This module gave you a good overview of what it means to be a handyperson.
You were introduced to the concept of what a handyperson might do and what skills are required for those who want to be a handyperson.
We gave you advice on what limitations you might face as a handyperson and information about how to best work with a client to get the most out of each call to their home.
As we move forward to the next module, you will learn more about meeting with clients and creating client relationships. You will also learn more about the requirements necessary for a handyperson in the UK.
All customers that you come across in your career as a handyperson should be considered top customers.
This module explained how to handle enquiries and the difference between offering a free estimate and a free quote.
The module also showed how to handle enquiries and how to determine if you should take a job or not.
You also should have learned how to present yourself well to clients and how to create estimates and quotes.
You also learned how to make a good first impression on a client, which will help to bring work in.
Once you have mastered that, you can move on to Module 3, which will help you to determine what tools you will require for your handyperson business.
At a glance, the list of equipment, tools and other essentials required to get you started up seems costly. However, do not let it prevent you from starting up and building your way up. As explained, you can always start with what you have and add on more tools, supplies and equipment as your handyperson business grows.
Get started by acquiring a five-drawer cabinet to store your tools and build up your tools inventory by adding power tools as needed.
Once the business grows to offer additional service, you can then start purchasing the “seasonal equipment” that will help with gardening and the other list of services that you will add to your portfolio.
All domestic plumbing systems have two subsystems to them - the main supply of the water feed into the home and the drainage system to let wastewater out. They are simple systems, yet possess complicated setups, due to all the components.
Copper and brass pipes used to transport water at high temperatures can only be dealt with by plumbers. Handypersons can do minor repair work and those are the components you'll be working with. Plastic parts, toilet cisterns (which are basically cold water tanks) and dealing with blockages.
Blockages to the drainage system are as simple as unblocking the trap under the problematic fixture. Blockages to the water flow affecting radiators can be as simple as bleeding them, or as complicated as using a power flush to the entire system.
Knowing the symptoms of pipeline blockages will allow you to let your clients know if they may require a power flush to their heating system. You do not want to find yourself providing a service, only to have customers complaining it made no difference.
With an understanding of how a domestic plumbing system works, you'll be better equipped to know what jobs you can and can't do, as part of your handyperson service.
Every home is connected to the power grid through the electricity meter. The meter is grounded/earthed, providing an insulator to all electricals connected through the consumer panel.
No electrical appliance or socket/receptacle will work without being connected to the consumer panel. Inside the consumer panel, the electricity is distributed through circuits, with each circuit delivering a set voltage to different areas of the home.
The socket/receptacle circuit may be delivering an AC (alternating current) at 110 volts or within the 220v - 240v range (UK), which will use a fuse corresponding to the amount of power it needs to send. This will be a 32-amp fuse, 16-amp fuse, or a 6-amp fuse, depending on how much electricity to be needs distributed.
The fuses can only be installed by registered and certified electricians. However, you as a handyperson are able to replace like for like. Would it be advised though?
Probably not, because for a fuse to blow in the consumer panel, there would have been something that caused a surge in electricity. It could be an overloaded circuit, or it could be a fault in the wiring interrupting the loop of the alternating current. Whilst you can change like for like, in the event of blown fuses, you can replace them. But, if you find it blows again, you are best to advise your client to seek the services of an electrician to troubleshoot the problem. Otherwise, it will be a never-ending cycle of replacing fuses and not fixing the root cause of the problem.
Keep all of this in mind as we continue on through the modules.
You were introduced to a variety of different saws and drill bits.
You were also informed of how to clean up and take care of your workspace, to ensure safety and organised work.
You then learned about handheld drilling tools, how to locate studs and even different types of walls.
The choosing of correct screwdrivers should have influenced the point that it is imperative for you to always choose the right tool for the task at hand.
In the following module, we will go more in-depth about certain techniques that you need to know, in order to be the best handyperson you can be.
This module covered a few basic skills you need to be a handyperson; from possessing certain tools, to creating your own concrete, to familiarising yourself with the common issues and solutions for certain appliances.
You should feel more comfortable and have a grasp on a beginner's guide to various tasks.
Of course, experience is the best way to gain real skill, so be certain to get your hands on as much as you can, even if it involves checking out your own appliances that are in good, working order.
Tap leaks are some of the most common plumbing issues that every homeowner faces at one point or another. Whilst these problems appear to be seemingly easy to fix, most homeowners will choose to employ the services of a handyperson to ensure that the repairs are done well.
Going through this module will help you to understand more about how tap and toilet cistern leaks occur and how to fix them and the function of toilet extraction fans.
This module has explored the reason why taps leak - and it always comes down to the washers. Replacing worn-out tap washers often does the trick, when it comes to fixing valve leakages. However, a loose/slack gland nut, as well as worn out rubber seals and chips within tap cartridges, are some of the other causes of tap leakages.
The three tools used to fix valve leakages include an Allen key/screwdriver, an adjustable wrench and replacement washers. Leaking toilet cisterns often also require replacement tap washers, but in some cases, a cistern outlet kit is required.
Bathroom extraction fans take the crucial role of making sure that your bathroom stays free from mildew and mould, as well as protect the bathroom paint or wallpaper from peeling. The two standard types of extraction bathroom taps available are window and wall fans.
This module has given you a comprehensive guide on how to go about fixing blocked sinks/drainage systems, as well as the washing machine installation process.
Get started by trying it out with your own drain/sink to see what is inside and how to go about fixing blockages, using this guide.
Remember that practice makes perfect and the more you give it a try, the more skilled you will become at efficiently fixing sink/drain blockages.
The same applies to installing washing machines. Analyse your own washing machine, to get familiar with all its parts and connections.
Having this familiarity will make it much easier when working on your first installation job.
Also, keep on reading and soaking up knowledge about energy efficiency, to impart this wisdom to your clients.
In this module, we covered a range of doors, locks and windows.
We identified them and went over what makes each unique in their own way.
When you get called upon for jobs pertaining to either one of these home mechanisms, you should have a better understanding of which one your customer has and what you need to do to fix it.
This model covered a wide range of different handyperson projects that you maybe never thought you would be dealing with.
Handyperson work goes beyond electrical and plumbing work and can involve simple, decorating-type tasks.
By now, you should have an excellent grasp of the basics of a lot of the projects you will encounter.
Practice makes all the difference, so make sure you carry out those activities and conduct further research if confused!
This module should have given you a good concept of various flooring materials and how to install some of them.
You also should have a good idea of most of the problems you are likely to come across and be called about and have a good understanding of how to fix each issue.
You should have created a binder for yourself that is all about flooring, complete with everything down to the numerous flooring samples you can get your hands on easily.
You should feel a lot more comfortable about the idea of renovating someone's flooring and what floors you should offer them, keeping budget and needs in mind.
You also learned how to board a loft - something that will provide you with many jobs as a handyperson in the UK.
Homes come with various handyperson repair needs, both internally and externally.
This module has explored how to approach most of the regular exterior jobs, including repairing guttering systems, fixing fences and sheds and installing and maintaining exterior lighting.
Most homeowners get to a point where they need to give their home a new lease of life and painting is often the popular way of changing things.
The great thing about exterior home repairs and painting is that you do not have to spend a lot to work on these jobs. The materials needed are what you would typically find in any home or use for interior jobs. It still makes sense to invest in your set of tools and equipment needed to carry out outdoor handyperson jobs.
With the basic working knowledge offered through this module, you should be able to skilfully approach any exterior home jobs.
This module has taken you through the steps needed in order to begin setting up your business as a handyperson.
You should feel a little more comfortable and know where to start researching certain laws you will need to abide by and the various things you need to do in order to organise your work area or office.
You should also feel a little better about creating a business plan to present to a potential lender, in the hope that they will invest in your future, granting you a business loan.
Do not let any of the above information intimidate you; this is all here so that you do not run into any surprises along the way. It will not be an easy ride, but it will all be well worth it when you are running your own business!
In this final module, you discovered:
how to budget and price your services or hourly labour,
how to market your business by creating a domain and a professional website,
how to get the correct type of insurance you will need based on your business structure,
how to keep a clear account of your important records to file taxes with and write off any deductions
how to begin growing your overall customer base.
You should now realise it is going to take a lot more work and a lot more patience to really get yourself out there and to help your business stand in front of the ones that have already been working to establish themselves for years.
The fact that you are reading these modules alone puts you well ahead of the curve, as many older companies are not interested in changing their habits or learning the roots of online marketing and social media. Good luck in your profession as a handyperson!
