How can a new handyman estimate their realistic first-year income?

Q: How can a new handyman estimate their realistic first-year income?

Direct answer: Estimate first-year income by working backward from billable hours and average ticket. Assume lower billable hours early, subtract overhead and taxes, then adjust monthly based on close rate and schedule fill. Predictability beats optimism—your numbers improve as systems and demand improve. Practical steps Make it measurable: Track time, travel, and outcomes on the next 5 jobs. Standardize: Turn what works into checklists, scripts, and job kits. Communicate early: Set expectations before the job starts. Review monthly: Adjust based on profit, stress, and client quality. Next step: Apply this once this week and record what improved.

Question

Accepted Answer

Direct answer: Estimate first-year income by working backward from billable hours and average ticket. Assume lower billable hours early, subtract overhead and taxes, then adjust monthly based on close rate and schedule fill. Predictability beats optimism—your numbers improve as systems and demand improve.

Practical steps

Make it measurable: Track time, travel, and outcomes on the next 5 jobs.
Standardize: Turn what works into checklists, scripts, and job kits.
Communicate early: Set expectations before the job starts.
Review monthly: Adjust based on profit, stress, and client quality.

Next step: Apply this once this week and record what improved.