Handyman Lexington KY performs a variety of maintenance tasks in residential and commercial settings. This professional works alone or with a team and may have specific areas of expertise.
Replacing a light bulb or hanging a TV might seem like mundane chores, but homeowners often prefer to hire someone with the right skills to do these jobs.
Despite the popular stereotype of handymen picking up a hammer and nail whenever something breaks, there are certain requirements for this type of professional. Whether you’re a licensed general contractor or simply an experienced repairman, it’s important to understand the state and local licensing requirements for your area. Then, you can avoid getting fined for operating a business without the proper licenses and permits.
In the States, you’ll need a general contractor’s license to perform construction work in commercial and residential areas. Many states also require you to pass an exam, have professional training, or have both. Check with your local laws and the contractors’ board to find out what specific requirements apply to you.
Some handymen specialize in a single area, such as plumbing or electrical repairs. Others take on multiple types of jobs and often act as jacks of all trades. If you’re new to the industry, consider working as an apprentice for someone more experienced and taking classes at a vocational school. You can also volunteer for charity construction projects to gain experience and build your skill set.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need a contractor’s license and a liability insurance policy. This will cover any damage to property or injuries to customers that you cause in the course of your work. Most handymen also carry a workers’ compensation policy, which will pay out for medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured on the job.
Many states limit the amount of money that unlicensed handymen can charge for their services. Some even prohibit them from advertising themselves as such. Others have restrictions on what kinds of jobs they can take on, such as requiring them to be licensed in a particular specialty like plumbing or electrical work.
To become a licensed handyman, you’ll need to pass an examination and meet your state’s requirements. Then, you’ll need to obtain the necessary tools and materials and register your business name. You’ll also need to choose a location for your business and create an effective website and social media presence.
Insurance
The work of a handyman often involves working directly with clients in their homes or businesses, which can place them in accident-prone environments. As a result, the job requires extensive training and expertise to ensure safety for yourself and your clients. However, even the most skilled handymen make mistakes. That’s why having the right insurance is essential for your business. Insurance can protect you against the worst-case scenarios involving property damage, personal injury, and other financial liabilities.
As a professional handyman, you’ll want to consider a general liability policy as your first step in protecting your business. This type of policy typically covers bodily injury and property damage that occurs as a result of your work, and it pays for legal fees should you be sued. Additionally, some policies include professional liability coverage that can pay for damages if you make a mistake during the course of your work.
Other types of insurance for handymen include tools and equipment coverage, commercial auto coverage, and workers’ compensation. These coverages can help cover the costs of replacing your tools and equipment if they are stolen or damaged, as well as the cost of paying your employees for lost time due to an injury on the job.
Many small business owners also find it useful to have a workers’ compensation policy in place. This type of insurance covers the cost of medical expenses and wage replacement for employees who are injured on the job. Additionally, some policies may provide a death benefit and accidental disability benefits for your employees.
If you need more coverage than a standard small business insurance package, you can buy additional add-ons like business income and property insurance for your tools. You can also purchase a business owner’s policy, or BOP, which bundles the most common insurance needs for small businesses into one package.
If you’re not sure which type of coverage is best for your business, it can be helpful to speak with an experienced business insurance agent. You can find a licensed agent at a local independent agency or use an online service like Thimble, which offers flexible policy terms that start by the hour. Both options are good choices for handymen looking to get a quick and easy quote on their business insurance.
Tools
Handymen are skilled professionals who can tackle a variety of tasks. They are often called on to fix small plumbing problems, hang shelves, paint walls, and complete other simple jobs around the home. Handymen need a wide range of tools to perform their work. They should have basic hand tools, power tools, and specialty tools. Some of these include screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, drills, and ladders. In addition, handymen should have cleaning equipment and supplies for their work.
A nail gun is a powerful tool that makes completing some projects much easier. Whether you are hanging a picture or building a cabinet, a nail gun can save you time and effort by making the job faster and easier. It also helps prevent nails from bending or sticking.
Another essential tool for a handyman is a good utility knife. A quality utility knife is versatile and can cut, score, pick, and mark. It can also be used to strip wire or grip screws. A good-quality utility knife will last you a long time and is an investment worth considering.
For some projects, a handyman will need a saw. A jigsaw is a great tool for small and intricate cuts, while a circular saw is perfect for bigger projects. Both types of saws are useful for cutting wood, metal, tile, and other materials. A miter saw is a good option for handymen because it allows them to make accurate cross-cuts of different materials.
Ladders are important for handymen, especially when working on tall or elevated surfaces. A ladder should be of the right height for the job and be in good condition. In addition, a ladder should have a safety harness to help ensure the handyman is secure while on the job.
Other tools that a handyman may need include a power drill, a hand drill, and an electric drill. The power drill should be a corded or cordless drill, depending on the preference of the handyman. A hand drill is a good choice for smaller, handheld projects. It is also a good idea to have a drill bit set, which contains a selection of bits that will fit most drills.
