The demand for skilled handymen in Australia provides a significant opportunity for those who enjoy manual work and managing their own business. The variety of tasks ensures that no two days are the same, offering a satisfying career path for individuals with a knack for home maintenance and repair.
Understanding Australian Licensing Requirements
Navigating the licensing landscape for handyman services in Australia requires careful attention, as regulations are determined at the state and territory level, not nationally. This means the rules governing what work you can legally perform, and the value of that work, change depending on your location. A fundamental concept is the distinction between general maintenance work and licensed trade work, as most basic repair tasks do not require a specific handyman license.
High-risk trades like electrical, plumbing, and structural building work are strictly regulated and can only be performed by a fully licensed tradesperson. For general handyman work, the primary restriction is often the total value of a single job, including labour and materials. In New South Wales, this threshold is $5,000, requiring a license from NSW Fair Trading for work above this value, while Queensland sets a lower threshold of $3,300, with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) overseeing licenses.
Victoria allows unlicensed work up to a value of $10,000, regulated by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). South Australia requires individuals to hold a building work contractor’s license for carrying out or organising building work for others. You must consult the website of your specific state or territory’s governing body to understand the precise monetary limits and scope of work you can legally undertake.
Setting Up Your Handyman Business
Once you are clear on the work you are permitted to perform, the next step is to establish your business’s legal and financial framework. The foundational requirement for any sole trader in Australia is obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN). The ABN is a unique identifier used for all tax and business purposes, and applying for one is a straightforward online process.
If you plan to operate under a name other than your own, you must also register that business name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This step is important for branding and creating a professional identity for your services.
An essential part of setting up your business is securing Public Liability Insurance. This insurance protects you financially if your work accidentally causes injury to a person or damage to their property. Many clients, particularly real estate agents and commercial property managers, will require proof of this insurance before hiring you.
Finally, you must be aware of your obligations regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Registering for GST is compulsory once your annual business turnover reaches or is expected to reach $75,000.
Essential Skills and Services
A successful handyman business is built on a diverse set of practical skills that cater to common household maintenance needs. These services focus on tasks that do not require a specialised trade license. Common offerings include:
- Interior and exterior painting
- Plasterboard repair, such as patching holes in walls
- Basic carpentry like hanging doors, repairing fences, or adjusting skirting boards
- Garden maintenance and basic landscaping services
- Assembling flat-pack furniture
- General home repairs, such as fixing squeaky hinges, cleaning gutters, and pressure washing driveways
Gathering Your Tools and Equipment
Starting with a solid collection of basic hand tools is fundamental. This includes a quality claw hammer, a versatile set of screwdrivers with various head types, pliers for gripping and cutting, and a reliable, retractable tape measure for accurate work.
Investing in a few key power tools will significantly increase your efficiency and the range of jobs you can tackle. A cordless drill is indispensable for drilling holes and driving screws, while a circular saw is ideal for making straight cuts in timber. An orbital sander will make surface preparation for painting and finishing much faster.
It is also important to prioritise safety by equipping yourself with personal protective equipment. This includes safety glasses, durable work gloves, and hearing protection for when you are using loud power tools.
Pricing Your Handyman Services
The two most common pricing models in the handyman industry are charging an hourly rate or providing a fixed-price quote for the job. An hourly rate, which can range from $40 to over $90 depending on your location and skill level, is often suitable for smaller jobs where the duration is uncertain. However, pricing based on time can work against you if your experience allows you to complete a job quickly.
A fixed-price quote is often preferred for larger, well-defined projects, as it provides clarity for both you and the client. When calculating a fixed price, you must factor in all associated costs, including materials, travel time, and a portion to cover the maintenance of your tools. Researching the average market rates in your specific area is a good practice to ensure your pricing is competitive yet sustainable.
Finding Your First Clients
A multi-faceted approach that combines digital and traditional marketing methods often yields the best results. Online platforms have become a primary source for finding work. Consider the following strategies:
- Use websites like Airtasker and Hipages to browse job listings and submit quotes directly to potential customers.
- Engage with your local community through social media, such as local Facebook groups, to raise your profile.
- Encourage traditional word-of-mouth marketing by asking satisfied customers to leave reviews and refer you.
- Distribute professional business cards and flyers in local neighbourhoods, community centres, and hardware stores.
- Network with real estate agents and property managers, which can lead to consistent, ongoing maintenance work.