Blog

In 2022, more than 1.6 million people had jobs performing general maintenance and repairs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a lot of competition. To stand out in this field, you need to prove that your skills are the right fit for prospective clients. That’s what a handyman services list is for.

Those interested in using your services can see at a glance what you provide and how much it will cost.

This guide covers how to make a list of the general handyman services you offer. You’ll also see why making this list is so important to succeed as a professional handyman.

What Does a Handyman Do? 

Handyman is an industry term for someone who performs general repair and maintenance tasks. But in reality, both men and women work in this industry. Data shows that 93.4% of workers in this profession are male, which means 6.6% are women. 

A handyman’s job is to make fixes that property owners request. This includes many different kinds of tasks, with the most requested handyman services usually focused on aesthetic improvements or minor repairs. 

Homeowner spending on property repairs and improvements is rising in the U.S. Research shows that Americans actually spent more than $420 billion on these services in 2020. 

This trend is part of a do-it-for-me culture. It’s replacing the old DIY ethic, where people tried to handle home renovation jobs on their own. 

RELATED ARTICLE — How to Start a Home Renovation Business

What is a Handyman Services List? 

low angle view of African American handyman repairing air conditioner

A handyman services list is, as the name suggests, a list of services that you can provide. It’s like a summary of all the work you’re qualified and licensed to do. Potential customers can then check the list to see if you offer the service they seek.

Include all the jobs you’re willing to do for customers. And be specific where you can. If you can do some electrical work but couldn’t rewire a whole house, put “light electrical work” on the list. 

By making the scope of your work clear, you can set clear expectations with customers. You’ll also avoid talking to customers interested in projects you can’t complete for them. That saves both parties time.

RELATED ARTICLE — How to Offer Financing as a Home Services Contractor

Why Make a Professional Handyman Services List?  

Creating a list of your services has many benefits. Here are some of the biggest advantages it offers: 

  • Creates a pricing strategy. You can choose to list the prices of handyman jobs on your list. This gives you time to carefully consider what you need to charge to make a profit after business expenses. Customers will also know what to expect. They won’t face unpleasant surprises when they receive your invoice
  • Builds transparency and trust. Customers will trust you more if they know you have a clear understanding of what you’re capable of. They can feel confident knowing you’re skilled at a task if it’s on your list. 
  • Provides quotes to clients. You can refer to your list when quoting jobs. This makes the process simple and efficient. After you finish the job, you can make sure to include each of these items on the receipt. 
  • Start a marketing plan. Your handyman services list can be part of your marketing. Send it to potential customers to share with others and post it on social media platforms like Facebook or TikTok. 
  • Offers easy online booking. Let’s say you have a list of your services with prices on your website. You can set up a page that allows customers to request appointments online. They can specify which items on your list they want you to complete, and they’ll already have an estimate of what it costs.  
  • Looks professional. You can design your list to look attractive and match the rest of your branding. This shows customers that you’re serious about your business and the work you do. 

RELATED ARTICLE — How to Ask for a Deposit Politely as a Contractor

The 15 Most Requested Handyman Services to Add to Your List

Handyman works with drill does repair

You should add handyman services to your list that you’re comfortable completing. However, it’s also helpful to include popular services to get more business. Here are some top services property owners hire handymen for that you could include on your list. 

1. Exterior and Interior Painting

From taping off rooms to priming to using special techniques like spray applications, painting requires many skills. And many homeowners hire people to paint their rooms or houses. You can also offer services painting other things, like fences or furniture.

2. Carpentry

Built-ins and trim work make a home beautiful. If you do these types of finishing work, include them on your list. You can also specify other carpentry tasks you do. Common examples include installing kitchen cabinets or adding pet doors. 

3. Drywall Repair and Maintenance

Drywall finishing is a special task that’s hard to get right. Homeowners with holes in the wall or nail pops may need a drywall expert. Many people also want to remove old wallpaper and need help fixing the wall finish, which you can offer as a service.

4. Minor Electrical Work

Some simple residential electrical jobs don’t need a special license or training. Examples include installing security cameras and equipment or updating smoke detectors. 

RELATED ARTICLE — How to Price Residential Electrical Work

5. Fence Repairing

Fences can be damaged by weather events or accidents. They can also simply get old and need fixing. Offer to help homeowners build or install decorative fences. You can also help fix broken gates or repair broken panels or posts under this list item.

6. Plumbing

From clogged toilets to dripping sinks, a lot can go wrong with a home’s plumbing. Specialized licensed plumbers cost a pretty penny, so many homeowners may want to work with a handyman for simple jobs. 

7. Smart Home Upgrades

Smart home technology is getting more and more accessible. But many people aren’t comfortable setting up all the devices on their own. Offer a service installing things like video doorbells or remote thermostats. 

8. Senior Home Modifications

Many seniors are choosing to age at home, and they may need help modifying their homes to do that. You could offer services that install accessibility aids like stair lifts or grab bars in the shower. 

9. Babyproofing

When a new baby comes home, many parents don’t have time to tackle the task of making a house safe. Babyproofing services install things like baby gates or cabinet latches that keep curious children from harm. 

10. Window Covering

Blinds and curtains can be challenging to install. Your handyman service list could include things like handing shutters or installing curtain rods to provide privacy and light control.

11. Door Repairing

Doors may need to be replaced or repaired. Or homeowners may want to switch out dated hardware. Repairing entry and interior doors is an in-demand task to consider adding to your list. 

12. Tiling

New tiles can put a fresh face on a room. But pouring grout and keeping things lined up can be tough for an amateur. If you have the skills to do so, consider offering to replace or install tile. 

13. Furniture Assembly

Much of the furniture homeowners buy today is ready-to-assemble. Unfortunately, homeowners may not have the tools, skills, or time to assemble it. This is a great service to offer. You can also help with IKEA hacks, a major industry in which people modify IKEA products to make them look built-in or more expensive. 

14. Small Appliances Installation

Appliances are no longer built to last and often need frequent replacement. If you can, offer to repair or install small ones such as under-counter refrigerators or built-in microwaves.

15. Pressure washing

Pressure washing is important for pavers and patios. If you have a pressure washer, this skill should definitely be on your list. 

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — The 7 Best Commercial Pressure Washers for Pros 

5 Pro Tips for Making a General Handyman Services List

Happy young female carpenter in safety uniform at wood workshop

If you’re ready to make your list, here are some pro tips to make sure it’s perfect. 

  1. Learn your state’s licensing requirements. Some states require special licenses for certain kinds of work. This often includes electrical and plumbing work. If you don’t have a license, don’t offer services that must be provided only by licensed contractors
  2. Choose a target audience. You should know who your customer base is and tailor your list to them. If you primarily work with young families, you might list baby proofing and carpentry to feature prominently on your list instead of senior home modifications. 
  3. Cover basic services. You want as many potential customers as possible to see the jobs they’re looking for on your list. But you don’t want to be passed over for the most in-demand work, which is usually the most straightforward tasks. Include the basics on your list.
  4. Build an online presence. Many people look for a handyman online. Build a website and put your list on it to make sure people can find you through search engines.
  5. Network with other local businesses. Working with other companies helps you get more customers. Those businesses can pass out your list to clients who might be in need of your services. 

Win more clients on the spot with quick and professional estimates

A handyman services list makes estimating jobs easy. So does Joist. 

You can create and share estimates in just minutes with our easy-to-use mobile estimating tool. Packed with powerful features built for contractors, including Deposits, Markups, Contracts, and Photos, Joist is ideal for handymen who want a leg up in the industry.