10 Profitable Handyman Side Hustles to Start in 2025 with Minimal Tools

With homeownership on the rise and homeowners increasingly seeking quick fixes for small repairs, a handyman side hustle is a fantastic way to earn extra income in 2025. Whether you’re handy with a drill, have a knack for painting, or just own a basic toolbox, you can turn your skills into a flexible gig that pays $20–$75 per hour. This post explores 10 profitable handyman side hustles that require minimal tools, offering low startup costs and high demand. Perfect for weekends, evenings, or as a full-on side gig, these ideas will help you cash in on your practical abilities.

Why a Handyman Side Hustle is a Smart Choice

Handyman services are in high demand, especially in urban and suburban areas where homeowners need fast, reliable help with maintenance and small projects. Here’s why this side hustle works:

Flexible Schedule: Work after hours or on weekends to fit your main job or lifestyle.
Low Startup Costs: Many gigs require only basic tools you likely already own (e.g., hammer, screwdriver, tape measure).
Scalable Earnings: Start small with one-off jobs and grow into recurring clients or bigger projects.
High Demand: From furniture assembly to gutter cleaning, homeowners are willing to pay for convenience.

Ready to get started? Below are 10 handyman side hustles tailored for beginners and seasoned DIYers alike, with estimated earnings and practical steps to launch.

10 Handyman Side Hustles for 2025

1. Furniture Assembly

Earnings: $25–$50/hour
Why It Works: Busy homeowners need help assembling IKEA, Wayfair, or Amazon furniture.
How to Start: Sign up on TaskRabbit or Thumbtack. List your services with a focus on speed and precision. Promote locally via Nextdoor or community boards.
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Allen wrench, cordless drill (optional).
Tip: Offer flat rates for common items like bookshelves to attract clients.

2. Minor Plumbing Fixes

Earnings: $30–$60/hour
Why It Works: Leaky faucets, clogged drains, and toilet repairs are common homeowner headaches.
How to Start: Create a profile on Angi or HomeAdvisor. Start with simple jobs like replacing washers or unclogging sinks. Watch free YouTube tutorials to brush up on basics.
Tools Needed: Wrench, plunger, plumber’s tape.
Tip: Avoid complex jobs requiring licenses (e.g., pipe replacement) unless certified.

3. Wall Painting

Earnings: $20–$40/hour
Why It Works: A fresh coat of paint transforms rooms, and many homeowners lack time or skill.
How to Start: Advertise on Craigslist or local Facebook groups. Offer touch-ups or single-room painting to start. Buy quality brushes and drop cloths for clean work.
Tools Needed: Paint rollers, brushes, painter’s tape, drop cloths.
Tip: Provide color consultation for a premium fee.

4. Drywall Repair

Earnings: $25–$50/hour
Why It Works: Small holes and cracks from accidents are common and easy to fix.
How to Start: List services on Thumbtack or Fiverr. Learn patching techniques via online tutorials. Charge per job based on damage size.
Tools Needed: Putty knife, spackle, sandpaper, drywall patch kit.
Tip: Bundle with painting for higher earnings.

5. Basic Carpentry

Earnings: $30–$75/hour
Why It Works: Custom shelves, picture frames, or small repairs are in demand for home decor.
How to Start: Promote on Etsy for custom pieces or Nextdoor for local repairs. Start with simple projects like floating shelves. Invest in a saw if scaling up.
Tools Needed: Hammer, nails, measuring tape, hand saw or jigsaw.
Tip: Showcase before-and-after photos to attract clients.

6. Gutter Cleaning

Earnings: $50–$100 per job
Why It Works: Seasonal work with high demand in spring and fall to prevent water damage.
How to Start: Advertise via flyers or local Facebook groups. Use a sturdy ladder and gloves for safety. Charge per linear foot or house size.
Tools Needed: Ladder, gloves, bucket, garden hose.
Tip: Offer biannual cleaning packages for repeat business.

7. Fence Repair

Earnings: $25–$60/hour
Why It Works: Weather-damaged fences need fixing or staining, especially in suburban areas.
How to Start: Post services on Nextdoor or Craigslist. Focus on small repairs like replacing boards or repainting. Learn staining techniques for added value.
Tools Needed: Hammer, nails, paintbrush, wood stain.
Tip: Check local regulations for fence height or materials.

8. Tile Grouting

Earnings: $30–$50/hour
Why It Works: Refreshing grout in bathrooms or kitchens is a quick, high-impact job.
How to Start: List on HomeAdvisor or Angi. Watch tutorials on grout removal and application. Offer cleaning or regrouting services.
Tools Needed: Grout saw, grout float, sponge, sealant.
Tip: Start with small jobs like backsplashes to build confidence.

9. Appliance Installation

Earnings: $40–$80 per job
Why It Works: Homeowners need help installing dishwashers, microwaves, or washer-dryers.
How to Start: Advertise on Craigslist or TaskRabbit. Focus on plug-and-play appliances to avoid complex plumbing or electrical work.
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, level, wrench.
Tip: Partner with local appliance stores for referrals.

10. Yard Cleanup

Earnings: $20–$40/hour
Why It Works: Raking leaves, trimming bushes, or hauling debris is simple and in demand.
How to Start: Promote via neighborhood flyers or Facebook groups. Offer seasonal cleanups or one-off jobs. Rent a truck for debris removal if needed.
Tools Needed: Rake, gloves, pruning shears, trash bags.
Tip: Combine with gutter cleaning for larger jobs.

How to Get Started with Your Handyman Side Hustle

Assess Your Skills and Tools: List your abilities (e.g., painting, assembly) and check your toolbox. Start with jobs requiring minimal investment.
Create Profiles on Gig Platforms: Sign up for TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, Angi, or HomeAdvisor. Write a clear bio highlighting reliability and basic skills.
Advertise Locally: Use Nextdoor, Craigslist, or physical flyers in coffee shops or community centers. Join local Facebook groups for homeowners.
Get Basic Insurance: Liability insurance ($30–$50/month) protects you from accidents or property damage. Check providers like Hiscox.
Set Competitive Rates: Research local rates (e.g., $40–$60/hour in urban areas) and factor in platform fees (e.g., TaskRabbit’s 15% cut).

Platforms to Find Handyman Jobs

To kickstart your handyman side hustle, here are the top platforms where you can find clients and book jobs:

TaskRabbit

Ideal for furniture assembly, minor repairs, and small tasks. Set your own rates and pay a 15% service fee per job. Best for urban areas.

Thumbtack

Connects you with homeowners needing painting, drywall repair, or plumbing fixes. Pay per lead ($1–$10), but no commission on earnings.

Angi (formerly Angie’s List)

Great for plumbing, carpentry, and larger projects. Free to join, but you pay for leads or a subscription for premium visibility.

HomeAdvisor

Similar to Angi, with a focus on home improvement jobs like tile grouting or appliance installation. Lead fees apply ($15–$50 per job).

Nextdoor

A free platform to advertise locally to neighbors. Post in community groups or list services in the “For Sale & Free” section.

Craigslist

Free to post ads in the “Services” section. Best for painting, yard cleanup, or one-off jobs, but screen clients carefully.

Fiverr

Niche option for small tasks like carpentry designs or repair consultations. Set gig prices, but expect a 20% commission.

Facebook Marketplace/Groups

Free to join local homeowner or service groups. Post offers for yard cleanup or fence repair to attract nearby clients.

Handy

Specializes in home maintenance like gutter cleaning or painting. Set schedules, but Handy takes a 20–30% cut of earnings.

Pro Tip: Create profiles on at least two platforms to diversify your leads. Optimize your bio with keywords like “reliable handyman” or “affordable repairs” and include photos of past work to stand out.

Tips for Handyman Side Hustle Success

Market Smart: Use Canva to design free flyers, business cards, or social media posts. Share before-and-after photos on X with #HandymanSideHustle.
Build Trust: Arrive on time, communicate clearly, and aim for 5-star reviews on gig platforms to boost visibility.
Track Finances: Use Wave or a spreadsheet to log income, expenses, and mileage for tax deductions. Save 20–30% of earnings for taxes.
Upsell Services: Offer package deals like “Room Refresh: Painting + Drywall Repair” to increase job value.
Stay Safe: Wear gloves, use sturdy ladders, and avoid unlicensed work (e.g., major electrical or plumbing).

Challenges to Avoid

Overbooking: Don’t take on more jobs than you can handle to maintain quality and avoid burnout.
Underpricing: Charge fair rates based on local demand and your time. A $20/hour job isn’t worth it if it takes heavy effort.
Scams or Bad Clients: Verify clients through reputable platforms and avoid jobs with unclear scopes.
Unlicensed Work: Stick to tasks that don’t require certifications (e.g., avoid HVAC or major plumbing unless licensed).

Launch Your Handyman Side Hustle Today

A handyman side hustle is a low-risk, high-reward way to earn extra cash in 2025. Whether you start with furniture assembly for quick wins or scale up to carpentry for bigger payouts, your skills and a basic toolbox are all you need to begin. Pick one hustle from this list, set up a profile on TaskRabbit or Nextdoor, and test it for 30 days. You could be earning $500–$2,000 a month in no time!