Handyman Makes $1,000 Per Day (See How He’s Grown His Business)

[@UpFlip]

Join UpFlip Academy and learn from the best in the industry: bit.ly/4dlhnog

[@JayWarrenNCMusic]

This actually is kinda inspiring me to pivot from what I'm doing now to copying a similar business model as what Caleb is doing.

[@northidahohandyman7435]

Great job on this video and perfect timing for me. I am currently starting a handyman business in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. A huge hurdle I foresee is the CRM aspect and scheduling. Curious to learn more about the platforms Caleb uses. Again, great job on all of your videos. Very professional.

[@rebeccaellisoncreative]

@@northidahohandyman7435 Caleb's business uses Field Pulse : fieldpulse.grsm.io/thehandymansystem . I'm the one who helped him set it all up, so if you've got questions, feel free to reach out : )

[@northidahohandyman7435]

@@rebeccaellisoncreative thanks Rebecca. I would be interested in having a chat with you to see how you can help. Thanks for reaching out!

[@TheHandyman1]

Interesting idea for a video 🤣🤣🍺🍺👍👍

[@METRORENOVATION]

Went full time handy 3 months ago, I average 400-500 a day, a lot of repeat and referral work. This video was some good info to take it to the next level.

[@UpFlip]

That's awesome :)

[@METRORENOVATION]

​@@UpFlip No you guys are awesome, always motivating like minded individuals that are striving to achieve financial independence by actually showing how its done, super rare in the youtube space, thank you.

[@mannys3678]

Where do you advertise?

[@TheBabbsFamily7]

@@mannys3678 your reputation along with word of mouth is everything is this business there’s no better way to advertise then by having your customer tell someone else! Back when I first started in construction we went door to door and built it from there we’ve tried all kinds of advertising but word of mouth is the best, I set my signs in the yard I’m working in, and have my logo on my clothes, vehicles, and cards and that’s about it!

[@mannys3678]

@@TheBabbsFamily7 Much appreciated.

[@alexm1841]

I saw this video 6 months ago. Started doing handyman work and I’m making $200-400/day. Occasionally, I’ll make $500! I’m so happy (and exhausted 😝) that this is working out. Thank you for your advice

[@fatal510]

How did you get your very first customer?

[@PedroPauta]

How you advertise your business

[@ovkotovskiy]

sir, what city you're workin in?

[@sirraymondluxuryyacht8131]

Good for you buddy! Takes guts to take that leap!

[@davidvanrhee8677]

I've spent my whole life in service whether it's hvac repair or replacement for 6 years. Maintenance in apartments for 3 and now I'm a journeyman plumber doing service. I make 520-600k a year in revenue doing service 2-4k a day. It's because I'm great at reading ppl and the job. I'm starting a business soon. Wish me luck

[@GrindSzn7]

Goodluck bro👊🏾💯

[@i.am.ronin.]

How's the business going?

[@AlfonzoJ]

Good luck I am definitely going to start on my own after watching this video good luck

[@colewolfe6601]

Bull

[@danielbee3697]

Any update?

[@ponzianomanning3071]

I can understand what Kaleb means when he said one of the greatest joys he gets out of his business is "being of service to my neighbor and countrymen". Im a semi retired G.C. (58 yrs old) and found that when craftsmen have a disposition of sincerely wanting to be of service, with integrity, customers usually have a great deal of appreciation for that; and business grows from that. Its one of the absolute requisites to being successful long term.

[@timelessadventurer]

Totally agree!

[@shaggydudegaming]

That advice on the name was probably the simplest yet BEST advice I have ever heard

[@thomaslamora1679]

customers you charge less expect to get more out of you... somehow that makes 100% sense. someone that can afford $100/hr to install a light fixture is probably busy doing other things vs. hovering over you and "helping". crazy unlogic that is logical.

[@UpFlip]

Yes, couldn't agree more! Thanks for your thoughts, Thomas. Are you in the handyman business?

[@PeacePham1991]

It's the same for photography business as well

[@Naveed123abc]

Its probably because some of us are poor and would like our money to go far. While others can throw money at anything and keep throwing it. Don't undervalue someone else's hard work and time they traded for the few extra bucks they can shell out for some necessary repairs to keep their life intact.

[@thomaslamora1679]

@@UpFlip only my own (and relative's) homes. but if it gets too much i can always send the "helpers" on an errand... ;-) i just enjoy watching people crush it doing great work at something they enjoy. appreciate you sharing with the world.

[@thomaslamora1679]

@@Naveed123abc if i came across that way, i apologize. people value their own time differently and need or want to spend it differently. i.e. pay someone else for a task that would take them too long or not be done right. sometimes we learn skills not because we want to, but out of necessity. i.e. in college i did all the repairs on my car - mostly because it would have cost 4 or 5 times what i could earn in those hours.

[@brandonlee8312]

I began my handyman business about 3 months ago and it gets very exciting and very scary at the same time. So much goes into running a business and it needs constant attention, still learning here

[@UpFlip]

That's great! Congrats on your new business! What state are you in?

[@dogma7911]

What skills do you use most often?

[@KINGKUSHORLANDO]

Same karens and unprofessional customers are my enemy also just the overall stress of doing everything kind of adds up sometimes.

[@corysturgis6660]

What was the final push to work for yourself? I was determined to go for it full time then covide hit. 2 years have passed and know I'm getting the itch??

[@rafko8913]

Now, after a year im pretty sure that u r the one who bought 3 mantions on palm beach, got def to much start cars and boats.... And no need to work for at least next 8 years.

[@edwardcomiskey6556]

Stay small and keep it all.

[@coryd8814]

Or get big and make money while you go on vacations... its nice either way

[@weargasm3]

@@coryd8814 ur not wrong but , u gotta have big money to make big money tho Plus it’s a risk

[@tim3903]

Or franchise it and make money on your butt then sell 90% percent of it away

[@peterjanis2455]

@@tim3903 do you realize how unrealistic that is. Name a few national residential handyman companies. I’ll wait

[@tim3903]

@@peterjanis2455 That’s the point you have to be an entrepreneur to realize where the industry is going because being a handyman doesnt limit you to one trade. The sky is the limit to the contract that you can form many of them just choose to stay small because they make enough money that way or because they’re a certain jobs they don’t want to take but with the right contracts and the right licenses and permits one could go National

[@julioveliz4187]

This is the best video I've seen for small business owners. I don't do handyman work but this is applicable to many service industry workers going off on their own.

[@Fieldpulse]

Caleb is the man! Great to see him break down all the steps to a successful handyman business.

[@UpFlip]

Right?! So awesome to see. Thanks for watching!

[@swiftgames5382]

Hiring the right people who are skilled and reliable is one of the hardest things I find in business.

[@capacious1288]

What business?

[@Cederlof_Ink]

Any business.. finding someone who wants to actually show up and do a good job is hard as heck lol.

[@tonygonzalez305]

My dad worked for a construction company for 15 years and been working for himself the last 13 years, he likes charging cheaper than other people because he feels that will keep him working and competitive. I tell him to charge more so he can have a better financial lifestyle but he's comfortable where he's at and is stubborn

[@UpFlip]

In the long run he won't ever run out of customers though :)

[@tonygonzalez305]

@@UpFlip 👍🏼yeah that's what he says , he stays busy

[@garethkalber7236]

It’s a common mistake. Cheaper doesn’t mean competitive especially if you’re a good operator like your father. Cheaper makes you cheaper and that’s it. Tell your father most people care about the price of a service much much less than things like reliability, quality of work, after sales service. He could be 50% higher than his competitors and booked out further than them if he focuses on the things I mentioned above rathe than being cheaper.

[@ThoughtTorch]

Your dad sounds like a great man

[@tonygonzalez305]

@@garethkalber7236 thanks for the advice , everything you just mentioned my dad offers, like I said in my original post, my dad is stubborn and won't charge more then he should.

[@grahamworksconstruction]

Isn't there already a handyman journey guy with classes and online support. I love watching new guys talk about 1 million in a year and a half and 10 million in 10. New business owners are too cocky im sure I was like that. But I hit multipile mullions is gross revenue with buildings and vans and 30-40 employees .. WAIT till you see all the drama.. 200 grand in and 200 grand out per month. Scaling isn't always the right idea. After all my years of experience I closed that shop up and re branded as boutique and I make more money now with 2 guys then 30.. I wish all new entrepreneurs a slow and steady success story.

[@lironmtnranch4765]

I had a similar arc in auto repair. At one point had 3 shops 10 employees and 7 figures annual gross revenue, but always personally piss-broke. Now I am back to sole proprietor taking home about the same money.

[@kitchenfitter45]

@@lironmtnranch4765 Agree totally I have been there also . So easy to become a busy fool and loose your quality of life

[@ThatGuyColton]

I live in Seattle and have been considering doing a business like this. Seattle is full of tech people that, like Caleb said, make tons of money and don’t own a screwdriver. I’ve been doing a lot of remodel type work for family and friends, and I’m considering doing it full time.

[@UpFlip]

Hi Nella! That's awesome! You should do it. It's great being able to make money off something that you love doing. What type of remodeling do you do?

[@donairsauce2496]

sounds like he's hiring lol

[@mjkay8660]

im old & lucky my grandson does my tech stuff but wont do the neighbors.. but he repaired my washer & dryer reasonablely, old people look for 10 percent discount but dont usually care if ur kind u can make more

[@trump45and2zig-zags]

Ya around here you work on you're own stuff, house, truck, tractor, everything lol only clients would be elderly widows and I couldn't charge em that! I spend a lot of weekends wrkn for my 92 year old neighbor lady for a homemade pie lol

[@jasonburds]

This channel has grown so much since I first found you just 1-2 months ago. This video is a great example why.

[@chrisj3532]

This handyman’s van is better equipped than most contractors I use!! 😂

[@godbluffvdgg]

I've been general contractor for 30 years...It's tough to make that kind of money on the east coast; everybody and their brother is, or was, in the trades...But; you can make a decent living here, but a supplemental is necessary...Handymen are the least respected among the trades, here...If you're a carpenter; you better be one...Handymen here make about 25 bucks an hour on the high end; and work is spotty at best...Just because there's so many talented men...Out west is filled with rich people that don't have the tools or know how...Good luck to you guys who've been geographically blessed...

[@AceEverett]

I guess it depends on your very specific area. I don't work for many of the rich people in my area, but I'm usually making much more than $25 an hour, and I live in a very low cost of living area. I couldn't charge $100 an hour like this guy is, but maybe pretty close once I get more experience and scale up.

[@AceEverett]

@@ElectronicMusicUnderground It's easier to hide labor rates in big remodels though, and he says he doesn't do whole remodels anymore. It's easier to do it that way because they will inflate the costs of material without telling clients, and the clients don't want to spend the time measuring to figure out how much of each material they need and then adding all of that together to see how close the contractor is. I occasionally charge more for parts and materials, but that's because I get some at very good discounts, and I can't just give my whole discount to the client, I have the business relationship which gets the discount, not them.

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@ElectronicMusicUnderground I imagine that's a tough town to work in..But, you've seemed to niche yourself; That's smart...And some clients can try to get over. The moment you give in; they get you for everything they can. :)...Just stick out your hand when they ask for something over and above...:D

[@godbluffvdgg]

@Eddie D If your full time job has health care and/or pension/401 K ...You're better off just making side cash...Having the steady check gives you the leverage to charge more...A trick I learned long ago; Customer calls; says they have lots of things to do;. Tell them to write them all down;...You take the list; Plug in numbers add em up...It's a score...The people know what they're paying...NEVER CHARGE BY THE HOUR...

[@calebingraham8146]

I totally recognize that how much you charge depends on where you are. There are markets where 100 dollars an hour is too much. The point is that by marketing to the right audience you can increase your hourly to what the market will bear. In Seattle it’s probably higher than in some other places but I’m at the top of MY market. That the point. I thought the same thing about handymen until I started doing the work and getting paid well for it. Find out what the top of YOUR market is and shoot for that.

[@beddozo]

Great video! About 5 years ago I stopped using my truck and bought a van , I can carry almost every tool I own, and I also have a nice inventory of extra parts . I find that my running home to get a tool or HD for a part has made my weeks more productive and I'm putting less wear and tear on my van. I would say my Van is the most important tool I own .( get an ALARM , a couple slick locks on the van ) and if you can install a couple security cameras on your home pointed at your van, Vans trend to get stolen on the Peninsula. Also $100 hr is a gift in the San Francisco to San Jose Ca area some guys are $110 to $125 , and a good employee is $45 to $60 , plus workers comp , and all the other overhead .

[@UpFlip]

Great insights, Don! Thanks so much for sharing. How long have you been in the business?

[@beddozo]

@@UpFlip Lic GC 8 yrs 15 total . I primarily do Kitchen and bathroom as well as an occasional addition , but this handyman work has me intrigued

[@mattwilliamson1714]

@@beddozo Better to put two GPS units on your van, truck, trailer, etc.... hide the good one well, but make the mediocre one relatively easy to spot. Your tools and your tool transporter are your livelihood.

[@foxbodystang8587]

Don…Im in the bay and in need of a quote for new cabinets in my kitchen.

[@UsMisguided]

Wow man, great video Caleb. I've been a painter/contractor owner operator for 6 years but I have 15 years experience. I make good money but end up doing a lot of larger projects myself. I cant see myself hiring a whole new crew after covid and constantly manage that again. Ive had a contractor partnership before running a large crew. There are just so many moving parts. I have a lot of experience but I need to scale down. I've decided do become a service based handyman like yourself. I can't agree more with literally everything you said. Thanks for your concise and genuine knowledge brotha.

[@thetruebatman4632]

I think several of Caleb’s tips are going to help me out in the next year, and I really appreciate them and this episode. Great work guys!

[@UpFlip]

That is AWESOME! Did you start your own business?

[@Handstandin]

What a gem of a channel. Great interviewer and questions as well.

[@UpFlip]

We appreciate you! Thanks so much for watching!

[@lcmlcm2460]

BEST VIDEO I CAN RELATE TO. I’ve been in the trades for 20 years, first started out in new construction framing, hanging rock and taping. I got good at taping and it opened up many avenues for me. I started getting side jobs taping and then went out on my own. Then 2008-2009 happened (market crash). I decided to to do home improvements and learned how to paint and texture repair. Had 4 guys doing big and small jobs, it drove me nuts. So I switched it up and focused on the business side of things and decided to do smaller skilled jobs with 1 guy helping. I made just as much at first but make more now. Focus on important things, get an accounting and understand your business. THANKS GUYS

[@MrYOUNG51690]

Thanks for the great video. In my situation, I’m a part time handyman charging $40 in the Midwest. Most are charging $70-$100 in my area but you said the opposite of what I was expecting when it came to your client pool when you changed the rate.

[@LiveHappy76]

Yeah, the psychology of different pricing levels and different economic strata is nuanced and interesting! Like a surfer learning to read waves to pick the best ones or a miner to follow an ore vein (no personal experience in either)?

[@jerbear7952]

Cheap prices get cheap cusyomers. You don't want cheap customers.

[@ramahdispatch999]

INSANE amount of FREE SUPER VALUABLE information. Thank you both for the detail.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@AceEverett]

Now this is my style. I do appliance repair and small home improvement (handyman) jobs. I am looking to bring on employees eventually but I'm currently doing pretty well as a 1 man show at 26 years old. I found out quickly that I liked the small jobs as well, clients are happy to pay me $200 for one day, but balk at $1000 for five days of labor.

[@AceEverett]

I will say though that I love my pickup truck. No way I could get into a van. Though I will soon be towing gooseneck for a kinda seperate income stream, so I will need my truck anyway.

[@handyman3320]

$200 a day??? Thats garbage.

[@AceEverett]

@@handyman3320 That's just labor, and not 8 hours. 90% of my jobs are 1-4 hours.

[@handyman3320]

@@AceEverett we get between 40 to 60 work request DAILY. We might be on a job 4 hours or 3 days if not more. We have a 4 hour minimum so we do not come out unless you a willing to pay for 4 hours of our time. If we finish early and u have nothing else for our tech, its still 4 hours @ @125 per hour. Then we drive off to the next job. Thats how high the demand is around here.

[@AceEverett]

@@handyman3320 Sounds good. Hopefully I'll get to that point in the next couple years.

[@Just_Chuck_It]

Been doing the handyman thing for over a decade. I don't understand how these guys do it from a van. I use a 2018 Ford F150 FX4 5.0L super crew cab with a 6½' bed. The bed has a roll up tonneau cover and two roll out storage bins. I keep a Milwaukee pack-out set up in the rear seat behind the driver's seat. This has everything I need. Most tools I keep in the pack out are the tools I use everyday. Impact driver, drill driver, oscillating tool, sawzal, skill saw, 16 guage nailer, ect... for power tools. The rest of the pack out bins hold your common use hand tools, and every faster you can imagine. Plumbing odds and ends, light electrical bits. I then have a Milwaukee M18 pack out shop vac (it's nice for cleaning up the smaller jobs.). I can take just what I need in to the customers house or I can wheel the whole thing in. The roll out storage bins in the bed hold things like extension cords, step-tech expanding/folding ladder (will function as a 2-4 step - step ladder, to a 14 foot a-frame to a 20 foot extension ladder), larger bulky tools like demo hammers, grinders, ext..., 4 folding saw horses, a 2' x 4' piece of plywood (makes a great make shift work table when used with saw horses.), 1 round nose shovel, 1 flat head shovel, 1 rock rake, 1 leaf rake, 1 sledge hammer. if you take the saw head off, and pack it just right, a 10inch compound miter saw will fit. And a pop up folding cover for if I need shelter from rain or sun. I can still stack and haul material on top of the roll it bins. And, If I need the bed of my truck I can roll the cover back and load my bed up and use a cargo net to keep everything in the bed. I have a 6x12' dump trailer for dump runs/junk removal, and for large material delivery. These vans while providing some convenience, really restrict your ability to actually do work. Yes, you can keep everything neat and tidy. And you can have a small workspace. But aside from that, your working just like me with out the advantages of a truck that will tow a 12,000 lb trailer and 4 when drive.

[@joekool5005]

Wow, this is a great video! I did not expect this. I've recently set up a handyman business and find this really interesting. I'm a bit unusual as I have a sales and marketing background as well as a multi trade back ground. All the advice here is absolutely spot on. I do pretty well everything he does and because I have the skill set, it costs me next to nothing. I started off with mid range pricing and am gradually increasing as I get busier, planning to be around $100-120/hr. I choose the jobs, I choose the clients, and how and when I work. I also say no to a lot. I am of service, I care, I have a lot of experience and am honest. I also expect to get paid! Great video!

[@turbomustang8417]

He is 1000% correct when he said stay small. Quick and small jobs will make you all the money you will ever need. Flat rate common repairs. Once you do get started you will stay busy

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for the feedback Turbo. What industry are you currently in?

[@landofthefree1804]

Best video by far. Great questions and crystal clear answers that beginners appreciate. There’s an abundance of information here. This company gives a honest vibes. Thank you so much!

[@UpFlip]

Our pleasure Land of the free! 😀 Should we do more video on the farming business?

[@salisburydon02]

I just finished the Blacktail Studio UpSlope episode. I like that I'm hearing the same questions which is great. I know what to expect. The show is a good balance of the pains of the craft and what you could earn by following their passions.

[@LargerThanCats]

Crystal clear answers? Lol, what?

[@midgard8550]

​@@LargerThanCats transparent, easy to understand

[@nathanhensn8717]

Works well for plumbing too. Half of my family stopped plumbing for a company and just opened their own buisness instead. Just need a little shop/garage and a decent van in the beginning. I haven't asked in awhile, but I believe the least successful one clears 80K. I know my Uncle does 350K+.

[@rjbroderdorf9053]

Awesome interview and information for ANY BUSINESS! Just happend upon this interview and channel via YT suggested video and I'm so grateful I did! I'm not a handyman but this interview has helped to spark so many ideas and re-spark excitement and focus in my business! Excellent questions only matched by Caleb's absolutely priceless and well articulated answers and business advice! I'm very impressed and can't say enough about how much value is contained in this interview and how much it has motivated me and sparked some exciting ideas! HUGE thank you to both UpFlip and Caleb Ingraham for providing such valuable information and sharing your knowledge, experience and many of the resources you use to run your business and make it successful!

[@UpFlip]

We are really glad it motivated you! Feel free to look through our channel, we have videos on lots of businesses that I think you will find informative! Good Luck and thank you for your comment!

[@hectordavila5782]

With all due respect thank you for sharing sir maybe someday I would like to visit Seattle and work side-by-side with you. Awesome video. Very educative

[@lebleu7002]

One of the best informational videos ive seen for ambitious people wanting to further financial life or life in general and to that person thats doesn't have all those people and knowledge he has.

[@KQKQ23]

Very excellent point about customer quality as it pertains to pricing. Even in something as simple as driving for Doordash I find that the larger more pricey orders tend to be the quickest/easiest purely because those are the customers who leave good delivery notes, are willing to pick up their phone if you have issues, etc.

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

wow dude this channel is awesome, Kaleb is awesome. I took notes

[@marklaffey7972]

Very well done videos as a handyman my self, the biggest problem I have is running in to the unknown and watching the job go from a few days to weeks and then it throws be behind.

[@TheDeal4412]

Consider charging by the hour instead of the job, then if the job takes longer your not "behind" because your making the same amount no matter what. Hourly rates can be a hard pill for customers to swallow at first, but if your a hard worker, reliable, and do good quality of work you will have no shortage of repeat customers. I've talked to several handyman who've done this and not a single one regrets it. You could also get a helper, but finding labor right now is difficult.

[@CivilizedWarrior]

@@TheDeal4412 I think he means one job running long means the next jobs lined up are late. Then customers might get mad when you were supposed to come a week ago and you have to keep calling all your customers to reschedule. If that’s the case, I would consider not giving a set date until a week or so before the job. Tell them “you’re third (or whatever) on my list, I’ll call you and give you a weeks notice (or whatever) when you’re up next.” This way if a job runs long you don’t have to call 10-20 customers to reschedule, you might only have to call 1 or 2 or 3. Just a thought.

[@MirzaYawarBaig]

So happy to see this. This is the way to go. Learn skills that you can work on with your hands and the sky is the limit.

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for the comment Mirza. 😀Yes, a learned skill is something no-one can ever take away. Are you in the same type of industry?

[@MirzaYawarBaig]

@@UpFlip No. I am a teacher.

[@christosvolikakis1523]

This is basically a great idea for people that are tired of having employees as a business owner, who started out on their own and tried to build up their company. If you have experience and can take on repeat business that you know you can do over and over because you’ve done it 1 million times without dealing with large overhead insurance, bonds, workmen’s Comp., etc. you can charge less than the competitors but still make more. And the bottom line, your work is much more appreciated. I had a successful business that I tried to build up in 2008 and found that I was keeping employees working full-time in a seasonal industry, but was basically supporting the state of California in lieu of taking a paycheck myself. I Realize this about 10 years into the business and made an escape plan with the philosophy of putting money into real estate instead of more equipment for my business. Now a gross only a fraction of what I did with my business involving 60 years plus experience between my family and I but net almost 4 times as much due to the cost of doing business in the state of California. I went from 6 to 7 day work weeks 60 to 70 hours per week to one day a week 8 to 10 hours per day.

[@arcticredpanda4598]

He hit his ceiling pretty quick. The next big jump is going from being a handyman to managing handymen.

[@googleuser868]

Don't work yourself to death with volume plays. Go for the good jobs that allow you to do your best quality work and charge a reasonable price. Big volume brings big problems with a slim bottom line. If you like a fast pace for pennies run a gas station.

[@UpFlip]

Sounds like you know what you're talking about! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@christopherkouri2317]

Fantastic video. Liked and subbed. I live in KY and I only estimate by the job but I base my estimates on $100/hr. That seems to be the sweet spot for me. I find that simply showing up on time gets me more business than I can handle!

[@UpFlip]

Hey Christopher! Wow, that's awesome! Do you have employees or are you a one man operation?

[@christopherkouri2317]

@@UpFlip just a 1 man operation. Not really interested in managing employees but ya never know what the future may hold!

[@sammysainz5]

How did you market yourself to get those initial customers? And congrats btw man, I’m trying to be where you’re at haha

[@trey_ironside]

thee most detailed interview video Ive watched, learned a lot ,thank you

[@leetruax5469]

Great content! I always learn a lot from your channel. The editing is a little annoying though. No reason to use the same B-roll over and over, just cut it out and make the video shorter. We're here for the content of the interview not to watch a music video, especially with the same footage over and over. We're watching his helper cut the same hole in the same ceiling like 10 times!

[@MikeTython369]

Ya watching that gate get drilled in and the ceiling get cut over and over seems a bit unnecessary

[@Spagapolis]

@@MikeTython369 Agreed

[@alexraymes]

Best video on KZbin for us up and coming handymen! I started my business over a year ago and have done well but this video has given me so much more insight. My website is a basic google website and seriously needs upgrading. I’ll definitely be looking in to that customer management software. Thanks for the help!

[@UpFlip]

Hey Alex. So glad to hear that the video was inspirational and helpful for your handyman business. Is this something you do full time or on the side?

[@alexraymes]

@@UpFlip I do it part time right now but am in the process of making it a full time company.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

The biggest issue I've found with this type of work is trying to find workers. The ones you can afford to pay to make money from are unreliable and don't product quality results. The ones that are worth a damn, want to work for themselves or want $100/hr also.

[@johnpichla9557]

Hire a apprentice. And expect him to leave in a year or two.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

@@johnpichla9557 It's not that easy in a handyman type scenario. For an Electrician or Plumber it's easier because you're doing the same thing day in and day out. With general repairs or property Maintenance you're expected to be 10 different trades and it changes every day. To find someone that you can even mould after a year or two to be 90% and 10 different things is next to impossible where I am.

[@googleuser868]

Hire me 20 years ago. I'm getting old and slow now and wouldn't be worth much now. lol

[@awsambdaman]

I’m 26 and I do property maintenance at an RV park. I have to know plumbing, electrical, installing 480v waterpark pumps, replacing hot tub heaters, replacing 30a/50a outlets and breakers, fixing sewage lift stations..it’s a lot for someone to learn. I have a guy under me for a bit but it’s hard to do everything and teach at the same time

[@bryansmith7479]

I was so relieved when that guy finally got that chuck of drywall out of the ceiling

[@CarlosGonzalez-mr5qz]

Took forever right!

[@lukebrown4184]

So many people saying he doesn’t make $100/hr, live very sheltered lives. There are folks in Seattle in tech jobs that make $250+/hr. They own NO tools, and need a Handyman that isn’t a total dirtbag. Just because YOU can’t charge it where you live means nothing.

[@Billybob-go8hn]

Exactly if you do quality work you can charge as much as you want and someone will pay for it word of mouth is everything

[@edgarbenjoseph3879]

Exactly

[@paulantoinep]

I charge 300$ /h for changing light fixture and i am 18 year old.

[@Mannievh]

Supply and demand my friends.

[@system2thinker659]

There is a very important fact that kind of got glossed over in this video. Caleb has his contractors license and chooses to do smaller job instead of standard contractor remodels. For all those who don't know, if materials and labor for any client goes over $500 you need a contractor license. And if you have a contractors license then $100/hr is standard which makes me wonder why you would deal with 14 clients in two weeks vs. building a small deck for example over two weeks with one client and still getting the $100/hr. Either way, it's a niche that is in demand and he is filling it so bravo.

[@theamerican4609]

Many won't pay $4000 in labor to build a small deck in one week...add 1k or more in materials, add taxes and this small deck is costing over $6K!

[@jerbear7952]

​@@theamerican4609anyone with a deck has paid it. My mom paid 12k for her deck.

[@appleztooranges]

I can see he’s using makita products. Good man!

[@MD-eo2wy]

Milwaukee better

[@grantdavid9466]

@@MD-eo2wyMilwaukee tools wear out way faster, even if they perform better than Makita.

[@MD-eo2wy]

@@grantdavid9466you clearly don’t use them every day

[@beefstuart8769]

Excellent video and great Q&A

[@elwoodwhitaker7416]

Thanks Caleb. I got a lot of tips from you that I’ll be implementing into my own handyman business.👌

[@vinnythehandyman]

Outstanding video! Hit most points a startup would ask. I also have a Handyman Business and look forward to growing.

[@rockymountainhandyman840]

Just remember don't cut corners and do quality work. Stand behind your work and be honest & trust-worthy. Way to many times I've seen shotty work that left me scratching my head upset at what I found and in disbelief because no customer deserves shotty or substandard work. But greed and pride will make a person take chances that they normally would not take. Also remember other handyman are not the competition but brothers in trade working to build a business and feed their family. 30 years in the trade but ended in 2019 due to health issues and had to hang up my tools but boy I do miss the hustle. Now my 2 older boys run the business but it's never been the same as when I ran it. But in the end they will learn to keep the business profitable and running or go belly up. People my think I am mean or a jerk but I have helped them way to many times but in the end they have to learn to stand on their own 2 feet because I can't hold their hands forever.

[@UpFlip]

Hey Rocky Mountain Handyman. Thanks for sharing your story! Sorry to hear about your health issues...but appreciate your honest feedback and experience.

[@iamthewelcher]

If you got the time to do it twice, then you can once the right way!!

[@Natural-Causes]

I think I get a lot a business simple because I show up looking professional( meaning not wearing a wife beater, smoking, swearing and loud music playing while I work) people appreciate that more than you know.

[@delmarhoover3225]

Awesome job and all the time put into the video , very helpful and worth the time to watch it 👍

[@UpFlip]

Thanks, Delmar! Thanks for your support. Are you new to our channel?

[@snizzlesyt2136]

By far the best most educational video I’ve watched in this space of work. Thank you!

[@UpFlip]

Glad it was helpful! Are you a handyman as well?

[@chouvang852]

Can you do an interview with Brian Winch (Clean Lots)? Love the fact that you ask very specific questions. Keep it up.

[@UpFlip]

Great suggestion!

[@Tubefish07]

Amazing a handyman assistant can make $72,000 per year. That can only mean that all baristas in North Seattle are driving Bentley’s. That’s pretty strong! Brilliant! Cheers mates!!

[@tylerpitts3312]

What he forgets to metion is he lives in Seattle , houses cost more repairs get paid more

[@ellsworthconstructionllc]

Bingo

[@Heffy90]

What a solid video and inspiration. Start small, grow BIG!

[@collinwmorgan1132]

Great video. Lots of helpful advice the tips on properly charging people is what I really needed to learn because I felt i wasnt making enough for the amount of driving ive been doing trying to service my customers as quickly as possible

[@UpFlip]

Glad it was helpful Collinwmorgan. 😀 Pricing can sometimes take time to get right with a company. Are you currently in the handyman business as well?

[@danielboyle2323]

Great interview and great questions. Thank you!

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MikhailMakrushinMichael]

I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw a man in a hat struggling to install a bathroom fan; empathy tugged at me, but humor won the moment.

[@BVHinc]

Caleb's info was good but he is mistaken in some of the finer details. The bond for GC in WA is 12K for"general contractor" license, not 10k. A "specialty contractor" license has a lower bond amount. In the handyman category of "specialty contractor" one can only be a single person with no employees and no sub contractors. Also, in WA, neither a "general" nor "specialty" contractor can touch plumbing and electrical work unless specifically licensed to do so. They don't even want you removing a toilet so that you can tile the floor under it. A plumber IS REQUIRED by law to do such a simple task, as ridiculous as that may be. I noticed that in this vid he not only referred to performing small electrical and plumbing, he SHOWED himself doing electrical work, which unless he also holds an electrical license, he is not allowed to do. Be warned Caleb, one day they may catch you doing a small electrical or plumbing job. What will happen if your customer has an event like a fire or a flood and it is thought to have originated from YOUR unpermitted electrical or plumbing work? You will have some serious legal bills as well as possibly paying out of pocket for damages. Insurance won't be paying. Be smart... Even low voltage wiring like door bell. thermostat and cable/telephone wiring is only to be run by an electrician or the property owner and even low voltage needs a permit.

[@startingtech3900]

dude he was in the construction industry he is obviously a legit electrician, dont be a male karen

[@BVHinc]

@@startingtech3900 Boy you are a smart guy aren't ya? Using the word Karen tells me all I need to know.

[@RealityCheck787]

It depends on the state. In Virginia a handyman can do any electrical work that is estimated to cost less than 1k, anything over 1k needs a License for it.

[@TwitchIsDead]

@@startingtech3900bruh wys

[@user-nh4tm6hh4j]

The generic term "handyman" encompasses a person who knows how to fix almost everything in your house. It is an extremely skilled person. Yes, they should make good money.

[@WW-lm5ji]

Great info. This is one of the videos I wanted to see

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gunslinga7077]

Gonna start a tile / hardwood installation company in a year or two could start now and get going. Just taking my time making sure my skills are perfect and I'm ready. These are good tips thanks

[@UpFlip]

This is wonderful Trevor! You can do it!😀We're so happy the video was helpful. You could definitely start the back-end things like setting up the business paperwork and things now to get going. How long have you been in the installation business?

[@MichaelHandymanMaker]

Thanks for sharing Caleb! I'm a handyman in Denver and I follow most of your rules of business. I'd say what I will never do is scale the business beyond me, tried it and wasn't profitable. Instead, I buy income-producing real estate with our family's funds. The caveat here - This was only achievable with two incomes coming in (wife has the W2 the banks want).

[@MichaelHandymanMaker]

Also did the systems stuff, HouseCall Pro is great for systems for your team as it has check lists built-in, tracking, hours etc. Again, I tried employees, just didn't do it right. Good luck!

[@jrod16sports]

@@MichaelHandymanMaker lol I am doing the same thing, same situation with the wife, I was an electrician now a framer, I just invest everything that I make and do long and short term rentals.

[@h8tower594]

There is always other banks, that accept non-W2 income...

[@LiveHappy76]

Badass man, Caleb, and badass interviewing and video!

[@rogercosta2736]

Another great video of yours. Awesome 😎

[@UpFlip]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@StrixyN]

This is the 3rd video of yours that I've watched now. I think that earns a subscribe. Let's see where this goes. Enjoying so far!

[@Youniversalclips]

It’s a no brainer. Men & teens these days don’t have any skills & rather pay then DIY. Good for him 👍

[@chrishayes5755]

I think I'm the only person in my whole neighborhood that owns over $1000 of tools. When I talk to men about tools it makes them uncomfortable in some weird way 😂 fking suburbs lol.

[@CarlosGonzalez-mr5qz]

Weird.​@@chrishayes5755

[@SwampDonkey64]

Sounds like you’re charging the correct amount my friend keep on doing it. Your skills are very valuable don’t ever unders sell your self. People will pay you $50-$100 an hour. That’s what they pay me.

[@nyrubin]

Man I love construction so much this video makes want to get back into this space. I'm a mentor here in NYC where I teach (mainly young kids) how to get into the unionized side of construction where the salaries are right around 100-150k depending on the trade. Oh though I like carpentry a bit I kuch rather be taking on different projects... this video is definitely motivational... unfortunately I switched careers in my early 30's but I do miss doing this kind of work 💪✌️

[@TheDeal4412]

Where are you seeing salaries in the trades for $100-$150k a year. I'm a nurse and would consider switching careers if I could make this kind of money. I make quite a bit more than this now as a traveling RN but the working conditions in nursing aren't really worth it anymore.

[@imanocayetano1783]

@@TheDeal4412 go to a union they will start you off as a apprentice then every 6 or so months you'll get a raise. Journeyman level make around 50 to 60 bucks an hour. Question Don't nurses make 200k in california?

[@TheDeal4412]

@@imanocayetano1783 I'm doing slightly higher than that in Michigan working only 3 days a week. The burnout is real tho.

[@remylauren7604]

im in nyc but im 27 any advice on how to get into the unions?

[@salalochino2978]

Great video! Gatefull to see it! Thank you for sharing all this valuable information!

[@knockoutcustoms7477]

That the same price we charge per hour in north Texas, and it is not hard to find people more than happy to pay $100.00 per hour for good work

[@explorster]

It will never work bro.

[@Billybob-go8hn]

@@explorster yes it will, majority of carpenter suck at there trade and are over payed as it is, if you’re good you can get close to 100 an hour

[@rcast2440]

What city in north Texas you’re from? I am in the area of McKinney. Just want to pick peoples brains and learn. I currently do roofing, but I see that there is a lot competition as well I have seen that handyman type work can pay very well and not worry so much in big scale. Just a young guy trying to make a living and have a family and own their land.

[@chrisburns5691]

@@explorster it does every day.

[@souslesbombes]

«I love playing Scrabble». I love that guy lol.

[@knhcarpentryhomeimprovemen8946]

A good handyman could have built his own shelves in the van. Just saying.

[@Not_Andrew_Huberman]

Takes time

[@robertstanley980]

A good business owner is doing task that generates revenue. Not wasting time building something that is easily purchased.

[@chrisburns5691]

that metal shelving is pretty standard though, works fine. our vans at works are fitted out with that way.

[@canadude6401]

time is money. Making shelves for the van like that could take a number of days...days not earning money. Plus, metal shelving can take the abuse, and if you're busy you're homemade shelves will fall apart in no time....again more time to fix them.

[@NicoTheCavapoo]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@betterboss]

Great job, Caleb! Your video was really well done and I appreciate the effort you put into it. Keep up the good work!

[@Yurtletooth]

Fantastic and super-helpful video! Any insights on why Caleb found that the smaller jobs paid better given that he's charging an hourly rate? Is it that he was unable to charge $100/hr on those longer type jobs?

[@erikandersen4440]

Doing a similar business myself he probably experienced the brutal fact that Murphy’s law means that every task takes longer than you’d think. Larger jobs have way more opportunities for that too. Thier also usually on flat quotes and they soak up way more hours than you’d think. He might have budgeted the estimate at $100/hr but in reality he earned significantly less per hour on the project.

[@AeroPR]

amazing video. learned a lot and not even looking to start this type of business. Loved the openeness of the owner

[@jeremywong9207]

Love the tips but think he should fire his employee...he's taking so long to cut out that square in the ceiling lol

[@UpFlip]

Hi Jeremy! Glad you found the tips helpful. You think the employee might have been a little nervous?

[@jeremywong9207]

@@UpFlip lol no just an editing joke (: great content

[@canadude6401]

B roll is excellent quality, but in film editing never repeat the same clip.

[@faithydrop7766]

Great questions you asked, even better answers. Really enjoyed this video and has some really informative information

[@UpFlip]

Well thank you Loclin. We're happy you think so. 😀Are you in the same type of industry?

[@basstib.9343]

„Festool is probably the top end end the tools“ Starts laughing in Mafell.

[@hokipokist]

Absolutely. But my days: moving from a festool TS to a mafell was next level.

[@bondpit8750]

Festool invented the oscillating tool and I remember when they were the only game in town. If you knew what one was and wanted/needed one, you paid the asking price. When he mentioned Festool, I thought, ‘well, he is charging $100 per hour.’ If he was using Mafiel, his hourly would have to double or triple to justify the cost. How can a service oriented end user justify spending $5000 for a circular saw, or $600 for a driver/drill?

[@basstib.9343]

@@bondpit8750 well the 5k is for cutting 7 1/4“ / 185mm thick wood. This isn’t a saw for the regular handyman.

[@bondpit8750]

@@basstib.9343 No doubt, Festool is on the higher end but attainable and is it will outlast and outperform the typical brands most guys use.

[@basstib.9343]

@@bondpit8750 I absolutely agree. That’s why I own a fair share of them myself ;)

[@maryseo8700]

great job asking the right questions

[@recyclespinning9839]

Depends on ; area, customers , and your skill. Try working in an area where tons of foreign workers. You'll be lucky to charge 25 to 40 per hour , and I doubt you can charge travel time. Good luck. If you really have great skills , and also some people skills , and patience. You can make millions in buying , fix up and rent . When you get tired you can keep your prime rentals and sell off the rest. Maybe I will make a video on my "system " .

[@robertrodney1877]

Extremely informative, thank you both for this content.

[@AMGF815]

New here. I like the content and your relaxed presentation but these YT ads, so many of them throughout a single video. Driving me away. Perhaps I'll be back after I get over my annoyance with Google for their relentless popups asking me to try YT premium no matter how many times I click on "No Thanks."

[@googleuser868]

Ads are why the service is free to view. Gotta pay for the content somehow. KZbinr gets a cut too.

[@AMGF815]

@@googleuser868 completely understand that but your channel has far more than any channel I can recall visiting over the past year and as I understand it, you decide when/where and how many ads go into your videos. Honestly, it was such a bad experience that I decided to stop watching your videos until if or when I jump on premium. Ads before and after a video, with perhaps 1 or 2 during long videos, makes sense but to be stopped multiple times throughout a 10min or shorter video is a bit too much.

[@caliboosted]

Love the channel, subscribed. Shockingly good edit, b role and transitions so far.

[@kevinb8959]

Please do about a painting company

[@UpFlip]

Good suggestion!

[@Doesitslap101]

@@UpFlip pls do painting company

[@UpFlip]

@@Doesitslap101 Added to the list and we'll try to make it happen!

[@myhomehandyman4619]

Loving this content

[@estebanazcarragasada9386]

Magnificent Video

[@UpFlip]

Thank you very much!

[@sandramarten3495]

$125 per hour . $250,000 \ 2000 hours a years. Solid I really like the pricing /estimating tip. Tell your clients to trust you hourly . Then your guaranteed to cover your nut. After the first day they’ll see your worth it .

[@stevecunningham936]

Great job on the video!

[@UpFlip]

Glad you liked it!

[@jaytay1316]

Love the channel bro! So many ideas 💡 I’m really into the mobile car detailing ones ! But this is also really interesting

[@UpFlip]

Glad you love the channel Jay. Thank you. 😀What type of other business would you like to see featured?

[@Olly3pow]

Why is he telling us gross costs?!

[@nickk4010]

Exactly, gross is almost meaningless. He says it includes materials. It has nothing to dfo with take home pay. you could make a million dollars in gross sales and barely have NET profit. That is what should have been shown, but wouldn't be able to clickbait with the title.

[@joshparry6123]

I was thinking that 🤣

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

this was gold!!!!

[@UncleIvan1]

when I see a man using makita tools, I trust his opinion

[@spencergray1470]

Mikita is the best with there battery to power ratio ? I see red and yellow on the chargers all the time

[@UncleIvan1]

@@spencergray1470 are you asking or just making a statement? I have all three brand's batteries and makita's batteries do last longer and don't overheat

[@lonestar3630]

I totally agree. Most of my tools are Makita. The second best would be Bosch.

[@tnoel374]

Same here in North Carolina I have been in business for 13 years. 100K per year easy. $1,345,000 with no employees. 1400 videos later. But big question do you have any industrial year round contracts?

[@UpFlip]

Great points! Thanks for sharing!