say what they are incase they get pinched any help would be appreciated
Thinking of starting a handyman buisness
- Thread starter P.baker85
- Start date
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porker
Established Member
For registering your business take a look on www.gov.uk. There is a lot of good clear info on there. My other advice is be realistic about the numbers. Sit down and do the numbers. Work out what your costs are like running a vehicle, liability insurance, tools etc. If you are not great with numbers get someone who is. Then decide what you could charge for a job and how many jobs you would need to do to make the money you want / need. Do you know what the demand is in your area for the sorts of skills you have:? Don't rely on friends and family because eventually the work for them will dry up. I'm not trying to put you off just to be realistic about whether it could work.
I would try to work alongside your existing job to get established as giving up a good job with good money is not something to do lightly. Your motivation seems to be to work less hours but a lot of self employed people work long hours especially when they are starting out.
I should point out that I don't work for myself but have helped a few people put a plan together as putting business cases together is part of my day job.
There are plenty of people who have gone through it here and hopefully they will give their advice. My brother has tried similar a couple of times bit had to go back to employed work. Others I know do it and love it.
I would try to work alongside your existing job to get established as giving up a good job with good money is not something to do lightly. Your motivation seems to be to work less hours but a lot of self employed people work long hours especially when they are starting out.
I should point out that I don't work for myself but have helped a few people put a plan together as putting business cases together is part of my day job.
There are plenty of people who have gone through it here and hopefully they will give their advice. My brother has tried similar a couple of times bit had to go back to employed work. Others I know do it and love it.
Fat ferret
Established Member
I work for myself. I work part time self employed joiner and part time renovating my own house and doing stuff like gardening and fishing. I do alright but I have somewhere to live that I own, no dependant family and no desire to be wealthy. I would rather do work I enjoy and pick jobs I know I'm good at, the traditional stuff. I don't need much money to get by.
I couldn't pay rent and support a family on what I earn. I hate the idea of doing a boring job five days a week until your too old to but if you have family you would be best to be a handy man in our spare time which doesn't help because you want more time with family not less. I would look for part time jobs and then you can have some steady income, do handyman jobs and spend time with family. If the self employed work takes off you can stop the part time job.
I couldn't pay rent and support a family on what I earn. I hate the idea of doing a boring job five days a week until your too old to but if you have family you would be best to be a handy man in our spare time which doesn't help because you want more time with family not less. I would look for part time jobs and then you can have some steady income, do handyman jobs and spend time with family. If the self employed work takes off you can stop the part time job.
beech1948
Established Member
Sound advice so far. Don't give up the day job just yet. I have been trading as a ltd Company for 23 yrs and the following always helped me:-
1) Always, always always involve your wife and let the family know what you are doing. Maybe the wife can help with a spreadsheet for the business plan you will need. You will need someone to answer the phoen for you when you are out either at Nissan or on a job
2) create a business plan covering 3 yrs. 2 years as accurate as possible and a years good guesses. Always do this plan based on a) a really good year b) A middling year or what you think is about what you earn now and c) a crap year. Renew and improve this plan each quarter for the first year, each 6 months for the second year
3) Calculate ALL of your costs...down to the box of paper clips, staples etc but include fuel, tool replacements, breakages, lunches, distance etc etc etc . Find a good book re start-up costs or go to your local Chamber of Commerce and see what they provide for new business startups.
Then buy a few leaflets. Nothing obtrusive but tasteful. Distribute in a selected target area and see what happens. Post biz cards at local toolshops eg. Toolstation/ B&Q etc etc and Ikea.
Remember that the Nissan workforce may be a good market for you for weekend jobs or if not them then their friends and family. Work through word of mouth and recommendation
Keep your family informed especially your wife. Remember that wife's network like crazy as well and may result in some jobs
Keep some time for yourself and wife. If you make a little money spend it on her.
Keep ALL receipts both before you start earning and after. You will be able to set against tax even mileage. You will eventually have to register with HMRC as a sole trader BUT you are allowed to work both as an employee and a sole trader at the same time. In fact when you are ready HMRC will provide some excellent advice and guidance leaflets for you. Keep an eye on the VAT thresholds and try to keep under them.
Good luck
Al
1) Always, always always involve your wife and let the family know what you are doing. Maybe the wife can help with a spreadsheet for the business plan you will need. You will need someone to answer the phoen for you when you are out either at Nissan or on a job
2) create a business plan covering 3 yrs. 2 years as accurate as possible and a years good guesses. Always do this plan based on a) a really good year b) A middling year or what you think is about what you earn now and c) a crap year. Renew and improve this plan each quarter for the first year, each 6 months for the second year
3) Calculate ALL of your costs...down to the box of paper clips, staples etc but include fuel, tool replacements, breakages, lunches, distance etc etc etc . Find a good book re start-up costs or go to your local Chamber of Commerce and see what they provide for new business startups.
Then buy a few leaflets. Nothing obtrusive but tasteful. Distribute in a selected target area and see what happens. Post biz cards at local toolshops eg. Toolstation/ B&Q etc etc and Ikea.
Remember that the Nissan workforce may be a good market for you for weekend jobs or if not them then their friends and family. Work through word of mouth and recommendation
Keep your family informed especially your wife. Remember that wife's network like crazy as well and may result in some jobs
Keep some time for yourself and wife. If you make a little money spend it on her.
Keep ALL receipts both before you start earning and after. You will be able to set against tax even mileage. You will eventually have to register with HMRC as a sole trader BUT you are allowed to work both as an employee and a sole trader at the same time. In fact when you are ready HMRC will provide some excellent advice and guidance leaflets for you. Keep an eye on the VAT thresholds and try to keep under them.
Good luck
Al
Thanks for all the replies very helpfull,i always have a trade to fall back on but there isnt any money in it so left working in garages years ago i wouldnt leave my job at nissan not yet untill i have a lot of things in place tools van website adverts all that stuff my m8 is a graphic web designer so that isnt a big cost cause i do stuff at his house for free. I know i want more of a family life and starting up is long hours and days but the 3 shift pattern im doing now isnt working for family life me and the wifey have been talking and we both agree i couldnt leave nissan yet which i know i just want to get everything in place so if i do get a good reputation i can go part time and work between the 2 and see how it goes. I just want to know if i can pick a buisness name and get it down on paper so i can start advertising without having to inform the tax office just so i can hand leaflets out and see if i get any hits plus advertise at work 7000 staff work there so somebody will need something doing cheers for all yr help =D>
RobinBHM
Established Member
You can simply pick a name and use as a sole trader, no need to register but due the necessary checks to ensure nobody else is using it.
to do the work legitimately, you will need to register as self employed and do a tax return each year. It is possible to be both PAYE and self employed. Note that while you are employed full time all of your tax allowance will be used up through your employment so any handyman work will be taxed on everything (less expenses).
The best starting point for a new business is SWAT analysis. I would spend lots of time researching who is currently working at your proposed handyman work in your catchment area, look at their advertising, sign written vans, websites etc. Make notes and see what USP your businees would have. Then research your potential market. Ask your friends and family what services they have used in recent years, how much they have paid etc.
Don't get a sheet printed that says: 'no job too small' or: 'I can do any sort of handyman work' or other vague statements.
We have a local free A5 booklet that is distributed in our town and surrounding areas. I came across an advertorial and advert for a local handyman. He had a clear businees: 'I only do small jobs that take no more than 2 days', 'I am a registered electirician and can do small electrical jobs like fit a single spur socket', 'I can do repairs to fence panels or fit a new panel, guttering' etc etc.
We used him to do our guttering as I didnt have a ladder, he confirmed a price and time to do the work. He arrived on time, was wearing a sign written polo shirt, had a sign written van. When he finished he showed me what he had done, and presented me with a hand written receipt on headed paper and I paid him then (he made his terms and pricing clear when I booked). My sister has used him a number of times to do small jobs. The problem she finds is that builders, plumbers, fencing contractor etc etc can't be bothered with small jobs or looks at the job but never comes back to quote. This guys USP is that he will clean, effiicient, professional, will do small jobs others arent interested in, and he can do a few jobs a day and charge from about £60 or so pounds for each one.
If you could have a website, with pricing for a range of jobs, eg guttering £60 for semi, front and back, max 15 metre run, easy access etc (subject to survey of course), that would really help with enquiries. People want to be able to look up on their ipad or see an advert that lists matches the service they require and has a price indication.
It will take you up to 2 or maybe 3 years to become established so include this in your business plan. When you make the jump and work at it full time you will need savings as a buffer to cover this period. Dont forget to allow for holidays, some sickness, lost days due to bad weather, and some time wasters and non payers in your costs. When you book in a job, always state how much it will be, and that you will need to be paid before you leave. If the job will cost more, or there are extras, get it agreed before you start and obtain a signature on a job sheet. If the job is too difficult -say and abandon it at the start, dont get bogged down in something that could lose you money.
I hope it goes well!
to do the work legitimately, you will need to register as self employed and do a tax return each year. It is possible to be both PAYE and self employed. Note that while you are employed full time all of your tax allowance will be used up through your employment so any handyman work will be taxed on everything (less expenses).
The best starting point for a new business is SWAT analysis. I would spend lots of time researching who is currently working at your proposed handyman work in your catchment area, look at their advertising, sign written vans, websites etc. Make notes and see what USP your businees would have. Then research your potential market. Ask your friends and family what services they have used in recent years, how much they have paid etc.
Don't get a sheet printed that says: 'no job too small' or: 'I can do any sort of handyman work' or other vague statements.
We have a local free A5 booklet that is distributed in our town and surrounding areas. I came across an advertorial and advert for a local handyman. He had a clear businees: 'I only do small jobs that take no more than 2 days', 'I am a registered electirician and can do small electrical jobs like fit a single spur socket', 'I can do repairs to fence panels or fit a new panel, guttering' etc etc.
We used him to do our guttering as I didnt have a ladder, he confirmed a price and time to do the work. He arrived on time, was wearing a sign written polo shirt, had a sign written van. When he finished he showed me what he had done, and presented me with a hand written receipt on headed paper and I paid him then (he made his terms and pricing clear when I booked). My sister has used him a number of times to do small jobs. The problem she finds is that builders, plumbers, fencing contractor etc etc can't be bothered with small jobs or looks at the job but never comes back to quote. This guys USP is that he will clean, effiicient, professional, will do small jobs others arent interested in, and he can do a few jobs a day and charge from about £60 or so pounds for each one.
If you could have a website, with pricing for a range of jobs, eg guttering £60 for semi, front and back, max 15 metre run, easy access etc (subject to survey of course), that would really help with enquiries. People want to be able to look up on their ipad or see an advert that lists matches the service they require and has a price indication.
It will take you up to 2 or maybe 3 years to become established so include this in your business plan. When you make the jump and work at it full time you will need savings as a buffer to cover this period. Dont forget to allow for holidays, some sickness, lost days due to bad weather, and some time wasters and non payers in your costs. When you book in a job, always state how much it will be, and that you will need to be paid before you leave. If the job will cost more, or there are extras, get it agreed before you start and obtain a signature on a job sheet. If the job is too difficult -say and abandon it at the start, dont get bogged down in something that could lose you money.
I hope it goes well!
Lons
Established Member
Hi
Robins' post is spot on.
I've run my own very successful building business for 18 years and now very close to retirement and I'm very glad I took the plunge though mine was forced when my employer went to the wall. Having worked for several companies in prominent well paid roles I found it difficult initially I would say that you really need to look at the proposition from a best and worst point of view.
If you're having family problems now you can guarantee that for 2 to 3 years it will become worse before it gets better as you will spend even more time away from the family. Even when you are there, you will have estimates, paperwork and preparation to occupy your time.
You'll need to notify HMRC of all your additional earings at the end of the tax year, keep accurate accounts and pay your tax but make sure you take advantage of all your allowances. Equipment apart from vehicle can now be written off in the first year (if I remember correctly) and you can introduce tools you already own. Just do it properly or you risk the tax man descending on you like a tonne of bricks. :lol:
Be realistic when assessing your costs and buy equipment as you need or all you'll end up with is a debt and not enough income to cover it. Try to establish an area of expertise or you'll end up jack of all trades, master of none and most important, don't undervalue your labour, make sure you charge a reasonable amount. There will always be someone cheaper than you - accept that. Most customers don't want a cheap job, if they do, walk away as they're the ones who won't pay or will be a problem. The genuine ones want a good job at a reasonable price i.e. value for money. It's easy to offer someone a little discount, say for cash but much more difficult to raise your prices.
If you're starting part time and you should not give up Nissan, then don't flood the area with leaflets as if you get a good response you won't be able to do the work and you'll lose potential customers before even starting, ideally you want to build a reputation and get repeat business.
All my work over the years came via recommendation due to my reputation, hard earned, easily lost.
Bob
Robins' post is spot on.
I've run my own very successful building business for 18 years and now very close to retirement and I'm very glad I took the plunge though mine was forced when my employer went to the wall. Having worked for several companies in prominent well paid roles I found it difficult initially I would say that you really need to look at the proposition from a best and worst point of view.
If you're having family problems now you can guarantee that for 2 to 3 years it will become worse before it gets better as you will spend even more time away from the family. Even when you are there, you will have estimates, paperwork and preparation to occupy your time.
You'll need to notify HMRC of all your additional earings at the end of the tax year, keep accurate accounts and pay your tax but make sure you take advantage of all your allowances. Equipment apart from vehicle can now be written off in the first year (if I remember correctly) and you can introduce tools you already own. Just do it properly or you risk the tax man descending on you like a tonne of bricks. :lol:
Be realistic when assessing your costs and buy equipment as you need or all you'll end up with is a debt and not enough income to cover it. Try to establish an area of expertise or you'll end up jack of all trades, master of none and most important, don't undervalue your labour, make sure you charge a reasonable amount. There will always be someone cheaper than you - accept that. Most customers don't want a cheap job, if they do, walk away as they're the ones who won't pay or will be a problem. The genuine ones want a good job at a reasonable price i.e. value for money. It's easy to offer someone a little discount, say for cash but much more difficult to raise your prices.
If you're starting part time and you should not give up Nissan, then don't flood the area with leaflets as if you get a good response you won't be able to do the work and you'll lose potential customers before even starting, ideally you want to build a reputation and get repeat business.
All my work over the years came via recommendation due to my reputation, hard earned, easily lost.
Bob
Thanks for all your help ive got a lot of thinking and saving to do first at least its something i can focus on for the future id rather make my own money than building 500 cars a day stressing for 10 hours a day at least ive got somewhere to get started and think of ill see my uncle he used to be a director of a electrical company in london ill keep yous updated in each step of the process thanks again
Paul (hammer)
Paul (hammer)
Lons
Established Member
P.baker85":25d60nny said:
I'll be blaming you then for the niggling faults on my wifes' new Juke , built end November Paul. :lol: :wink:
I work on the qashqai but if i only knew i could have got you a 5k discount from work on yr car new or used from a dealer oh well theres always a next time as for jukes i had 1 for 10 month from work hate to say it but never again to many things go wrong with them i was always at the dealers getting it repaired for nowt ovcourse
Graham Orm
Established Member
Try the trade sites Rated People etc.
Lons
Established Member
Appreciate that, many thanks.P.baker85":1ihqml2x said:
I Know someone locally (doesn't everone
), so got the full family and friends discount. Tried to persuade the missus to have a qashqai but she wanted the juke. Top of the range, but the new little engine, bright yellow certainly can't lose it. I only drive it in the dark.
Lons
Established Member
:lol: :lol: Just finishing off my last couple of jobs and then I'm going to sell the van and trailer and start sorting out some of the surplus gear so can't help with the labour unfortunately.P.baker85":3cx37cvj said:
There's definitely a market out there if you can tap into it, I've actually turned down another couple of jobs just today where I'm working in a block of 40 odd private apartments for elderly people. Exactly the market you should target as they're always looking for a handyman to fit a washing machine, change a light fitting, fix a door lock, do some decorating, the list is endless and once you're in you name is passed around quicker than they can walk.
Jobs I turned down today were a full bathroom refurbishment for one couple and change of kitchen worktops and modify cabinet to take a dishwasher for another. As an aside, I sold a pen to the caretaker initially and the total to date in those apartments has now reached 9. :lol:
I've done a lot of small jobs in my time but only for regular customers and as favours really. I do have a couple who save up jobs to make a full day which isn't so bad.
I'm happy to offer advice of specifics if you want to pm or email me.
cheers
Bob
Phil Pascoe
Established Member
I lived for twenty years in what was probably the nicest road in town (it was about 1000yds long) and I lost count of the number of times people said they needed small jobs doing but couldn't get anyone to turn up - tradesmen obviously won't interrupt a day or a half day for a twenty minute job. This always made me wonder why no one targeted the road every month or two - put flyers out with "I'll be in *****road on Mon the *th if you'd like a quote for your small jobs." You could be realistic with your quotes if you know your next job is 50yds up the road rather than twenty miles away.
Well all just a little update to whats going on up in the baker house hold my wife has decided to take on her own buisness her grandads cash register buisness trading under a new name and employing her father so no change the wifeys working 3 days a week now so gumtree ebay and amazon will be most of our advertising plus all existing customers so things are looking up a little bit. But my handyman buisness is still a little behind due to buying tools and getting all the family to throw the word out to everyone so up to know untill i know whats coming tooling will be bought to what i need at that time plus ive got loads in the loft like so i will be trading soon just want to say thanks to everyone and lons for the headsup really do appreciate it everyone thankyou ill let you know how were getting on over the coming weeks
Lons
Established Member
Best of luck with it Paul. Enthusiasm goes a long way as long as it's tempered with logic and commonsense.
Cheers
Bob
Cheers
Bob
Well its my wifes family buisness thats already up and running and her gran is past caring anymore so my wifes registering her as the director they dont advertise and are always busy so just gonna keep it going its been running since the 60s so might aswell
