How to Learn Handyman Skills

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On-the-job experience is one of the best ways to learn handyman skills, but if you want to start a handyman business, you'll usually need a business license and other formal certifications declaring your competency as a handyman. If you want to pursue a handyman career, start your training at home by performing simple maintenance on routine systems such as plumbing and heating. Later you can pursue formal vocational training, then go on to earn a handyman certification provided by your city or county.

  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Look for basic repairs needed around your house.
    Whether you rent or own a home, every structure requires maintenance.[1]
    • Stay ahead of seasonal repairs and maintenance by fixing problems before inclement weather occurs. Look for leaks in your roof in summer, before heavy rains occur. Check the furnace before the weather turns cold. Inspect your home for pest infestations during early spring, before the warm weather causes bugs to reproduce.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Acquaint yourself with home systems such as plumbing, one of the most common home systems that requires ongoing care.
    Learn how to use a plumber's tools to perform basic maintenance on your home's plumbing systems.[2]
    • Keep drains running smoothly. Remove hair and other debris on a regular basis by employing the help of a drain snake.
    • Fix leaks. Look underneath sinks, behind toilets and around spigots to find free-flowing water. Discovering how to find a leak's source is critical for any handyman to perform simple plumbing repairs without having to hire a licensed plumber.
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  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Tell friends and family that you want to help with home repairs.
    Although most homes have similar systems, the more experience you have on different types of homes, the more skilled you'll become at being a general handyman.[3]
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Get handyman training at a vocational school.
    Many adult education schools offer courses in basic handyman training. Check community college catalogs for course offerings.[4]
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Apprentice with an experienced handyman.
    Volunteer your services to act as an apprentice for a home repair expert. Although you won't get paid, you'll receive free on-the-job training and guidance by a more experienced professional.[5]
  6. How.com.vn English: Step 6 Study local building codes and contractor's requirements.
    Each city has different criteria for handyman contractors who work on homes. Many will prohibit anyone but a licensed general contractor to make home repairs in excess of a certain dollar amount.
    • If you intend to earn money as a home handyman, know the scope of the type of projects you can work on before a contractor's license is required by your city.
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  • Question
    How do I complete jobs faster as a handyman?
    How.com.vn English: Alex Mendez
    Alex Mendez
    Community Answer
    Know what you're doing, be safe about it, and make sure you're not taking on a job that's too much for you.
  • Question
    Where do I go to get a handyman license?
    How.com.vn English: Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Most places don't need a license. It varies from state to state. Check with your state to find out if you need a home repair or contractors license and they will help you get one. You should also have insurance in case something goes wrong.
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      Tips

      • Projects such as Habitat for Humanity are always in need of volunteer construction labor. Learn handyman skills by volunteering to building a home for a needy family.
      Submit a Tip
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      Warnings

      • Ensure that your friends and family know you are a handyman student. Don't attempt to fix problems that are beyond your skill level or you could make the problem worse, as well as more expensive.
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      About This Article

      How.com.vn English: Ryaan Tuttle
      Co-authored by:
      Home Improvement Specialist
      This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with How.com.vn and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 67,165 times.
      80 votes - 87%
      Co-authors: 4
      Updated: February 5, 2020
      Views: 67,165
      Categories: Home Maintenance | DIY
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 67,165 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • How.com.vn English: Lulama Madondile

        Lulama Madondile

        May 11, 2016

        "I wanted to be a handyman for a long time but today 6 steps helped me to realize that I can be a handyman. I can..." more
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