Home service business ideas you can start for under $5,000

40 ideas

Home services are a practical way to start small because customers already pay for help around the house. These 40 ideas all have startup costs of up to $5,000, so they suit people with modest savings, a vehicle or a spare garage, and a willingness to work directly with customers.

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5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premises
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
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
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
A stylist arranges cushions and furniture in a bright, empty living room.

Home staging consultant

Walk through listings, give sellers a plan, and style homes using what they already own.

  • $300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
3,469 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year
Mechanic servicing a petrol lawn mower on a workbench in a repair shop.

Home garage mower repair and sharpening

Repair and tune up mowers and garden tools from your garage, with drop-off or pickup.

  • $1k-4k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
1,670 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.0% in a year
Gardener pruning a border in a well-kept residential garden.

Garden cleanups and flower bed care

Weekend jobs: overgrown beds, seasonal cleanups, mulching and planting for local homeowners.

  • $300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
Designer reviewing a garden layout plan with planting sketches on a table outdoors.

Home-based landscape design studio

Draw planting plans and yard layouts for homeowners, working from a home office with site visits.

  • $500-3.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
5,176 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.8% in a year
Installer fitting a window blind in a bright living room.

Mobile blinds and shades installer

Visit homes to measure, sell and fit custom blinds and shades, ordered from a supplier.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
2,209 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year
Technician installing a smart thermostat and lighting controller in a modern home.

Smart home setup helper (side hustle)

Install and set up smart lights, thermostats and cameras for homeowners on evenings and weekends.

  • $300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
83,342 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year

Home theater installer

Mount screens, set up projectors and wire speakers for homeowners who want a proper home theater.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
8,107 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.5% in a year

Gutter cleaning and minor repair service

Clear gutters and downspouts and fix small leaks and loose sections for homeowners in your area.

  • $800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
6,489 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year

Water filter replacement service

Visit homes and small offices to swap filters on a schedule and sell replacement cartridges.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
6,410 US businesses with employees in this field, -5.0% in a year

Weekend washer and dryer repair

Repair washers and dryers in evenings and weekends for neighbors and landlords while keeping your day job.

  • $500-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
5,595 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year

Home-based custom curtain maker

Sew made-to-measure curtains and drapes from a spare room for homeowners, landlords and local designers.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
1,059 US businesses with employees in this field, -7.6% in a year

Mobile window treatment consultant and installer

Visit homes to measure, sell and fit custom curtains and blinds made by trade suppliers or a local workroom.

  • $800-4k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
1,059 US businesses with employees in this field, -7.6% in a year

Pond cleaning and maintenance service

Keep existing ponds and water features clean and running with seasonal and monthly visits.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year

Home-based vacuum repair bench

Fix and service vacuums from a home workbench, with drop-off, pickup or mail-in jobs.

  • $500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
5,595 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year

Manufactured home tenant-finding service

Find and screen renters for owners of mobile and manufactured homes, and earn a fee for each lease.

  • $500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
60,818 US businesses with employees in this field, +5.9% in a year

Office plant care route

Visit offices and shops on a schedule to water, trim and swap out their indoor plants.

  • $800-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year

Weekend appliance repair side hustle

Repair common household appliances on evenings and weekends using your own car and basic tools.

  • $500-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
5,595 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year

Household help and errands service

Start by doing the tasks yourself for busy or older neighbors, then add part-time helpers as clients grow.

  • $600-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
40,265 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.3% in a year

Home workshop microwave repair

Repair microwaves at a bench in your garage or spare room, with customer drop-off or local pickup.

  • $500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
5,595 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year

Home workshop small appliance repair

Fix vacuums, mixers, power tools and other small electrics from a bench at home, with drop-off or mail-in jobs.

  • $500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
5,595 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year

Home bench small appliance repair

Fix toasters, coffee makers, blenders and vacuums at a home workbench, with local drop-off or mail-in.

  • $500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
5,595 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year

About these ideas

You might start a residential gutter cleaning route, set up a home garage mower repair and sharpening bench, or offer smart home setup help as a side hustle. Before choosing, think about which skills you already have, how far you are willing to travel, and what tools you must buy first. Check whether your work needs a license, insurance or permits where you live, since requirements vary by state, city and trade.

More ideas

Questions

What should I check before starting a home service business in the US?

Check whether your state, county or city requires a contractor license, business license or permit for the work you plan to do. Also look into liability insurance, and ask your insurer whether your vehicle or tools need extra cover.

Can I run a home service business with a budget of $5,000 or less?

Many people do, especially with service-based ideas that need basic tools, a vehicle and simple marketing. List your equipment, insurance, supplies and advertising costs first, then compare the total to your budget, leaving some cushion for slow weeks.

How do I find my first customers for a home service business?

Start with neighbors, local community groups, and online local listings. Ask satisfied customers for reviews and referrals. Check the rules for advertising your trade in your state, and keep written quotes so customers know exactly what they are paying for.