What should a new handyman prepare before taking their first paid job?

Q: What should a new handyman prepare before taking their first paid job?

Direct answer: Before your first paid job, confirm scope, pricing, access, and materials, and make sure you're insured for the work you're doing. Preparation prevents the rookie mistakes that cause delays, disputes, and undercharging. Practical steps Make it concrete: Write your rule (name criteria, pricing test, tool list, etc.). Document it: Keep notes so you don't relearn the lesson on every job. Communicate early: Set expectations with clients before scheduling. Next step: Apply this on your next decision and track the outcome.

Question

Accepted Answer

Direct answer: Before your first paid job, confirm scope, pricing, access, and materials, and make sure you're insured for the work you're doing. Preparation prevents the rookie mistakes that cause delays, disputes, and undercharging.

Practical steps

Make it concrete: Write your rule (name criteria, pricing test, tool list, etc.).
Document it: Keep notes so you don't relearn the lesson on every job.
Communicate early: Set expectations with clients before scheduling.

Next step: Apply this on your next decision and track the outcome.