So You Want to Fix It--Digireads November read

Being a handyman or woman is a small business and requires keeping records of income and expenses. There are numerous ways to satisfy the IRS: Paper or software, the behemoth tax collector will accept both.

One complaint I listened to more often than not was that when a client called another handyman either the call wasn't returned or the Mr. (Ms, Mrs.) Fix-it never showed up. A great insight as to how to conduct my business: return calls and show up at the appointed time.

Another aspect of handymanning I enjoyed was the detective work involved in finding the cause got whatever had malfunctioned. Once the cause was discovered the fix became obvious.

I used a Toyota pickup to carry tools and materials (and a helper if necessary). Had I continued the business I probably would have opted for a delivery truck so I wouldn't have to move tools out of my garage for every call.

Another item that always came in handy (for the handyman) was a toolbox with wheels and various compartments. Having a wide selection of tools at a job site often meant I didn't have to run to Home Depot or Ace hardware to get what I needed.

As you can see from the first few chapters a handyman needs some preliminary research on the problem, the requisite tools and a good step-by-step solution to putting things right.

The first half of the book gave you a glimpse into the world of plumbers.

One caveat not mentioned: The water pressure in the supply line runs from 40 to 60 psi. What that means (as many TV commercials show) is that breaking any joint will immediately cause a stream of high pressure water to soak the nearby area. However, if you've turned off the water at the main valve (or downstream supply valves) this unwanted shower will be avoided.

Another part of a complete plumber's tool kit is a few pairs of disposable vinyl gloves. Most of the time you won't these, but when it comes to dealing with sink or sewer muck they will prevent you from either an infection (if you have an open cut 
or get a cut while working) or the usual "plumber's stain."

Water is such an integral part of life that having an uninterrupted supply gives handy men and women many occasions to repair the gap caused by a clog or a machine that has reached the end of a designed working life.

Next we'll investigate the mystery of alternating current and with great care demystify the ins and outs of electrical fixes.

In the third quarter of the book we've seen electrical work with the extremely important caution to turn off power before working on any circuit.

Woodshop work was investigated as was installing various wood projects. Having a variety of woodworking tools means you can bid jobs that would take those tools rather than simple handy toolbox selections.

We've also seen a customer that had a variety of jobs: mechanical, electrical and general maintenance. When a client states that he or usually she has a list you will find many of your skills will be tested as well as your stamina and endurance.

By now you have an established client list that has been the result of word-of-mouth connections. You might be thinking that such advertising is all you require. And, depending on the area you service, such referencing might suffice.

If work slows as it inevitably will, small ads in the local throw-away newspapers could bring in a few more customers. And putting your business cards or flyers on bulletin boards is another possibility.

Just about the time you think you're going to get a break another phone call takes your attention. That call makes thinking about advertising go into the put-on-hold bin. The final quarter of the book familiarizes you with both minor and major fence repair and rebuilding.

With all the skills you've acquired as well as a substantial client list you are feeling confident that you will be able to continue earning money as a handy person.

One referral leads to another and then you find that one client has enough work for you to remove the need to seek other clients.

Having a client such as Mr. Burnside is a real asset since he will do some of the legwork necessary to find items you will install.

In some ways working with a client like Burnside is almost like being an employee. You will have more freedom than an employee but you will still be held to the standards of the "boss."

I hope this collection of handywork will give you an insight into what's required to be a handy person. If you decide to give it a try I wish you the best of luck.