Replies

1. 
   BobbyT_ | Nov 30, 1999 10:16pm | #2

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   Interesting.... having a hard time lately myself with the 'corporate world' and have pondered this myself. I am a very advanced DIY'er having many talents in this area, at least I think so and am told... Questions... what type of insurance coverages do you guys get that actually do this for an honest living? Work Comp for yourself?? How, how $$? What type of liability insurance coverage for the possible mishaps or worse that may happen to a 'customers' home?? And what type of hired or comercial auto coverge to get around from job-to-job? I think this is a doable, rewarding business idea, but I want to make sure I have a solid plan and protect myself and family. How do those of you that have 'made it', do it correctly?? I'd really like to chat in depth if you want to e-mail, better yet, any of you in the Chgo 'burbs?
   Thanx!

2. 
   Guest_ | Dec 01, 1999 11:07pm | #3

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   Bobby,
   If I ever "make it" I'll let you know. About your questons, there are alot of discussions on this in the archives, try the search feature. In brief, WC is a good idea if you can get it in your state on a sole proprietor. I carry a $1M construction liability policy which has a rider that covers my truck. All together, my insurance is under $2000 a year. Of course my family medical insurance is over $6,000 a year. One of the benefits of not having an employer is you can forget all the benefits and perks. (like no free pens or coffee)

   A question for James:

   I'm writing my radio ad this afternoon. I want to make it relevent to the listener by listing some projects we can do for them.

   So, what are the ten most common repair projects that you get from the older market you serve?

   Thanks.
   Ryan

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 02, 1999 01:23am | #4

   *Ryan, here's a story that may prompt you to follow your idea. My wife "volunteered" me to help a woman she knows thru work to install a dishwasher in her condo,because she lives alone and the plumber and electrician both said she needs a carpenter.This was because they both saw the job first and ran!The D.W. was purchased before realizing a hole in the cabinets was needed to stick it in!After ripping, cutting,wedging,shimming,and swearing I fit it in.Did I mention the tile floor was added up to the toe kick(and on top of the old floor).Anyway a 1/2 day job was done 3 days later and I did the plumbing and electrical since I had the hard part done.From this pain in the ass job came a referal of the woman to build custom display boxes for a "wealthy" friend.That job goes well and I actually make money!The "wealthy" friend at the same time has a home office commissioned by a high end cabinet maker-who see's my boxes and asks for my # because he's behind on an installation and needs extra help.That goes well (and fun installing cabinets for a bath worth aprox. the same as my house!)And the G.C./Finish Carp. now wants me to sub for him (If it goes thru this week)on a trim job he thinks will take his crew 3-4 months straight...at a pretty decent daily wage for me with as much O.T. as I want along w/time off to schedual my summer as needed. I would never suggest working handyman type full time, I believe more money and satisfaction possible in remodeling if you can develop a good rep., but I'll take the handyman jobs when the schedual is light and have found it will lead to more/better work if charged honest and done better than anyone else.Just charge enough from those with the means to still do the occasional job for those w/little .I do an hourly amount with a 3 or 4 hour minimum plus materials.If its a small job I'll just give them the reciept, on a larger job I'll ballpark materials up front and usually stick to that amount.A good thing to have with you is Home Depots "ProBook" with prices on about everything they sell...you can make a list and look up prices right there with the customer.Jeff

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 02, 1999 08:07am | #5

   *Ryan,You might find this interesting. With apologies to our host.Rich Beckman

3. 
   Guest_ | Jan 04, 2000 11:49pm | #6

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   I'm considering taking out radio adds on our local "oldies" station. (I mean big bands & barber shop quartets, not the Greatful Dead). There is a huge senoir population here and I know they all love this radio station.

   The thrust of my advertising would be "handyman" work, small repairs and small improvements.

   The reason for doing this are
   1) It's winter and The work would be nice to have.
   2) Word of mouth is the best advertising I've ever had and this is a way to work for 100 people over the iwnter instead of only two or three on larger projects.
   3)I've created a color brochure showcasing some of my projects and I'll give this out to every customer. Who knows, maybe a $200.00 repair will lead to a room addition for a relative.
   4) Frankly, I'm bored with the work I'm doing now. I had decided to get out of this business a couple of months ago and was just going to finish up some final contracts and get a "straight job". But, The phone keeps ringing, I keep saying yes, and I haven't gotten an employment offer I like yet.

   5) I do quite a bit of repair work for previous customers now and I make more on a one day repair than I do on each day of a larger project.

   I'd like to know if I've got any unforseen hurdles comming up. Nay sayers have told me that seniors are on a "fixed" income (isn't everybody except me, mine vary's wildly from week to week?) and that it's a poor market to try to get work from. Are they right?

1. 
   Guest_ | Nov 30, 1999 09:06pm | #1

   *Seniors make up a large chunk of my client base. Some are indeed on a fixed income, but many are financially able to repair their homes. This is a very good market to break in to, but you've got to be careful. This particular market is full fo fraudulant contractors, handyman types, and roofers. I think this is where the rotten contractors all show up, thinking that elderly people make good targets, or won't know any better if the work is poorly done.Be honest, fair, polite, neat in appearance, and punctual, and you'll have more business than you can shake a stick at. Word of mouth in the elderly ranks moves quickly. Seniors gather together on a regular basis, and topics like whom to get for those home repairs is a common one.Good luck on your venture. James DuHamel