Just started my handyman business. Stumbled across your channel my God you have a ton of valuable information here. I can’t thank you enough. Stay busy with integrity.
Your videos are wonderful, thank you so much. The more i listen to you, the more parallels i find. I used to run a food truck before they were hip in my city. I have twins. I'm early 40's and have a beard 😂. You are making this long time dream of mine look more and more like a reality. I'm so excited to make this jump!
All you share is so true! Learning and understanding how to use a table saw safely is paramount so as not to loose any digits! Also firing bad clients, some after the first day, others after a week, some even after years of service and them taking advantage of you forever!
This is a great video, really pulling back the curtain. I'm also finding it very intimidating to need so many tools and so many skill sets. I've been doing DIY stuff and helping friends for a while but to do this professionally, it seems like there needs to be a starter ramp on the way to having all this stuff taken care of.
It's definitely a long process but when you break it down, each individual task is pretty doable by just about anybody. It's just a matter of adding them all up over time
Excellent content (as always)! Digging your new video, audio, and studio. Transitioning from "I" to "we" is one that I'm trying to get my mind to fully make the shift.
Thanks Paul! The studio, audio, and video are still minimum viable product for a studio, but there will be definite improvement over time now that I have better equipment. Also, I did receive your last couple of emails. I apologize for not emailing back yet, just been busy and spending a little bit of extra time with family too.
Me too actually! You literally can't be a handyman if you aren't ready to get good at drywall. I'll do one video of my own, doing it my way, and then I'll do another video with my drywall guy.
Hey there BPH! Always enjoy the content and it is always going to be very useful to those getting in the trade or new but established! I am a teacher who has always been a part time contractor remodeled always with a foot in the handyman. World (nights and weekends and full time during summers). I am tuning in to your content to listen for new tips and for reinforceme on strategies I already have in place. Thanks Ray!! I always enjoy learning
That actually sounds like a perfect career for a handyman. Summer time is the busiest time and that's when you have the most free time. Perfect! I'm glad the channel is helpful! Ray
@@bulletproofhandyman I have a charmed life and am thankful for it! 11 years in the army. 1 year in Iraq during OIF1/2, special operations team. Chem and physics teacher since 95. Married to the same wonderful woman since 94. Beautiful successful children. And…on top of that, I get to make money building things and fixing things on a schedule that makes for great variety! (and I have a real cool tool trailer built out like Ron Paulk that quite honestly makes contracting fun!)
That's a very full life sir. And it sounds like you earned it. I spent some years in Afghanistan, it's interesting the different perspective it gives you to notice everything that there is to be grateful for. I'm very happy that you've earned yourself a fully lived life with happiness in it.
Hi Ray, thanks for another great video. Question about subbing out - do you stick within a range of percentages for your cut? Do you vary it depending on type of trade (electrical, plumbing, hvac, etc), and/or based on job size?
I have two methods. One method is just a flat 27% of the labor. The other method is that I submit an estimate based on how much I want to get paid to do the job and then if I have someone who is very skilled to sub that job out too then I let them give me an estimate and if it's worth it I let them have the job. This make sure that If one of my people falls through, I've still set the price for that job at a price that I'm happy to do it for.
Love the video thus far, my 2 cents I would try to not learn to sweat copper in the field, personally. I had the benefit of learning in HVAC school and let me tell yah, im really glad i did. Maybe buy a couple copper fittings, watch some videos and give it a go yourself before swapping someones water heater or shower valve. Helps to be able to saw the solder joint in half and examine how actually solid your joint was and can give you better insight on how to manage your heat and solder application. Once you got it, its a no brainer, but before you know what is actually happening on the inside of the joint, you can really piss of your insurance provider by gobbing a wad of solder on the outside of the fitting and calling it a day. For anyone concerned.
I absolutely agree, it is never preferable to learn on the job. Ideally you learn in person from somebody who knows what they're doing. Second to that would be learning at home with some spare parts and a workbench and some great UA-cam videos. And finally, if all else fails, it is possible to learn on the job IF AND ONLY IF you are actually willing to take the time necessary. But it is definitely not ideal by any means. I learned how to solder copper when I was 18 years old and in the Air Force and then I never touched it again for almost two decades. When I started this handyman business, my first copper soldering was a hose bib on the job. If I could go back and do it again I would have told the client that I needed to reschedule for tomorrow and then I would go home and practice all evening.
Hey! I haven't finished watching. But youre leaving out 2 important tools/ skills? 1) a tspe measure 2) a hammer. Also the reciprocating saw should rank very high on your list! And imo for basic plumbing uts sharkbite or other pipe connector tools. So soldering meh!
This episode was more about skills than tools. There is another episode that dives very deep into detail about every single tool that you would likely need. I almost never need a hammer, and unless you're a carpenter, you don't really need much skill to use it. The tape measure is used constantly but 99% of the time doesn't require anything more than simply being able to look at it and see what it says. I definitely do not recommend shark bites And have only used them once in the last 4 years. I'm certainly okay with other people using them, I just don't promote their use. I do appreciate your feedback, I just had to draw a line somewhere to ensure that I'm not repeating the entire tools video when I'm making a video about skills.
I’m an 18 year old electrician, I’m quite good at most residential electrical things. I am heavily considering starting a handyman business. I don’t know much about other types of home repairs. Do you think with the help of lots of UA-cam research and online research I can learn to do most repairs that I will need as a handyman?
I sincerely believe that anyone can. The caveat to this being that when you're learning how to do these things, you won't be very profitable. After you've done them a few times, then you'll be profitable, so you do have to be willing to trade profits for experience for a while.
@@bulletproofhandyman what do you do if you’re trying to fix a problem on someone’s house and you accidentally break it or possibly make worse? Yeah I’ve already started trying to offer free repairs to close family just to learn
Thank you so much I didn’t realize how many skilled I had picked up since joining the trade two years ago I do want to learn how to charge if you have a video on how to run estimates I would really appreciate that. I assume you’re in Texas because you look like a cowboy I’m in Texas as well.
@@bulletproofhandyman awesome man thanks really learning a lot from your channels Just landed my first side job hauling junk off yesterday earned 350 in 3 hrs
@@bulletproofhandyman yes sir The only issue I have is knowing how to charge the competition is big here in Dallas and some are more prepared than me I’m just stating but I’m learning a ton Keep up the good content and thanks for responding ! If you could give me a tip on what to focus on learning the most right now Or if you have a video of the most requested side jobs it would be appreciated Thanks and God bless !
Actually I do have multiple videos on the about the most common jobs and also about the most profitable jobs. I would say just start with whatever job comes next, research it and figure it out and get it done and add it to your tool belt.
If you have built your reputation - Potential Competition, which none of them are is a non-issue. Most of the folks out there target the wrong customers, with the wrong services, using piss poor sales techniques, and are doing work that leave most folks unimpressed, and unlikely to refer you. You only need 1 of the right customer to bury a one man shop in months.
Just started my handyman business. Stumbled across your channel my God you have a ton of valuable information here. I can’t thank you enough. Stay busy with integrity.
Thank you sir, I will definitely do that. I'm glad you find the content useful.
This is great info for any entrepreneurial endeavor. I’m not even in the handyman biz but I watched this entire video.
Awesome!
Your videos are wonderful, thank you so much. The more i listen to you, the more parallels i find. I used to run a food truck before they were hip in my city. I have twins. I'm early 40's and have a beard 😂.
You are making this long time dream of mine look more and more like a reality. I'm so excited to make this jump!
We're Twins!!!
All you share is so true! Learning and understanding how to use a table saw safely is paramount so as not to loose any digits! Also firing bad clients, some after the first day, others after a week, some even after years of service and them taking advantage of you forever!
That's right, and if you don't fire them, then you're just kind of stuck.
This is a great video, really pulling back the curtain. I'm also finding it very intimidating to need so many tools and so many skill sets. I've been doing DIY stuff and helping friends for a while but to do this professionally, it seems like there needs to be a starter ramp on the way to having all this stuff taken care of.
It's definitely a long process but when you break it down, each individual task is pretty doable by just about anybody. It's just a matter of adding them all up over time
@@bulletproofhandyman yeah, I get that. Just don't want to do crappie work for clients on the way to having all the skills together.
Excellent content (as always)! Digging your new video, audio, and studio. Transitioning from "I" to "we" is one that I'm trying to get my mind to fully make the shift.
Thanks Paul! The studio, audio, and video are still minimum viable product for a studio, but there will be definite improvement over time now that I have better equipment. Also, I did receive your last couple of emails. I apologize for not emailing back yet, just been busy and spending a little bit of extra time with family too.
Thanks for all the great information you are giving out
You're welcome!
Overwhelming how much needs to be learned along with all the tools and how detailed worst than Algebra II + Geometry, but very rewarding once learned.
Once you get a handle on the basics the learning curve passes by pretty fast. I agree, very rewarding once learned!
Great content as always sir! Much love from the UK
Thank you sir! Right back at you
Really looking forward to a drywall tips video
Me too actually! You literally can't be a handyman if you aren't ready to get good at drywall. I'll do one video of my own, doing it my way, and then I'll do another video with my drywall guy.
Well done!! Keep up the good work!!👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks! I'll try!
Hey there BPH! Always enjoy the content and it is always going to be very useful to those getting in the trade or new but established! I am a teacher who has always been a part time contractor remodeled always with a foot in the handyman. World (nights and weekends and full time during summers). I am tuning in to your content to listen for new tips and for reinforceme on strategies I already have in place. Thanks Ray!! I always enjoy learning
That actually sounds like a perfect career for a handyman. Summer time is the busiest time and that's when you have the most free time. Perfect!
I'm glad the channel is helpful!
Ray
@@bulletproofhandyman I have a charmed life and am thankful for it! 11 years in the army. 1 year in Iraq during OIF1/2, special operations team. Chem and physics teacher since 95. Married to the same wonderful woman since 94. Beautiful successful children. And…on top of that, I get to make money building things and fixing things on a schedule that makes for great variety! (and I have a real cool tool trailer built out like Ron Paulk that quite honestly makes contracting fun!)
That's a very full life sir. And it sounds like you earned it. I spent some years in Afghanistan, it's interesting the different perspective it gives you to notice everything that there is to be grateful for. I'm very happy that you've earned yourself a fully lived life with happiness in it.
Hi Ray, thanks for another great video. Question about subbing out - do you stick within a range of percentages for your cut? Do you vary it depending on type of trade (electrical, plumbing, hvac, etc), and/or based on job size?
I have two methods. One method is just a flat 27% of the labor. The other method is that I submit an estimate based on how much I want to get paid to do the job and then if I have someone who is very skilled to sub that job out too then I let them give me an estimate and if it's worth it I let them have the job. This make sure that If one of my people falls through, I've still set the price for that job at a price that I'm happy to do it for.
Another great video, so much nuggets thank you.
You're welcome!
Love the video thus far, my 2 cents
I would try to not learn to sweat copper in the field, personally. I had the benefit of learning in HVAC school and let me tell yah, im really glad i did. Maybe buy a couple copper fittings, watch some videos and give it a go yourself before swapping someones water heater or shower valve. Helps to be able to saw the solder joint in half and examine how actually solid your joint was and can give you better insight on how to manage your heat and solder application. Once you got it, its a no brainer, but before you know what is actually happening on the inside of the joint, you can really piss of your insurance provider by gobbing a wad of solder on the outside of the fitting and calling it a day. For anyone concerned.
I absolutely agree, it is never preferable to learn on the job. Ideally you learn in person from somebody who knows what they're doing. Second to that would be learning at home with some spare parts and a workbench and some great UA-cam videos. And finally, if all else fails, it is possible to learn on the job IF AND ONLY IF you are actually willing to take the time necessary. But it is definitely not ideal by any means. I learned how to solder copper when I was 18 years old and in the Air Force and then I never touched it again for almost two decades. When I started this handyman business, my first copper soldering was a hose bib on the job. If I could go back and do it again I would have told the client that I needed to reschedule for tomorrow and then I would go home and practice all evening.
Hey! I haven't finished watching. But youre leaving out 2 important tools/ skills? 1) a tspe measure 2) a hammer. Also the reciprocating saw should rank very high on your list! And imo for basic plumbing uts sharkbite or other pipe connector tools. So soldering meh!
This episode was more about skills than tools. There is another episode that dives very deep into detail about every single tool that you would likely need. I almost never need a hammer, and unless you're a carpenter, you don't really need much skill to use it. The tape measure is used constantly but 99% of the time doesn't require anything more than simply being able to look at it and see what it says.
I definitely do not recommend shark bites And have only used them once in the last 4 years. I'm certainly okay with other people using them, I just don't promote their use. I do appreciate your feedback, I just had to draw a line somewhere to ensure that I'm not repeating the entire tools video when I'm making a video about skills.
@@bulletproofhandyman ok understand!
Well done👍👍
Thanks!
Knocked out of the park as usual - Especially your focus on the back end as that is where most business start-ups fail across industries.
Thanks John!
good information
Thanks!
I’m an 18 year old electrician, I’m quite good at most residential electrical things. I am heavily considering starting a handyman business. I don’t know much about other types of home repairs. Do you think with the help of lots of UA-cam research and online research I can learn to do most repairs that I will need as a handyman?
I sincerely believe that anyone can. The caveat to this being that when you're learning how to do these things, you won't be very profitable. After you've done them a few times, then you'll be profitable, so you do have to be willing to trade profits for experience for a while.
@@bulletproofhandyman what do you do if you’re trying to fix a problem on someone’s house and you accidentally break it or possibly make worse? Yeah I’ve already started trying to offer free repairs to close family just to learn
You'll have to make it right, preferably by fixing it rather than paying someone else to.
@@bulletproofhandyman have you ever had to pay someone else to fix your mistake in the beginning?
Yes, I took on a drywall job and realized my texture skills were not quite up to par so I had to hire a drywall guy to make it good.
Good stuff!
Thanks!
Good vid. Thx
You're welcome!
Thank you so much I didn’t realize how many skilled I had picked up since joining the trade two years ago
I do want to learn how to charge if you have a video on how to run estimates I would really appreciate that. I assume you’re in Texas because you look like a cowboy I’m in Texas as well.
I'll see if I can do an estimate soon for the channel. I happen to live in Tucson at the moment but I was born and raised in Texas.
@@bulletproofhandyman awesome man thanks really learning a lot from your channels
Just landed my first side job hauling junk off yesterday
earned 350 in 3 hrs
Dude that's great!
@@bulletproofhandyman yes sir
The only issue I have is knowing how to charge the competition is big here in Dallas and some are more prepared than me I’m just stating but I’m learning a ton
Keep up the good content and thanks for responding !
If you could give me a tip on what to focus on learning the most right now
Or if you have a video of the most requested side jobs
it would be appreciated
Thanks and God bless !
Actually I do have multiple videos on the about the most common jobs and also about the most profitable jobs. I would say just start with whatever job comes next, research it and figure it out and get it done and add it to your tool belt.
It’s sad that you have to explain so much to begin because common sense is not so common and everyone has something to say for everything
Ha, I could pressure wash 1000x better than sweating copper… b/c I’ve never sweat copper
It's surprisingly easy!
im sorry. what is a "move out"?
Also known as a make ready or a turnover. That's when tenants move out of a property and it needs to be made ready for the next tenants.
There's around 10 thousand handyman contractors in Houston. Good luck.
💯
If you have built your reputation - Potential Competition, which none of them are is a non-issue. Most of the folks out there target the wrong customers, with the wrong services, using piss poor sales techniques, and are doing work that leave most folks unimpressed, and unlikely to refer you.
You only need 1 of the right customer to bury a one man shop in months.
I'm good 13 yrs and going.
Good call