In short
You can start a handyman business in the UK without a licence: register as self-employed with HMRC, get public liability insurance and set clear prices. But gas work legally requires Gas Safe registration, and notifiable electrical work must be done or certified by a qualified electrician — so leave those to registered professionals.
1. Decide which jobs you will do
Most handyman work is small jobs that people cannot do themselves or do not have time for:
- Flat-pack furniture assembly
- Putting up shelves, curtain poles, TV brackets and pictures
- Hanging doors, fixing hinges, locks and handles
- Minor repairs, filling and decorating
- Sealant, grouting and small tiling jobs
- General odd jobs around the home and garden
2. Know what needs a registered professional
This matters for your customers’ safety and for your liability:
- Gas — any work on gas appliances, boilers or gas pipework for payment must be done by someone on the Gas Safe Register. Do not touch gas fittings, even to move or disconnect a cooker, unless you are registered.
- Notifiable electrical work — in England, jobs like new circuits, consumer unit changes and some bathroom work fall under Part P of the Building Regulations and must be done by a registered electrician or notified to building control.
- Other electrical work — even small jobs such as swapping a light fitting must be done safely and to the wiring regulations. If you are not trained and competent, refer it on.
- Structural and building work — removing walls or other work covered by Building Regulations needs approval and the right expertise.
Build a small network of registered plumbers, gas engineers and electricians you can recommend. Customers remember the handyman who pointed them to the right person.
3. Register as self-employed with HMRC
Most handymen work as a sole trader. Register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of the tax year in which you started. Tools, fixings, fuel and insurance are usually allowable expenses — keep every receipt. See how to register as self-employed.
4. Get insurance
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement for a sole trader, but drilling into a hidden pipe or cable can be expensive, and customers will ask. Check that your policy covers the specific jobs you do — some exclude work at height or certain trades. Employers’ liability is a legal requirement if you take anyone on.
5. Set your prices
Handymen commonly charge by the hour, by half or full day, or a fixed price per job. A minimum charge stops small jobs costing you money once travel is included. Fixed prices for common jobs — for example, assembling a wardrobe — are easy for customers to accept.
Work out what you actually keep with the earnings calculator.
6. Find customers
- Referrals — handyman work spreads by word of mouth, especially among neighbours
- Landlords, letting agents and older homeowners — regular small jobs and repeat work
- Local community groups — post a photo of a finished job and a clear price
- List on Holler — free to list, with no lead or subscription fees. Holler is opening area by area and customer bookings start with cleaning, so getting your profile ready now puts you in place.
See how to get more reviews — reviews do most of the selling for a handyman.
Questions people ask
Do you need qualifications to be a handyman in the UK?
No. There is no licence or required qualification for general handyman work. You do need the right registration for gas work (Gas Safe) and for notifiable electrical work.
Can a handyman do electrical work?
A handyman can do minor, non-notifiable electrical work if they are competent to do it safely and to the wiring regulations. Notifiable work in England, such as new circuits or consumer units, must be done by a registered electrician or notified to building control.
Can a handyman do plumbing?
Simple water plumbing such as fixing a dripping tap or replacing a toilet seat is generally fine if you are competent. Anything involving gas must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Do I need insurance to be a handyman?
Public liability insurance is not legally required for a sole trader, but most customers expect it. Employers’ liability insurance is required by law if you employ anyone.
Keep reading
How to become a self-employed electrician in the UK
Become a self-employed electrician in the UK: qualifications, Part P and competent person schemes for notifiable work in England, insurance and finding work.
How to become a self-employed plumber in the UK
Become a self-employed plumber in the UK: qualifications and NVQ routes, Gas Safe registration for gas work, water regulations, insurance and finding work.
How to register as self-employed in the UK
How to register as self-employed with HMRC: when you need to, the 5 October deadline, getting your UTR, Self Assessment and the records you must keep.
How to get more reviews for your local business
How cleaners and tradespeople get more customer reviews: asking at the right moment, making it easy, replying well, and why reviews from real bookings matter.