This article covers the topic of how to start a handyman business in Dubai. Also what you should know before starting a handyman company.
A handyman is a job that other people simply don’t have the time or inclination to do. In business circles in Dubai, the term ‘maintenance firm‘ is more commonly used. If you see yourself as a jack-of-all-trades and don’t mind getting your hands dirty then starting a maintenance business could be your path to success. And with the increasingly busy lifestyles of expats in Dubai, now is a great time to do it.
Handyman Business
After having discussions with those who have launched their maintenance business, there seems to be a consensus that one of the driving factors was the perceived gap in meeting consumer expectations by existing firms. Many of the established maintenance companies do not communicate as well as expected by their clients. If you show up on time, do the job properly the first time, clean up the place and meet client expectations, then this is your road to riches.
When you launch a handyman business, you will have to assess as to what services your firm intends to provide. Will you be painting people’s homes, mowing lawns, or performing ad-hoc repairs? Hiring specialist staff will be an option if you don’t have the necessary skills,
You will make more money if you offer more services to your clients. But at the same time, you must balance it against not stretching yourself and your team to thinly in areas where you don’t excel. Importantly, your team will need to be physically strong, as maintenance jobs can require a relatively high degree of physical exertion.
Maintenance Services
As you think about the range of services you will offer, you will have to factor in the cost of insurance which can greatly vary depending on the risks involved in providing your chosen service. No matter how careful you are, mistakes will happen. One mistake can be financially devastating. Getting the right insurance coverage can help make sure you’re protected.
Maintenance firms depend on mobility. As you or your team will need to go to your client’s residence to perform the services. You’ll need to think about the costs of a business truck or van to haul all your tools and equipment. You can start with a vehicle that is used and affordable. But something that runs well and can sustain the daily wear and tear that comes with being constantly on the go.
Handyman Business License
As far as business licensing, you can opt for a free zone license. However, there are fewer jurisdictions that offer a suitable option for a sustainable maintenance business catering to residences. Most likely, you will opt for a professional license issued via the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). Our consultants can help you select the optimal mix of services to list under your maintenance company license.
Services offered by maintenance companies are mostly regulated. For example, all plumbing and electrical jobs, including work on air conditioning systems must be done by the regulations of the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA). Dewa has very specific guidelines on the use of certain materials and fittings. The work must also be compatible with city ordinances. Such as Dubai Green Building Regulations and Specifications. Equally, employees providing these services must have all the applicable certifications. If you don’t want to get tangled in the bureaucracy, you can speak to one of our consultants who can help sort it out for you so you can focus on the launch of your business.
Handyman Business Launch
After your handyman business launch, the key to your success depends on marketing. For example, word of mouth, networking, and online marketing, top notch customer service and exceeding customer expectations.
As far as networking, you can start by reaching out rental property companies. These rental companies are always in need of contractors and subcontractors. For word of mouth, you can set up a refer a friend scheme, where a referral leads to future discounts on services. On the online marketing front, there are a plethora of choices.
There has been a recent growth in dedicated online portals such as Mr Usta (mrusta.com) that provide a marketplace to list your services. Equally platforms such as Dubizzle remain popular.
Don’t delay your dream by another day, contact one of our experienced consultants who can help turn your dreams of running your handyman service into reality.
Leave a reply