Full-Time handyman service with a van
Run a busy handyman business serving homeowners, landlords and property managers.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A full-time mobile handyman business with a stocked van and a wider range of repairs: drywall, trim, doors, fences, decks, minor tiling, painting touch-ups and seasonal jobs like eavestrough cleaning and snow-damage fixes.
Your first three steps
- Choose your service area and the jobs you will and won't take, then set rates by checking local competitors
- Arrange a work vehicle, commercial general liability and vehicle insurance, and register your business name with your province
- Introduce yourself to local landlords, property managers and real estate agents, and set up a simple website and Google Business Profile
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers, real estate agents and small businesses needing regular maintenance.
How it makes money
Hourly or fixed-price jobs, plus repeat work from landlords and property managers. Some handymen add monthly maintenance plans for steady income.
Skills that help
- Broad repair and renovation skills
- Scheduling and quoting
- Professional communication with customers
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and commercial vehicle insurance
- Regulated trades such as electrical, plumbing and gas require provincial certification, so check what you can legally do
- WCB/WSIB coverage rules differ by province, especially if you hire helpers
- Work slows in some regions in winter, so plan for seasonality with indoor jobs
- Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, and register for GST/HST when needed
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a full-time handyman business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the van, tools, stock and insurance. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,500 to $10,000, depending on your area, pricing and how busy your schedule is.
What rules should a handyman check in Canada?
Check which work you can legally do, since electrical, plumbing and gas need provincial certification. Also check commercial general liability and commercial vehicle insurance, WCB or WSIB rules if you hire helpers, any municipal business licence, and GST/HST registration.
What skills and hours does a full-time handyman business need?
Useful skills include broad repair and renovation ability, scheduling and quoting, and professional communication with customers. Estimates suggest at least about 30 hours a week, depending on demand. Plan indoor jobs for winter, as work slows in some regions.
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Photo: fran1 on Pixabay