How to start a handyman services business in Donegal

A good fit if you're handy and like solving problems

A handyman business turns practical skills into steady local work: patching drywall, hanging doors and shelves, mounting TVs, assembling furniture. You may already own many of the tools, and happy customers call you back for the next list.

From €1,120 to start

Start lean with the essentials and upgrade as customers come, or set up fully from day one.

Once you're running: about €260 a month, plus about 10% of what you earn. Insurance, phone, software and marketing every month, plus fuel, blades, fasteners and card fees on each job. Customers pay for materials.

Work out your own numbers

Move the sliders to match your plans. The chart shows a first year that builds up as word gets around.

12 steps to your first customers

Each step says what it costs and how long it takes. Most owners get through them in a few weeks.

1. 1

   Decide what you'll do

   2–3 days Free

   List the jobs you do well, and the ones you'll leave to licensed trades. Then see what handymen near you charge.

   • Your list of services
   • What you won't do
   • 5 competitors and their rates
2. 2

   Check your license rules

   1–2 days Free

   Rules vary a lot by place: many allow small jobs without a contractor license, up to a size limit. Know your limit before you advertise.

   • Contractor license limit
   • Electrical, plumbing and gas rules
   • Lead-safe rules for older homes
3. 3

   Choose your name

   1 day Free

   Pick a name that says what you do and where. Make sure no one in Donegal has it.

   • 3–5 name ideas
   • Check no one else uses it
   • Check the domain

   Get name ideas for your businessFind a name
4. 4

   Register your business in Donegal

   1 day to 2 weeks €0–€50

   Most owners start as a sole trader with Revenue, and register a business name if they trade under another name; a company with the CRO keeps business debts separate.

   • Register as a sole trader: free
   • Register your business name: €20
   • Form a company: €50
5. 5

   Get your Tax Reference Number (TRN)

   1–5 days Free

   Your business's tax number from Revenue, for taxes and banking.

   • Register with Revenue
   • Open a business bank account
6. 6

   Sort out VAT

   1–3 days Free

   You must register for VAT once your sales pass €42,500 a year. The rate is 23%.

   • Know when to register for VAT
   • Keep records of income and costs
   • Set money aside for income tax
7. 7

   Get insured

   1–2 days Quotes are free

   Insurance protects you if something goes wrong on a job. Get quotes from two or three insurers.

   • General liability
   • Tools and equipment
   • Commercial auto, if you use a work van
   • Workers' comp, once you hire
8. 8

   Fill your toolbox

   1 week €770–3k

   Start with a cordless combo kit, good hand tools and a sturdy ladder. Buy special tools when a paid job needs them.

   • Cordless combo kit
   • Hand tools and stud finder
   • Stepladder and shop vacuum
9. 9

   Set your prices

   1 day Free

   Charge by the hour with a minimum, or flat prices for common jobs. Materials are extra. See the prices below.

   • Hourly rate and minimum
   • Half-day and full-day rates
   • Materials at cost plus a markup
10. 10

    Put your business online

    1 day Included

    Show the jobs you do, your rates and photos of your work, and let customers send their to-do list online.

    • Website with your services
    • Online booking
    • Google Business Profile

    Describe your business and PressUp builds your websiteBuild your website
11. 11

    Get your first 10 customers

    1–4 weeks Up to €170

    Friends, neighbors and local groups first. Realtors and landlords need small fixes all the time.

    • Neighborhood groups
    • Realtors and landlords
    • Ask every customer for a review

    Ask your customers for reviews by email with PressUpSee how
12. 12

    Keep track as you grow

    Ongoing Included

    Keep notes on each home, send clear invoices and follow up when the next list is due.

    • Customer list and notes
    • Invoices
    • Repeat visits

    Keep your customers and invoices in one place with PressUpSee how

What Donegal asks for

Registering, taxes, and what this business needs. Check the details with each authority: rules change.

What to buy first

Buy the "must haves" to start. Add the rest when customers pay for them.

3 packages that sell

Simple choices make it easy to say yes. Most customers pick the middle one.

How to get your first customers

You don't need an ad budget. These work for new owners almost everywhere.

What a handyman website needs, and how PressUp builds it

A month from now, you could be open

Common questions