Home Service Business Ideas for Starting Your Own Business

145 ideas

Homeowners and property managers always need someone reliable, and that makes home services a practical place to look for a business. This page lists 145 ideas, from low-overhead options like a professional house sitting service or a household assistant for seniors to more hands-on trades like mobile appliance repair technician work or a neighborhood tool rental shop.

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1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premises
Worker mowing and edging a neatly maintained green lawn in a garden.

Residential lawn mowing route

Mow, edge and tidy lawns for homeowners on a weekly or biweekly route in your neighborhood.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
Worker mowing and edging a neatly maintained green lawn in a garden.

Commercial lawn maintenance crew

Keep lawns tidy for offices, HOAs and retail properties on a contract, with a small crew.

  • $8k-35k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
Workers installing a striped awning above a café front on a sunny street.

Awning reseller and installer

Sell and fit retractable and fixed awnings for patios and decks, ordering from a manufacturer.

  • $1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
6,489 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year
Workers installing a striped awning above a café front on a sunny street.

Commercial awnings for cafés and shops

Supply, fit and repair awnings for restaurants, cafés and storefronts from a small unit.

  • $10k-50k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
6,489 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year
Upholsterer re-covering an armchair in a repair workshop.

Mobile furniture repair and touch-up

Fix scratches, loose joints and damaged finishes on furniture at customers' homes, offices and showrooms.

  • $800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
3,168 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.9% in a year
Upholsterer re-covering an armchair in a repair workshop.

Furniture restoration and upholstery workshop

Restore, refinish and reupholster furniture in a rented workshop for households, businesses and retailers.

  • $6k-30k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
3,168 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.9% in a year
Technician mounting a security camera on an exterior house wall.

Home security and smart camera installer

Fit cameras, video doorbells, smart locks and alarm kits in local homes for owners who don't want to do it themselves.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
7,151 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.6% in a year
Technician mounting a security camera on an exterior house wall.

Small business security system installer

Install wired cameras, access control and alarms for shops, offices and warehouses in your area.

  • $5k-25k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
7,151 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.6% in a year
Large rolls of carpet stacked on pallets inside a wholesale warehouse.

Home-based carpet supplier to flooring shops

Sell carpet and pad to local flooring stores and installers, shipped straight from mills and distributors to their door.

  • $1.5k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
6,585 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.7% in a year
Large rolls of carpet stacked on pallets inside a wholesale warehouse.

Local carpet and pad warehouse for flooring trade

Stock popular carpet rolls and pad in a small unit and deliver quickly to flooring shops and installers in your region.

  • $40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
6,585 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.7% in a year
Cobbler fixing a shoe sole at a small workshop counter.

Neighborhood shoe repair shop

Fix heels, soles, zippers and straps for locals from a small storefront or shared retail space.

  • $10k-45k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
698 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year
Cobbler fixing a shoe sole at a small workshop counter.

Home workshop shoe and boot repair

Repair shoes and boots from a garage workshop, taking orders by drop-off, local pickup or mail.

  • $3k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
698 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year
A pest control technician in protective gear treating a home interior with a sprayer.

Residential pest control service

Treat homes for ants, spiders, roaches and rodents, and keep customers on quarterly plans.

  • $3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
16,535 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year
A pest control technician in protective gear treating a home interior with a sprayer.

Pest control for local businesses

Service restaurants, offices and shops on monthly contracts for steady, repeat work.

  • $4k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
16,535 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year
Stacked wood and laminate flooring planks displayed in a supplier showroom.

Online flooring seller with drop-ship

Sell wood and laminate flooring online to homeowners and installers, shipped straight from the manufacturer or distributor.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
9,723 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
Stacked wood and laminate flooring planks displayed in a supplier showroom.

Local flooring supply for installers and builders

Stock popular wood and laminate flooring in a small warehouse and deliver to installers, builders and homeowners nearby.

  • $25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
9,723 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.6% in a year
Worker clearing snow from a driveway with a snow shovel and blower.

Residential driveway snow removal

Clear driveways and walkways for homeowners with a snow blower or a truck-mounted plow.

  • $800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
Worker clearing snow from a driveway with a snow shovel and blower.

Commercial lot plowing and salting

Win seasonal contracts to plow and salt small business parking lots and sidewalks.

  • $5k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
A technician installing an intruder alarm sensor on a house wall.

Mobile alarm installer and dealer

Sell and install home and small business alarm systems at customers' properties, working from a van and a home office.

  • $2k-10k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
7,151 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.6% in a year
A technician installing an intruder alarm sensor on a house wall.

Local alarm and security shop

Open a small shop selling alarm kits and fitting systems for homes and businesses in your area.

  • $15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
7,151 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.6% in a year
Installer fitting a garden sprinkler system pipe in a lawn.

Residential sprinkler system installer

Design and install lawn and garden sprinkler systems for homeowners and new builds.

  • $4k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
Installer fitting a garden sprinkler system pipe in a lawn.

Sprinkler repair and seasonal service

Fix leaks and broken heads, then service systems each spring and fall for repeat clients.

  • $1.5k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
Glass conservatory attached to a house with garden furniture outside.

Patio cover and screen room installer

Supply and install aluminum patio covers, screen rooms and sunroom kits for homeowners in your area.

  • $8k-30k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
6,489 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year
Glass conservatory attached to a house with garden furniture outside.

Patio enclosure dealer using subcontract installers

Run the sales and quoting from home and hire local installers to fit the patio covers and enclosures you sell.

  • $2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
6,489 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year

About these ideas

These ideas suit people who like solving problems, are comfortable working in other people's spaces and want customers close to home. Before you pick one, think about the skills or training you already have, what equipment you would need to buy up front, and whether you want to work alone or hire a crew. Also consider how you will earn trust, since reviews and referrals matter a great deal in this field.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a license to start a home service business?

It depends on the trade and where you work. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and some contracting work often require state or local licensing, while lighter services may not. Check with your state licensing board and your city or county before taking paid jobs.

What insurance should I look into for a home service business?

Since you work in customers' homes, ask an insurance agent about general liability coverage, and whether bonding, workers' compensation, or commercial auto coverage applies to you. Some clients and property managers may ask for proof of coverage before hiring you.

How do I find my first customers?

Start with neighbors, local social groups, and a free Google Business Profile. Ask early customers for reviews and referrals. You can also approach property managers, realtors, or other trades who may pass work along. Check whether your area requires any advertising disclosures or permits.