How many permits do you need to start a handyman business?
It’s one thing to do some work in your own home. If you have the skills and equipment, along with the time, then go for it. Some projects might be too big, but for the most part, you can do small repairs and maintenance with no trouble. As long as you know what you’re doing.
If you want to do business out of it, then that’s a different animal. If you’re looking to work for http://thehandymanperth.com.au or to start your own, there are some things to keep in mind, document-wise.
However, before we get into all that, stop. Take the time to give yourself a skill check.
You can’t be a handyman if you don’t know what you’re doing. You don’t need to know everything – in fact; it’s not a bad idea to specialise. It’s quite possible to make a profit providing limited service, or focusing on just one specific trade.
Once that’s done, take a look at the paperwork needed.
You’re going to want a business license. You can’t operate any business without a permit. That means requirements, registrations, and all sorts of bureaucracy. This is going to be a lot of work but will be the baseline for everything else you do.
Your next step is to look at legal requirements.
Do local regulations require licenses for specific trades? Do you need to have certifications to handle things like electrical or gas-related work? If these are necessary, you’ll want to look up reliable certifying organisations or get the appropriate training.
Depending on what services you offer, you might need special permits. For example, if you’re looking to provide specialised vacuuming services for asbestos fibres, you need the right gear. You also need the proper licenses saying that you can use them.
In fact, finding the requirements is very important. Crucial to that is knowing what you’re doing.
If you’re focusing more on electrician work and some carpentry, you only need to get permits for those. If you’re doing plumbing, concentrate on that. You don’t need to get permits and certificates for everything, just for what services you plan to offer.
You also want a driver’s license. You do have to drive to where your clients are, after all.
Finally, you’ll want to check about operations and zoning restrictions. Can you operate your business out of your home or do you need to get office space?