Jobs That Require a Handyman

Handyman Lexington KY is a great career for people who enjoy working with their hands and meeting a variety of customers. There are many benefits to this career, including the flexibility to work at different locations and earn decent money.

A basic tool that all handymen should have is a tape measure. Look for one that has a self-locking mechanism and is durable, as it will be used often.

One of the most common jobs handymen perform involves repairing cracked windows. These professionals may use a variety of methods to repair the window, depending on the type and severity of the crack. Some methods are quick and easy, while others require some soldering or gluing skills. Regardless of the method used, it is important to follow safety precautions when working with glass.

Home fixtures like faucets, cabinets, lighting systems, and more can become damaged over time. While these fixtures can often be replaced by amateur DIY enthusiasts, many homeowners prefer to hire a professional to ensure the job is done correctly. This is a service that many handyman businesses offer, and it can be an excellent way to build a loyal client base.

Some handymen work independently, while others belong to larger companies that employ a team of workers for various maintenance and repair services. The level of experience a handyman has can vary greatly, and some have even received special training in a specific field. For example, an electrical handyman is a specialist in handling repairs and maintenance for household electrics. A general handyman, on the other hand, is a more versatile worker who can handle a wide range of maintenance tasks without any specialized training or licensing.

Starting a new business can be challenging, especially for a handyman who is still learning the ropes. There are a number of things that handymen should be familiar with, including marketing, pricing, and legal obligations. In addition, they should be aware of the competition in their area and the types of services that they offer. This will help them stay competitive and provide their clients with a better experience.

While some of these duties may be more administrative than physical, they are essential for the success of a handyman business. The best way to learn about these tasks is through hands-on experience, but there are also a number of resources available online that can help. These resources can also teach new handymen how to prepare for a variety of scenarios that they might encounter in their day-to-day operations.

Refinishing Floors

Handyman professionals who specialize in flooring can refinish hardwood floors to give them a new look. This may involve sanding, staining, and resealing the wood. They can also help remove scuff marks and buff the floors. Refinishing can take several weeks, and the floor should be kept dry. It is best to wear socks and not shoes while the floors are drying. Once the floors are finished, they should be allowed to air dry for 48 hours before putting furniture back on them.

Handymen can also repair and replace squeaky doors, paint interior walls, de-clutter basements, build shelves, reorganize closets, and install lighting. Many people start as handymen to learn skills and gain experience in various trades before becoming full-time contractors or starting their own business. This is a great career option for people who like to work with their hands and are not afraid of hard physical labor.

Some states require licensed contractors to have liability insurance. This is a type of business insurance that helps to protect the contractor in case they are held responsible for damage to someone else’s property. A general handyman is not required to carry this type of insurance, but it may be beneficial if the handyman has a lot of customers who are concerned about damages.

In order to get a job as a handyman, it is important to have the right skills and tools. It is also helpful to be able to read and follow directions well. This is especially true when working on projects that are complex or in unfamiliar spaces.

Risk management is always an issue for small businesses, including those that are self-employed and work alone or as part of a larger crew. A handyman who owns a business should consider getting general liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto insurance.

Whether you are a sole proprietor who works on odd jobs or a large contracting company with a team of handymen, mishaps can occur. Liability concerns can range from accidental damage to the customer’s property to a worker being injured on the job. Having business insurance is an easy way to make sure that you are protected from these risks.

Painting

Painting is one of the most common handyman requests. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room. But it can also be a time-consuming and overwhelming project. A skilled handyman can quickly complete a high-quality painting job that you’ll be proud of.

A professional handyman will take the time to properly prep your home before painting. This includes power washing to remove oil and dirt from the surface of your home. This will ensure that the new paint adheres to the surface. It’s also important to patch any cracks or holes in the surface before you begin.

Another way that a handyman can help you with your painting projects is by providing you with tools and supplies to make the job easier. They may also have experience with various types of paint and can recommend the best type for your home’s surface. For example, they can help you choose between a latex or acrylic finish. They’ll also know how much paint you need to cover your entire wall, ceiling, or other surface.

If you’re trying to save time, a handyman can also assist with paint touch-ups. They’ll know how to properly apply paint, and they’ll be able to match the color of your existing paint. They can even paint your trim and doors, if necessary.

Tile installation is another popular handyman request. Although this project seems simple on the surface, there’s a lot more to it than just putting down adhesive and laying down tiles. A handyman will have the experience and knowledge to complete a quality tile installation job on your walls, floors, or backsplashes.

Decking and fencing are great additions to any home, but they can be a challenge to maintain and repair. A handyman will be able to help you repair or replace your decking and fences, as well as stain or paint them to match the rest of your home.

A handyman can also assist you with assembling furniture. It’s a task that’s often more frustrating than it should be, but a handyman will have the skills and equipment to get the job done right. They can also help with hanging pictures and other artwork on your walls.

Installing Lighting

Installing lighting in a home is often a complicated task that involves running wires and installing receptacles. Handymen are skilled at rewiring outlets and switches in order to bring them up to code and provide adequate power for light fixtures. They can also install new lighting fixtures in accordance with the homeowner’s specifications. They can help ensure that the lights are properly positioned to provide optimal illumination for each area of the house.

In addition to rewiring and installing new light fixtures, handymen can also troubleshoot a number of electrical issues. This may include checking for faulty breakers, fuses, or outlets, as well as testing the amperage draw of appliances to determine whether or not they are drawing too much power and causing tripped circuits. They can also help replace outlets and switches in older homes that are no longer working correctly or safely.

Many handymen are self-employed and work on an as-needed basis for a variety of clients. Others work as part of a team or as staff for construction companies and repair service firms. They can also find employment at apartment complexes and home management organizations. While there is no formal education requirement for a handyman, vocational training in trade skills such as welding, small appliance repair, and HVAC can be useful.

Some states require handymen to carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance in order to work on certain projects. These requirements vary by jurisdiction, so it is important to check with your local licensing agency to ensure that you are fully compliant.

While it may be tempting to DIY your holiday decorating, hanging lights and other decorations can be a dangerous job. In fact, 14,700 injuries related to Christmas lights were treated in emergency rooms last year, and three people died from ladder-related accidents. A handyman can install your lights and other decor quickly and safely, so you don’t have to risk the dangers of climbing a ladder. Just make sure you hire a professional who is experienced in these kinds of projects and follows all safety protocols. In addition, be sure to ask the handyman where he gets his supplies so you can be confident that they are UL-listed and approved.