New Year's Resolution: From Handyman to Remodeling Contractor

New Year’s Resolution: From Handyman to Remodeling Contractor

As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s the perfect time to set ambitious goals for your business. If you’ve been operating as a handyman, providing quick fixes and small-scale repairs, this could be the year you elevate your business into full-scale home remodeling. Transitioning from a handyman to a remodeling contractor isn’t just a career change; it’s a commitment to growth, professionalism, and long-term success. Here’s how you can make it happen—and how NARI Atlanta can help you along the way.

Elevating Your Business

Moving from handyman work to full-scale remodeling requires a shift in mindset and operations. As a handyman, you’re likely focused on smaller, one-off projects that can be completed quickly. Remodeling, however, involves larger projects that demand meticulous planning, collaboration, and execution. To make the leap, you’ll need to:

Develop Your Expertise: Specialize in areas like kitchen renovations, bathroom remodeling, or basement transformations. This will help establish you as a go-to expert in a particular niche.

Expand Your Network: Build relationships with suppliers, designers, and other contractors to ensure you have the resources to tackle larger projects.

Showcase Your Work: Invest in high-quality photos and testimonials from past projects to

demonstrate your capabilities to potential clients.

Starting a Contracting Business

Becoming a remodeling contractor requires more than just technical skills. You must establish a legitimate business structure that inspires trust and adheres to legal requirements. Here are the essentials:

Licenses and Certifications: A Contractor’s License is required in Georgia. Research the eligibility, application, and exam requirements on the Secretary of State website. NARI Atlanta offers resources to help you meet these requirements.

Insurance and Liability: Protect your business with the right insurance coverage, including general liability and workers’ compensation. This safeguards you and your clients in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Business Basics: Set up a professional business entity, such as an LLC or corporation, to separate your personal assets from your business liabilities.

NARI Atlanta can help you navigate these foundational steps. From providing educational resources to connecting you with industry experts, we’re here to support your journey.

Building a Team of Service Providers

Remodeling projects often require a team of professionals, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and designers. As you transition to remodeling, building a reliable team is crucial. Here’s how to start:

Identify Key Roles: Determine which services you’ll offer in-house and which ones you’ll

subcontract.

Vet Your Partners: Work with reputable service providers who share your commitment to quality and professionalism.

Leverage NARI Membership: NARI Atlanta’s network is a goldmine of vetted professionals. Our membership directory connects you with reliable contractors, suppliers, and partners who can help you complete projects efficiently and effectively.

How NARI Atlanta Can Help

NARI Atlanta is more than just a membership organization; it’s a thriving and supportive community of successful remodeling professionals. Here’s how we can help you with the transition from handyman to remodeling contractor:

Educational Opportunities: Attend workshops, seminars, and webinars to enhance your knowledge of the remodeling industry.

Networking Events: Join NARI Nights and other networking opportunities to build relationships with industry leaders and potential collaborators.

Certification Programs: Earn industry-recognized certifications that establish your credibility and set you apart from the competition.

Business Resources: Access tools and templates for contracts, marketing, and project

management.

Turning your handyman business into a thriving remodeling contracting company is an ambitious but achievable New Year’s resolution. With the right mindset, resources, and support from NARI Atlanta, you can elevate your business, expand your services, and create a lasting impact in the remodeling industry. Let’s make 2025 the year you take your business to new heights!