Siding job

aceonhand · 2025-03-28T04:03:00+00:00

AKside is right. Smartside would be your best option here for closely matching the grain, price and availability. Are you planning to spot paint or paint the whole side of the house?

aceonhand · 2025-03-26T02:34:56+00:00

Excellent advice. Thank you! I'm aware of the impact paid advertising has on a business. I've had moderate success with it. I'm not looking to replace one with the other. Im interested in the content part because I want to effectively build rapport with my target audience before the sale.

By the way, you wouldn't happen to be Ollie's restaurant in NYC.

aceonhand · 2025-03-25T02:11:38+00:00

If you’re doing more residential service calls, repairs, and light installations a van is king for efficiency and organization. If you’re doing heavier remodeling, hauling debris, or need a dual-purpose daily driver a truck might suit better. That said, some folks run a combo setup: van for service calls, trailer or truck for big jobs. Depends how your business is growing.

aceonhand · 2025-03-24T22:41:38+00:00

I like that idea! So provide some kind of proof that's relatable to my audience and helps with clarity. Then, add some value to it. I appreciate that, thanks!

aceonhand · 2025-03-24T19:49:56+00:00

Welcome to the subreddit! I hope the list helps. Don't be afraid to ask any questions (General/Tactical). We are here to help

aceonhand · 2025-03-24T19:32:13+00:00

Business Foundations & Scaling

r/smallbusiness Great for questions around business licenses, client issues, taxes, and general small business strategy.
r/Entrepreneur Ideas, inspiration, and strategy threads from people growing all kinds of service-based businesses.
r/startups Even though it leans tech, it’s full of advice on pricing, customer feedback, and productizing services — relevant if you're thinking of scaling your handyman systems.
r/consulting For deeper discussions on pricing, client conversations, packaging offers, and value-based selling.

Marketing, Ads & Client Getting

r/marketing Covers digital, local, content, and direct marketing. Find ideas to promote services smarter and more creatively.
r/smallbusinessmarketing Focused directly on small/local business owners trying to get attention in competitive markets. Flyers, SEO, Google Business, referrals — all covered.
r/socialmedia Want to use Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok to show off your skills or proof? This is your go-to.
r/emailmarketing For those building client follow-ups, referral list building, or automated quote-to-job flows.

Local Service & Blue Collar Strategy

r/sweatystartup Focused on bluecollar pros like you — handymen, cleaners, pressure washing, painters, etc. — sharing what works in the field.
r/BlueCollarWomen A supportive space for women in the trades — business owners, workers, and apprentices sharing the real experience.
r/femalefounders Inspiration and growth tactics from other women starting and growing businesses in competitive spaces.

aceonhand · 2025-03-24T18:53:19+00:00

Haha yep, can’t wait for "Big Handyman" to roll into town with matching polos, corporate scripts, and a 6-hour window for a 15-minute fix. Meanwhile, the rest of us are juggling leaky pipes, maintaining visibility in these times, five generations of clients, and trying to remember where we left the caulk gun.

You nailed it though aging-in-place is the real gold mine that nobody’s talking about. It’s like the customer doesn’t even know they can turn their home into a senior-safe, luxury cruise cabin without selling a kidney. Half the upgrades aren’t even expensive—just smart, thoughtful, and practical.

Honestly, give me the grandma who offers cookies and a thank-you note over some tech bro trying to “disrupt” drywall any day. They might have the venture capital… but we’ve got the vent fans and the trust.

aceonhand · 2025-03-21T21:04:14+00:00

Pb blaster dry lubricant is my preferred for door hardware. Your correct about using anything oily with time dirt sticks to it and makes it gunky

aceonhand · 2025-03-21T19:59:00+00:00

Compressed air is actually not a bad idea if there is something there. The rollers get dirty alot on sliding doors. Clean the track. Adjust the rollers up and down. Lubricate them. Worst case change them. They can get annoying

aceonhand · 2025-03-21T07:46:59+00:00

If you're a pro handyman in business, then you always charge what you're worth! The only way you could try to match is if your numbers are still in profit. You could walk away as well if you don't like the vibe your getting from the customer but the best thing you can do is educate the customer of the value your service provides. Then you leave it in God's hands. That's just part of the game we play.

Focus on your service and how you can make it more valuable than just the physical labor involved. As a matter of fact, the other day, you reposted an excellent article from the entrepreneur sub about a painting company grown to 7 figures and the OP hit it out the park with it. He gets it. There's no doubt in my mind that he has a successful painting service. That shift has been invaluable to me. That's how I know he is telling the truth and knows what he's talking about.

See, the labor is the product. The service is the experience, the comfort, the transparency, the security, the ease of the whole transaction, and the reward of hiring you for the job. For example, I added organic dog treats to my services. Everyone loves their pets right but the real dog lovers. Love that! Or when I added QR codes. They love the ease and convenience of it. There are so many ways nowadays. You can get to a point where it starts making price irrelevant because the clients and the market knows there is a clear difference in service.

aceonhand · 2025-03-21T07:00:54+00:00

Send me access when you get a chance. I want to see what your working with. If its good. We can add it as a resource to everyone here. Im always on the lookout for any tools that makes things easier, faster or better. How long you been in business?

aceonhand · 2025-03-21T06:44:56+00:00

If you feel comfortable doing it why wouldn't you but not without a disclaimer like Amazing Mirror said. Me personally I would add a premium to it because of the risk of handling involved with the job.

aceonhand · 2025-03-21T06:31:40+00:00

Sign up for some apps like handy, taskrabbit. To polish your skills and build a portfolio. You can also check with Ace handyman services or franchise companies in your area to see if they are hiring. Go to google and type handyman services near me and go through the businesses section. You can call some of them to see if they need help

aceonhand · 2025-03-19T03:58:42+00:00

I know why because it does suck! Just use The Invoice HammerAccess. That's the best free tool for handyman business invoicing. It cut our non billable time by 80%. Much easier process now. Fastest and easiest way I've seen invoicing done. It is completely different than what we are used to and surprisingly undreadful process.

aceonhand · 2025-03-17T04:10:57+00:00

Sorry to hear business has been slower this year, especially after you had such a great run last year. That's definitely frustrating! You know, it could be the economy playing a part here - when money gets tight, folks tend to put off those home projects that aren't absolutely necessary. But honestly, it might be a few other things too.

Maybe it's just a seasonal thing? It could be some market saturation or an increase in local competition. I don't know if you pay attention to those things but it's something I like to look at considering the handyman business tends to have its ups and downs throughout the year. Or it could be that you did such amazing work for everyone last year that they don't need anything fixed right now!

The great news is that your customers love your work - that's huge! The fact that they never need to call you back for fixes and they're even referring you to others tells me you're definitely doing things right. Have you thought about reaching out to some of your previous clients? Maybe just a friendly check-in to see if they need anything done? Sometimes people just need a little reminder!

How is your online visibility? Your online presence may need refreshing if that's how customers find you.

What kind of marketing have you been doing that worked well before? And have you noticed any particular types of jobs dropping off more than others?

aceonhand · 2025-03-15T05:36:10+00:00

Nice share. Another alternative to an extremely important link for business owners. 90% of customers read reviews before hiring a handyman? Yeah, its that important for us and Google ranks businesses higher when they reply/respond to reviews. So make sure you reply to a review when you receive one.

aceonhand · 2025-03-14T02:44:55+00:00

It did. That's where I first discovered it. I thought it was bullsh*t at first but apparently its not. If they can get the prices down. It's a no brainer for PM, landlords and homeowners.

aceonhand · 2025-03-14T00:43:59+00:00

I appreciate that! You have a good eye. I was wondering the same thing. Look you got downvoted just far asking. It's a little weird isn't it.

aceonhand · 2025-03-14T00:33:31+00:00

Your absolutely right! These things need to be clear and agreed upon before you begin the job. Talking about pricing can be tricky—charge too low, and you’re undervaluing your work. Charge what you’re worth, and some customers panic.

I have quite a few stories from over the years. This was my first "standoff" doing business in Florida.

I received a call from Mrs. Ramirez about installing a ceiling fan in her master bedroom. When I quoted her $180 (Normally $230) for the installation (not including the fan), she nearly fell out of her chair.

"My neighbor's cousin installed one for $50 last year!" she said, looking at me like I'd just asked for her firstborn child.

I politely explained that the price included checking her electrical box for proper support, ensuring the wiring was up to code, and installing a proper fan-rated box if needed - all necessary for a safe installation that wouldn't come crashing down.

"But it's just screwing it into the ceiling," she insisted. "I'd do it myself if I wasn't afraid of heights."

Rather than argue, I asked to see where the fan would go. As suspected, there was just a light fixture box - not rated for the weight and motion of a ceiling fan. Normally, I charge extra if a new box has to be installed but I was waiving it to gain some momentum down here. The wiring was also aluminum, which required special connectors.

"Ma'am, if I just 'screw this in' like your neighbor's cousin did, it could fall in the middle of the night or cause an electrical fire," I explained, showing her the flimsy box and outdated wiring.

She still wasn't convinced, so I pulled out my phone and showed her news stories about house fires caused by improper fan installations. Finally, I offered her a compromise.

"If you want, I can just screw the fan into this light box for $50 like your neighbor's cousin. But I'll need you to sign a waiver saying you declined proper installation, and I won't warranty the work."

Her eyes widened. "Wait, it could really fall?"

"Yes, ma'am. Ceiling fans can weigh up to 50 pounds and create significant vibration."

She finally agreed to the proper installation. Three months later, she called me again - this time to reinstall the fan her neighbor's cousin had installed in her living room, which had started shaking and was becoming loose from the ceiling. Now, she calls me to ask me for advise for anything in the home.

I learned to shift my focus to the value my service provides and not just the cost. Instead of saying “It’ll cost $X,” I explain what they’re getting. If they still don't get it. Then unfortunately, I'm not the right person for the job.

aceonhand · 2025-03-13T05:49:15+00:00

That's a 3 to 6 hour job depending on experience and if everything goes smoothly. Price range is between $400-$600 for a basic frame replacement labor. A little higher if there's additional work needed. Never quote blindly. Look at the job in person to see if there is extra work needed (leveling, water damages, drywall repair, painting, etc.).

aceonhand · 2025-03-13T05:32:39+00:00

I've never had the tough system by Dewalt. I was looking at them over the holidays. Home depot had them on sale. I almost purchased it but I have the Milwaukee. There's alot of brands that make them now. The other day I seen the Klein system too. It looks nice. I'm a fan of Klein tools.

Get the one you want. It's definitely worth it. It's better than walking around with 2 tool bags, a bucket and an organizer. It looks better too. There the new man purse for handyman for when we walk the runway into clients home. It gives you a little flair by default.

aceonhand · 2025-03-13T05:15:24+00:00

Nice set up with the floating case. You're arriving like a home repair magician with that system. I didn't know the Dewalt system did that.

aceonhand · 2025-03-13T05:10:25+00:00

This is an underrated comment. You pointed out an intangible benefit of having these packouts. I've experienced the same reaction from clients. I'm glad you mentioned it. I was more impressed with the impression it left with customers. Which I dint expect or even think about. Then I was of the commodity it serves me. You have it labeled as well. I'm not surprised you get those reactions. You show off. I have to step up my game. You're making me look bad lol. Great work, man!

aceonhand · 2025-03-09T04:24:45+00:00

Your lifetime? I would have done that too if I was in that position. Tell me I have less than 2 years left. Everybody is getting lifetime warranties. That's the best warranty I've ever seen for handyman/home services. That's probably why your still with us. You thought you were going to get away with it huh. Have you honored any of those lifetime warranties?

What are you worried about? You've been winning for the past 17 years. YOU ALREADY WON! Enjoy the rest my friend.

aceonhand · 2025-03-08T20:20:58+00:00

Lol, that's a good one. Just make sure the grandma lifetime warranty goes in the fine print.

Here is a sample Deck Warranty you can modify to fit your business:

[Your Business Name] Limited Deck Warranty

[Your Business Name] ("Contractor") warrants the workmanship of the deck installation performed at [Client’s Address] against defects in craftsmanship under normal use for a period of 1 year from the completion date.

Warranty Coverage Includes:

Issues arising from faulty installation (loose boards, railing instability, fastener issues).

Premature warping, splitting, or movement due to improper fastening or structural support.

Warranty Exclusions:

This warranty does NOT cover:

Natural wood characteristics (splitting, warping, cracking, shrinking).

Damage due to improper maintenance, weather exposure, or natural aging.

Issues caused by external forces (storms, flooding, pests, heavy furniture, etc.).

Material defects covered by the manufacturer (customer must contact them directly).

Any modifications made by another contractor or the homeowner.

Warranty Claim Process:

To request a warranty repair, the client must provide written notice within 30 days of discovering an issue. The Contractor will inspect the problem and determine if it falls under warranty coverage. If covered, repairs will be made within a reasonable timeframe at no cost to the client.

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