How to Become a Handyman: Skills, Tools, Books, and Resources to Master Home Repairs

Becoming a handyman is one of the most practical and empowering skills you can develop. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or someone looking to start a side hustle or full-time business, having the ability to fix, maintain, and improve things around the house saves money, adds value, and gives you confidence.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to become a handyman, what skills to learn, what tools you need to keep at home, and which books, websites, and training platforms can guide you from beginner to pro.

Why Become a Handyman?

In today’s economy, learning handyman skills offers many benefits:

• Save money on home repairs

• Increase property value through improvements

• Earn income by offering handyman services

• Become more self-sufficient and confident

• Reduce the time spent waiting for professional help

What Does a Handyman Do?

A handyman is a person skilled in a wide range of home repair and maintenance tasks. This includes:

• Fixing leaks, faucets, and drains

• Hanging doors, shelves, and pictures

• Repairing drywall and painting walls

• Installing lights, ceiling fans, and outlets

• Building furniture or assembling kits

• Performing basic carpentry, tiling, or plumbing

• Replacing locks and hardware

• Maintaining exterior areas like fences, decks, and gutters

You don’t need to be an expert in everything — the goal is to be good enough to safely, effectively fix common issues in and around your home.

Step 1: Learn the Core Skills

Here are the essential areas you should focus on:

1. Basic Carpentry

Learn to measure, cut, and assemble wood. Projects include shelving, framing, and small furniture repairs.

2. Electrical Repairs

Understand how to replace light fixtures, outlets, and ceiling fans. Always turn off the power at the breaker before starting.

3. Plumbing Basics

Learn to unclog drains, replace faucets, fix toilet mechanisms, and stop leaks.

4. Drywall and Painting

Patch holes, sand surfaces, apply primer and paint for a clean finish.

5. Tools and Safety

Know how to use drills, saws, wrenches, and multimeters. Use PPE like gloves, goggles, and ear protection.

6. Home Maintenance

Seasonal maintenance like cleaning gutters, sealing windows, and changing furnace filters are essential handyman duties.

Step 2: Build Your Home Tool Kit

You can’t be a handyman without a well-equipped toolbox. Here's what every beginner should have at home:

Essential Hand Tools:

• Hammer

• Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)

• Tape measure

• Utility knife

• Adjustable wrench

• Pliers (needle-nose, slip-joint)

• Level

• Stud finder

Power Tools:

• Cordless drill and driver

• Circular saw

• Oscillating multi-tool

• Shop vacuum

• Power sander

Plumbing Tools:

• Pipe wrench

• Plumber’s tape

• Basin wrench

• Drain snake or auger

Electrical Tools:

• Wire stripper

• Voltage tester

• Electrical tape

Other Essentials:

• Ladder

• Caulking gun

• Tool belt or toolbox

• Safety gear (glasses, gloves, masks)

Having these tools at home ensures you can tackle most minor and moderate home repairs with ease.

Step 3: Learn from the Best Handyman Books

Books are a great way to build a solid foundation in home maintenance and repair. Here are a few top-rated handyman books:

1. "The Complete Do-it-Yourself Manual" by Family Handyman

This classic guide covers hundreds of home repair tasks with illustrations and clear instructions. Great for beginners.

2. "Black & Decker The Book of Home How-To"

Covers every room in the house with photos and step-by-step instructions. Includes remodeling and repair tips.

3. "The Handyman’s Guide: Essential DIY Techniques and Skills" by Albert Jackson & David Day

A well-organized reference guide for woodworking, plumbing, and electrical work.

4. "Home Improvement for Dummies" by Gene Hamilton & Katie Hamilton

A straightforward book written for total beginners, covering repairs and tools.

5. "Basic Wiring & Electrical Repairs" by Editors of Creative Homeowner

Perfect for understanding safe and legal ways to complete simple electrical tasks.

Step 4: Explore Online Training & Websites

Best Handyman Training Websites and Platforms:

1. YouTube (Free)

Search channels like:

• DIY Creators

• Home Repair Tutor

• This Old House

• Fix This Build That

These channels offer thousands of step-by-step video tutorials for every home repair imaginable.

2. Udemy

Online courses for beginner to advanced handyman skills. Learn plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and even how to start a handyman business.

3. Skillshare

Offers DIY home improvement classes on flooring, painting, and more.

4. FamilyHandyman.com

One of the best free resources for step-by-step guides, tool reviews, and seasonal maintenance checklists.

5. TheSpruce.com

Helpful for understanding home systems, gardening, painting, and fixing common household issues.

6. Reddit Forums

Visit subreddits like:

• r/HomeImprovement

• r/DIY

• r/Handyman

These communities offer real-world advice from homeowners and professionals.

Step 5: Practice by Fixing Real Problems at Home

The best way to become a handyman is to start fixing things yourself. Begin with small, safe projects like:

• Fixing a running toilet

• Replacing cabinet hardware

• Caulking windows or bathtubs

• Hanging shelves

• Touch-up painting

• Sealing door drafts

Document your progress and build confidence over time. The more projects you complete, the more natural it becomes.

Step 6: Understand Local Regulations and Safety

Some projects like electrical rewiring, gas line work, or roof repairs may require permits or licensed professionals. Learn the building codes for your state or province.

In Canada, check with municipal home improvement regulations. In the US, visit your local government website for permit and safety requirements.

Step 7: Optional – Turn It Into a Business

Once you've built your confidence and toolset, consider offering handyman services in your neighborhood. Start small with friends, neighbors, or referrals.

To go professional, you’ll need:

• A business license

• Insurance (liability coverage)

• Website or local listings (Google My Business, Thumbtack)

• Invoicing system (e.g., QuickBooks or Square)

Platforms like TaskRabbit, Handy, or Nextdoor are great places to find local clients.

Additional Tips for Aspiring Handymen

• Watch seasonal maintenance videos to prepare your home for winter or summer

• Subscribe to Home Depot or Lowe’s YouTube channels for product tutorials

• Practice measuring twice and cutting once

• Always shut off water or power before working on plumbing or electrical tasks

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions online or call a pro when unsure

• Invest in quality tools that last — you’ll save more in the long run

Final Thoughts

Becoming a handyman is not about knowing everything — it's about building skills over time, having the right tools, and learning from reliable resources. With a few books, some basic equipment, and consistent hands-on experience, you can master most home repair tasks and save thousands in repair costs.

Whether you're aiming to maintain your own home, help family and friends, or even start a handyman business, the journey is both rewarding and practical.