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Despite surges in DIY and home improvement in the UK and the US, there is still a huge market in both countries for the traditional handyman.

By definition, the handyman is a jack-of-all-trades, not specialising in one area but covering them all – making an ideal choice for consumers looking to save money by getting one tradesman in to complete a series of jobs which could require two or more.

From fixing leaky taps to replacing hard-to-reach lightbulbs, laying carpet and undertaking manual labour, the handyman has everything covered in his repertoire.

However, traditionally, the handyman is seen as the maverick of the trade world, not undergoing formal training or gaining reputable qualifications like a plumber or electrician. And while this can be true of the lone handyman or one-man tradesperson, for anybody looking to become involved in a franchise or business scheme with handymen, the role is much more of a team leader than single outfit.

Franchisees will generally manage a team of contractors who will be assigned to various jobs and projects, with the company as a whole offering a one-stop-shop of home improvement and repair opportunities.

Of course, the potential franchisee needs to consider exactly what they expect to achieve from the franchise, with anybody considering the industry needing to have at least a working knowledge of and interest in the business.

Key points franchisees should consider include financing; an interest in the market; your own business skills and abilities, and whether you have the time and impetus to devote to the business.

Financial worries are the biggest put-off for new and potential franchisees, although if you have enough money up front it can be a wise investment.

An interest in the market is essential if you are considering entering the industry in any way. If you are not passionate about your franchise there is little chance it will be successful.

And your own business skills are a vital asset for any franchisee. As a handyman franchiser you would be hiring people, managing workloads, bookkeeping and other business responsibilities rather than actual handyman work.

Of course, as with any franchise, too much entrepreneurial spirit is not an ideal asset for a franchisee, as many business models are highly restrictive and it will need a collaborative attitude to working with the company rather than going it alone.

Ideally, knowing the lingo, the market, the type of people working in the industry and some kind of business savvy are the best ways of making a success of a handyman franchise, although thorough research is recommended to find out if you suit the role or not.

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