Weekend and evening handyman
Fix the small jobs locals put off: hanging shelves, patching walls, fixing gates and flat-pack assembly.
- A$600-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small-scale handyman service done around another job or study. You tackle odd jobs like mounting TVs, assembling furniture, repairing fences and gates, patching plaster, silicone work and general fixes, using a basic tool kit and your own car.
Your first three steps
- List the jobs you can do well and safely, then check local handyman rates to set your hourly rate and minimum fee
- Get an ABN, public liability insurance and a core kit of quality tools you can carry in your car
- Post in local community groups and on neighbourhood platforms, and ask your first customers for reviews
Who pays
Homeowners, renters, older people and busy families who can't find a tradie for small jobs.
How it makes money
Hourly rate or fixed price per job, often with a minimum call-out fee. Repeat customers and word of mouth fill your diary over time.
Skills that help
- Practical DIY and repair skills
- Reliable and good at quoting jobs
- Friendly, clear communication
Watch out for
- Check your state's licensing body for what handyman work is allowed without a licence, as limits on job type and value differ by state
- Electrical, plumbing, gas and most structural work need a licensed tradie, so turn those jobs down
- Public liability insurance, and check whether your policy covers working at heights
- Check whether you need to register for GST once your turnover grows
- Physical work and ladder safety, so plan jobs to avoid injury
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: weekend and evening handyman
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
Free preview: summary
- What it is: A part-time handyman service for small household jobs such as shelves, TV mounting, flat-pack assembly, plaster patches, gates and silicone. You work evenings and weekends from your own car.
- Startup cost (estimate): About $820 if you already own some tools, up to about $3,800 if you buy everything new and premium. The idea card's $600–$3,000 range sits inside this. Costs are itemised below.
- Earning potential (estimate): At $60–$90 an hour, 8–12 paid hours a week could bring in roughly $1,500–$3,000 a month before costs and tax. Early on, $600–$1,500 is more realistic while you build reviews.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a handyman side hustle in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on the tools, insurance and vehicle gear you already own. These are estimates, so check what you need for the jobs you plan to take.
How much can a weekend handyman earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many jobs you take and the hours you can fit around other work. It can start from about 6 hours a week.
Do I need a licence to work as a handyman in Australia?
Check your state's licensing body for what handyman work is allowed without a licence, as limits differ by state. Electrical, plumbing, gas and most structural work need a licensed tradie. Also check public liability cover for working at heights.
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Photo: fran1 on Pixabay