Whether you’re just getting started in the industry, going through a quiet spell or simply looking to boost your earnings in the months to come, understanding how to find work as a handyperson is a priceless skill to possess. 

This could mean finding employment with a construction business, or securing work for yourself if you’ve opted to go solo and set up your own company — either way, a busy work schedule is always a welcome sight as a tradesperson. 

What skills and qualifications do I need as a handyman? 

This is something of an open-ended question, given that a handyperson can often work across a variety of skill sets relating to property maintenance, be it carpentry, basic electrical tasks, plumbing, plastering and more. 

While formal qualifications aren’t necessarily mandatory, it is wise to complete some level of formal training in the areas you expect to be covering. Aside from teaching you good habits, health and safety, gaining qualifications from an accredited training provider is a great way to help you stand out to both employers and customers. 

For any handyperson hoping to take on work on a construction site, getting your CSCS card will be mandatory. Before being able to obtain a CSCS card, you will need to complete a formal qualification, such as an NVQ. 

Find out how Alex used his City & Guilds handyman course to help him plan for a career change or how Kim used her City & Guilds Multicraft diploma to gain knowledge and confidence for the next step in her construction career.

Demonstrating your experience

Understandably, most customers will want to know more about the tradesperson they are hiring, meaning it’s extremely useful if you’re able to demonstrate concrete experience in the industry. 

Keeping a portfolio of past projects, even if it's just a few before-and-after photos, is one of the quickest and easiest ways to show off your skills to prospective clients.

Likewise, encouraging customers to leave a review or testimonial on your website, Checkatrade page or social media profiles can make all the difference in swaying someone to pick you over other tradespeople.

Are there more opportunities if you’re self-employed? If so, what else do you need to think about? 

It's difficult to say definitively whether there are more opportunities for self-employed handypeople or for those employed by a business.

What we can say is that those operating their own business can have more control over their workload, hours and customers. It's important to remember, though, that you will be solely responsible for sourcing your own work, as well as other administrative tasks like setting up as a sole trader or limited company, obtaining relevant insurance policies and filing your own taxes.

If self-employed, what strategies could you use for marketing your services?

If you choose self-employment, knowing how to market yourself is crucial. Steps, like listing your services on directories and being active on social media, investing in a strong website, and networking at trade events, are all good ways to generate leads. 

Above all else, though, like any trade, producing high-quality work and maintaining professionalism are still some of the most foolproof ways of building a loyal client base willing to recommend your services to others.

Where and how would you find a job as a handyman?

A few common places a handyperson might look for work include:

  • Construction business directories
  • Social media (think local Facebook groups)
  • Networking events
  • Word of mouth 
  • Client referrals
  • Job boards (if seeking employment with a construction business)

Other tips include setting competitive rates; don't sell yourself short, but take the time to research what others in your region are charging for similar services. Beyond that, be kind and courteous with customers and employers, you never know, they could be the source of your next big project. And, of course, always produce work that you can be proud of.