Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Handyman Business
A repair-and-install service for people who already have practical skills, which in California starts with small jobs under $1,000 and can grow into a licensed contracting business.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026
$1,043 – $25,187*Pending verificationSourcesStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 19 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
High
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Year-round
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Elevated
3 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $25,187
3 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
2 / 55.3% a yearPending verificationSourcesMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Ace Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 2 brands: Mr. Handyman 3.5% (2025); Ace Handyman Services 7.0% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
5 / 511.9% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
764 of 6,426 SBA 7(a) loans to Residential Remodelers (NAICS 236118), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 486 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
2 / 5Growing fasterPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Residential remodelers, which includes handyman services (NAICS 236118): employer establishments +17.8% (114,874 to 135,337) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
3 / 5Moderate
Without a license you are limited to jobs under $1,000 with no permit and no employees on the job; above that you need a CSLB B license, which requires four years of experience and two exams (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Many households with one-off and repeat jobs; no single customer carries the business.
Physical demand
5 / 5High
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (3 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $9,500 – $100,000Pending verificationSourcesMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Ace Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise 500 — HandyPro(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $69,840 – $226,000Pending verificationSourcesMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Ace Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise 500 — HandyPro(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands. | $1,043 – $25,187*Pending verificationSourcesStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 19 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 6% – 7% of revenuePending verificationSourcesMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Ace Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise 500 — HandyPro(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $23,640 – $24,840Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Handyman insurance in California(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Insureon — Handyman insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $23,640 – $24,840 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $130,858 – $345,935 | $24,683 – $50,027* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $9,500 – $100,000Pending verificationSourcesMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Ace Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise 500 — HandyPro(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $69,840 – $226,000Pending verificationSourcesMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Ace Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise 500 — HandyPro(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands.
- Independent
- $1,043 – $25,187*Pending verificationSourcesStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 19 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (3 brands)
- 6% – 7% of revenuePending verificationSourcesMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Ace Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise 500 — HandyPro(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $23,640 – $24,840Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Handyman insurance in California(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Insureon — Handyman insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $23,640 – $24,840
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (3 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $130,858 – $345,935
- Independent
- $24,683 – $50,027*
5-year totals assume $55,536–$147,888 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Mr. Handyman
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross sales for 165 franchisees grouped by how many units they own, plus gross sales per job.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 57 single-unit franchisees$773,574 a yearPending verificationSourceMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables A and D. Gross sales, not profit. Leaves out 16 businesses that opened in 2025, 10 that changed owners and 12 that closed. 17 of 57 single-unit owners (30%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 57 single-unit franchisees$580,422 a yearPending verificationSourceMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables A and D. Gross sales, not profit. Leaves out 16 businesses that opened in 2025, 10 that changed owners and 12 that closed. 17 of 57 single-unit owners (30%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Lowest 2025 gross sales among the 57 single-unit franchisees$208,200 a yearPending verificationSourceMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables A and D. Gross sales, not profit. Leaves out 16 businesses that opened in 2025, 10 that changed owners and 12 that closed. 17 of 57 single-unit owners (30%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales per job, 165 franchisees$742Pending verificationSourceMr. Handyman 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables A and D. Gross sales, not profit. Leaves out 16 businesses that opened in 2025, 10 that changed owners and 12 that closed. 17 of 57 single-unit owners (30%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
Ace Handyman Services
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 revenue, costs and owner discretionary income for 77 single-territory operators and 77 multi-territory groups, in quarters by revenue.
- Average 2025 total revenue, top quarter of single-territory operators (19)$775,337 a yearPending verificationSourceAce Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1–4. Total revenue excluding sales tax and discounts, not profit. Leaves out 40 territories open under 12 months, 34 with incomplete reports, 26 that closed in 2025 and 18 affiliate-owned outlets. The FDD also shows costs and owner discretionary income, which are not repeated here. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 total revenue, second quarter of single-territory operators (19)$533,854 a yearPending verificationSourceAce Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1–4. Total revenue excluding sales tax and discounts, not profit. Leaves out 40 territories open under 12 months, 34 with incomplete reports, 26 that closed in 2025 and 18 affiliate-owned outlets. The FDD also shows costs and owner discretionary income, which are not repeated here. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 total revenue, third quarter of single-territory operators (19)$347,542 a yearPending verificationSourceAce Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1–4. Total revenue excluding sales tax and discounts, not profit. Leaves out 40 territories open under 12 months, 34 with incomplete reports, 26 that closed in 2025 and 18 affiliate-owned outlets. The FDD also shows costs and owner discretionary income, which are not repeated here. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 total revenue, bottom quarter of single-territory operators (20)$250,699 a yearPending verificationSourceAce Handyman Services 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 25, 2026, amended June 5, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Tables 1–4. Total revenue excluding sales tax and discounts, not profit. Leaves out 40 territories open under 12 months, 34 with incomplete reports, 26 that closed in 2025 and 18 affiliate-owned outlets. The FDD also shows costs and owner discretionary income, which are not repeated here. Your results may differ.
HandyPro
We couldn't check Item 19: no FDD for this brand was on file in Minnesota CARDS when we looked, so the figures above come from Entrepreneur's franchise directory.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Part of Neighborly, a large group of home-service brands
- Classroom and on-the-job training before opening
- Local marketing resources and help finding customers
- Access to a group purchasing network (ProTradeNet)
- 15% off the franchise fee for qualifying veterans
- Backed by the Ace Hardware name, which many homeowners already know
- About 25 to 34 hours of classroom training plus on-the-job training at headquarters
- A business model built around managing a team of craftsmen rather than doing every job yourself
- $7,000 off the first-unit franchise fee for qualifying veterans
- A much lower franchise fee than the larger handyman brands
- Classroom and on-the-job training
- Shared scheduling and business systems
- 25% off the franchise fee for qualifying veterans
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand tools, basic setPending verificationSourceStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026From a single tier-3 startup-cost guide; to be cross-checked against retailer price pages before verification. | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Power tools: drill, circular saw, jigsaw or oscillating tool (budget)Pending verificationSourceStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026From a single tier-3 startup-cost guide; to be cross-checked against retailer price pages before verification. | $225 | $363 | $500 |
| Ladders: 6-foot step ladder plus an extension ladder (budget)Pending verificationSourceStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026From a single tier-3 startup-cost guide; to be cross-checked against retailer price pages before verification. | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| Tool bags and boxesPending verificationSourceStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026From a single tier-3 startup-cost guide; to be cross-checked against retailer price pages before verification. | $50 | $75 | $100 |
| Vehicle: the car or truck you already ownPending verificationSourceStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026From a single tier-3 startup-cost guide; to be cross-checked against retailer price pages before verification. | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Website, do-it-yourselfPending verificationSourceStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026From a single tier-3 startup-cost guide; to be cross-checked against retailer price pages before verification. | $0 | $100 | $200 |
| Marketing launch: business cards and flyersPending verificationSourceStartCosts — How much does it cost to start a handyman business? (2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026From a single tier-3 startup-cost guide; to be cross-checked against retailer price pages before verification. | $30 | $65 | $100 |
| California LLC filing (Articles of Organization plus first Statement of Information)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026$70 for Form LLC-1 plus $20 for Form LLC-12, from the Secretary of State fee schedule dated June 2018. Confirm current fees at bizfile Online. | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| City or county business license | Data coming soon | ||
| Scheduling, quoting and invoicing software, first yearPending verificationSourceJobber — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Jobber Core (one user) at $29 per month billed annually, times 12. | $348 | $348 | $348 |
| Total (sourced lines only) | $1,043 | $1,491 | $1,938 |
Share of mid estimate
- Hand tools, basic set20%
- Power tools: drill, circular saw, jigsaw or oscillating tool (budget)24%
- Ladders: 6-foot step ladder plus an extension ladder (budget)10%
- Tool bags and boxes5%
- Vehicle: the car or truck you already own0%
- Website, do-it-yourself7%
- Marketing launch: business cards and flyers4%
- California LLC filing (Articles of Organization plus first Statement of Information)6%
- Scheduling, quoting and invoicing software, first year23%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
Mid is the halfway point between low and high where a source gives only a range.
The total leaves out 1 line we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Ticket is the low end of Thumbtack's simple-task range ($178). Jobs per week, ramp-up, cost share and seasonality are assumptions, not operator data. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 2
- Year-1 revenue
- $41,151
- Year-2 profit
- $42,358
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 8.7 | $1,543 | $635 | $907 | -$584 |
| 2 (Apr) | 11.9 | $2,121 | $722 | $1,399 | $815 |
| 3 (May) | 14.3 | $2,545 | $786 | $1,760 | $2,575 |
| 4 (Jun) | 15.2 | $2,700 | $809 | $1,891 | $4,466 |
| 5 (Jul) | 17.3 | $3,085 | $867 | $2,219 | $6,684 |
| 6 (Aug) | 19.5 | $3,471 | $925 | $2,546 | $9,230 |
| 7 (Sep) | 21.7 | $3,857 | $983 | $2,874 | $12,105 |
| 8 (Oct) | 23.8 | $4,242 | $1,040 | $3,202 | $15,307 |
| 9 (Nov) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $18,836 |
| 10 (Dec) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $22,366 |
| 11 (Jan) | 23.4 | $4,165 | $1,029 | $3,136 | $25,503 |
| 12 (Feb) | 23.4 | $4,165 | $1,029 | $3,136 | $28,639 |
| 13 (Mar) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $32,169 |
| 14 (Apr) | 28.6 | $5,091 | $1,168 | $3,923 | $36,092 |
| 15 (May) | 28.6 | $5,091 | $1,168 | $3,923 | $40,015 |
| 16 (Jun) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $43,545 |
| 17 (Jul) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $47,075 |
| 18 (Aug) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $50,605 |
| 19 (Sep) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $54,134 |
| 20 (Oct) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $57,664 |
| 21 (Nov) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $61,194 |
| 22 (Dec) | 26.0 | $4,628 | $1,098 | $3,530 | $64,724 |
| 23 (Jan) | 23.4 | $4,165 | $1,029 | $3,136 | $67,860 |
| 24 (Feb) | 23.4 | $4,165 | $1,029 | $3,136 | $70,997 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Typical handyman job (national range)$134 – $460Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — Handyman prices (updated Oct 28, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size. Thumbtack says the figures are national averages from its pros plus additional research.
- Simple task, under 2 hours$178 – $220Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — Handyman prices (updated Oct 28, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size.
- Several small projects, 2 to 5 hours$316 – $428Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — Handyman prices (updated Oct 28, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size.
- Complex or full-day project$701 – $1,105Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — Handyman prices (updated Oct 28, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026No published sample size. In California, an unlicensed handyman must keep the whole job (labor plus materials) under $1,000.
- Hourly rate (dollars per hour)$50 – $100Pending verificationSourceFixr — Handyman cost (updated Jan 30, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Per hour, not per job. Fixr gives about $65 per hour as typical; no published sample size.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average receipts per establishment, all employer firms, NAICS 236118 Residential Remodelers (includes handyman services), 2022$1,070,001 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per establishment, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 236118 Residential Remodelers (includes handyman services), 2022$413,313 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per nonemployer (solo, no payroll) business, NAICS 2361 Residential Building Construction (remodelers and home builders combined), 2024$102,395 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Nonemployer Statistics, U.S. file (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
The $1,000 limit in California
Without a CSLB license, every job (labor plus materials) must stay under $1,000, need no building permit, and be done without employees. Splitting a bigger job into smaller invoices is not allowed. Unlicensed contracting can bring fines and legal action.
How to manage it: Stick to small repairs and installs, write every quote with a clear total, turn down permit work, and start building toward a license if larger jobs keep coming your way.
Ladder falls
Ladders are involved in about 1 in 5 worker fall injuries, and the CDC found fatal ladder-fall rates rise sharply with age. For a 55-year-old, a fall that a younger worker walks away from can end a career.
How to manage it: Use a sturdy fiberglass ladder, keep three points of contact, refuse roof and second-story work, and set a personal height limit you never break.
Physical wear
The work means kneeling, crawling under sinks, lifting doors and drywall, and long days on your feet. Knees, back and shoulders take the strain, and income stops when you can't work.
How to manage it: Choose the job types you can do comfortably, schedule recovery days, use lifting aids, and consider disability insurance.
Damage and liability claims
A leaking fitting or a badly hung shelf can damage a client's home, and you are responsible for the repair.
How to manage it: Carry general liability insurance, take photos before and after each job, and decline work outside your skills.
Underpricing and scope creep
Small jobs often grow once you're in the house, and new owners tend to underquote, especially for travel time and supply runs.
How to manage it: Set a minimum charge, quote in writing, and price any extra work as a new job — keeping California's $1,000 cap in mind if you're unlicensed.
Earning trust against cheap competition
Homeowners worry about letting strangers in, and many unlicensed and part-time handymen compete on price.
How to manage it: Lean on reviews, a clean appearance, punctuality and clear communication.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
Jobs under $1,000: no contractor license needed, with conditions
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCSLB Industry Bulletin #24-07 — License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — Before applying for the examination(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Since January 1, 2025 (AB 2622, Business and Professions Code §7048), you can do a job without a CSLB license only if the total for labor, materials and everything else is under $1,000, the work needs no building permit of any kind, and you employ no one on the job. Break any of those three rules and you need a license, even for a small job. You also can't split a larger project into smaller contracts to stay under the limit.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)Advertising without a license
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB Industry Bulletin #24-07 — License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Unlicensed handymen may advertise for jobs up to $1,000 only if the ad says they are not licensed. Anyone who advertises as licensed or qualified to act as a contractor loses the minor-work exemption.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)When you need a CSLB license: B General Building
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCSLB — B General Building Contractor classification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026CSLB — Before applying for the examination(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026To take jobs of $1,000 or more, permit work, or hire help, you need a contractor license. The B (General Building) license covers projects involving at least two unrelated building trades; framing and carpentry don't count toward the two. Single-trade jobs such as electrical or plumbing need the matching C specialty license, or a licensed subcontractor. To qualify you need four years of journey-level (or foreman, supervisor or contractor) experience within the past ten years, must pass the exam, and must file a $25,000 contractor's bond.
Verify with the CSLB — B General Building classification(opens in a new tab)Another route: B-2 Residential Remodeling
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB Industry Bulletin #21-06 — New B-2 Residential Remodeling classification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026The B-2 license is meant for remodeling and home-improvement work on existing wood-frame homes that involves at least three unrelated trades. It needs four years of experience in three or more trades (up to three years can be replaced with education). B-2 holders can't alter load-bearing walls, can't install or extend electrical or plumbing systems (small changes to existing systems are allowed), and can't install or replace HVAC systems.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)CSLB fees
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026A $450 application fee, then a $200 initial license fee for a sole owner ($350 otherwise), plus fingerprinting. An active license renews every two years for $450 (sole owner) or $700.
Verify with the CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Workers' compensation for licensed contractors
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCSLB — Workers' compensation requirements(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Insureon — Handyman insurance in California(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Today, a licensed contractor with no employees can file an exemption instead of buying workers' comp; once you hire anyone, you must send CSLB proof of coverage within 90 days. Insureon reports that California law is set to require workers' comp for every licensed contractor, employees or not, starting January 2028. Check CSLB for the current date.
Verify with the CSLB — Workers' compensation requirements(opens in a new tab)City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based.
LLC annual tax (if you form an LLC)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Every LLC registered in California owes an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board, paid with Form FTB 3522, until the LLC is formally cancelled.
Verify with the California Franchise Tax Board(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- List the jobs you can do well and safely, and the ones you'll turn down
- Learn California's $1,000, no-permit, no-employee rule
- Choose your business structure and get a city business license
- Get general liability insurance
- Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing
Phase 2
Pricing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Operations
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Getting licensed
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Tools and materials
Hand tools, power tools and job materials.
Ladders
Fiberglass step and extension ladders.
Scheduling and invoicing software
Quotes, scheduling, invoices and payments.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Do I need a contractor license to be a handyman in California?
Not for small jobs. You can work without a CSLB license if each job totals under $1,000 for labor and materials, needs no building permit, and you have no employees, and your ads must say you're not licensed. For anything bigger, you need a license.
How long does it take to get a B license?
CSLB requires four years of journey-level experience in the trade within the last ten years, verified by people who know your work, plus passing the exam and filing a $25,000 bond.
Will I pay royalties or ongoing fees to you?
No. Kits are a one-time purchase. Everything you earn is yours.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.