home service business ideas. Starting a private home service business can be your route to riches and independence, but it is not something that you should take lightly. Which makes this guide perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, those looking to change careers, and anyone who’s ever wanted to build a business around an existing skill.
Home services are exploding in part because busy homeowners crave dependable help with everything from basic maintenance to more elaborate care. The best part? Most home businesses cost less than $1,000 to start, with some costing substantially less.
We’ll explore low-investment business ideas you can get off the ground in no time and skilled trade services that are always in demand, as well as how technology home services are creating new roles for tech-friendly entrepreneurs. You’ll find out about cleaning businesses that offer customization services, office and commercial cleaning opportunities, as well as niche markets like blind and rug cleaning business plans.
Low-Investment Home Service Opportunities
House Cleaning and Organizing Services
House Cleaning Services – You don’t need to invest heavily in this type of business: your initial investment for home cleaning is limited to transport and basic supplies. Professional organizers assist stressed-out homeowners in sorting and purging stuff and establishing effective systems. Convenience: Both services have a consistent level of demand inherent in busy homes. Household cleaning consultations should be charged at an hourly rate of between $25-50, and organization consultations are $50-100 per hour.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Starting a pet-care business costs nothing — except access to the estimated $136 billion pet industry. Dog walking is typically between $15-30 a walk, but an overnight pet sit generally earns you $50-75 a day. Through bonding, dependability & professional insurance service, repeat revenue opportunities are created. Some pet sitters also expand their offerings to include other services, such as feeding, grooming, and even basic training.
Lawn Care and Basic Landscaping
Landscaping is one of the most scalable, profitable home services to have, with equipment purchase costs under $5,000. Standard services include mowing, edging, blowing off leaves, and seasonal cleanup. Weekly maintenance agreements create consistent monthly revenue in the busy season. Toss in fertilization, weed control, and basic landscaping, and profit margins soar while you nurture client longevity.
Personal Shopping and Errand Running
Professionals and older clients who value their time pay top rates. And should people need a hand running errands (or buying groceries, gifts, or household items), they can hire a personal shopper at $20-40 per hour. Other low-investment businesses, like a professional organizer, require hardly more than transportation and organizing skills. Many entrepreneurs provide multi-service and service packages in order to maximize the use of the trip as well as their value.
Skilled Trade Services for Higher Profits
Handyman and Home Repair Services
How Much Can You Make with a Handyman Business? It’s possible to make quite a good amount by starting a handyman business, and that too for relatively low investment. Your main investments are basic tools and a pickup truck, which runs anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. You can charge between $50 and $100 per hour to handle general repairs, furniture assembly, drywall patching, and minor carpentry work. The great thing about this skilled trade service is that it’s a repeat business – home owners always need something repaired, replaced, or installed, and repairs only get bigger with time.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
It is the training for, and licensing of, journeyman plumbers and electricians who charge $75 or more an hour. While it may take a bit more time to get adequately licensed and educated, home services business ideas are some of the most lucrative around, not only from a financial standpoint but also personally. Those calls outside of normal business hours and on weekends can bill at double, or even triple, the usual rates. It’s an investment that makes sense; the same goes for training: services like these are needed in every community.
HVAC Maintenance and Installation
And HVAC technicians have steady business with seasonal maintenance contracts and urgent repair calls. Though it is a certified trade, the opportunity for growth in this field is immense, with experienced mechanics making $60-$120 per hour. Maintenance contracts offer a steady monthly income, and installation projects can earn between $3,000 $15,000 per job. This blend of scheduled service calls and large equipment installations is the reason why HVAC is one of the most profitable home services, especially in extreme climates.
Technology-Based Home Services
Smart Home Installation and Setup
Turn houses into technologically knit living spaces with smart-device installation. Install voice assistants, smart thermostats, automated lighting systems, and security cameras. There’s a demand for technology home services among homeowners, though they might not necessarily have tech skills. Charge $75-150 per installation of each device and a fee for consultation. This lucrative home business has low investment in tools, and naturally expands through referrals and repeat clients requiring system expansions.
Computer Repair and IT Support
Start a computer repair business for the residential community, which has the technology needs that are consistently reliable. Resolves hardware problems, virus or malware removal, and sets up networks, also does data recovery. Elderly people in particular appreciate patient, in-house IT help.” Repairs average $50 to $200, and monthly support contracts create recurring income sources. Your home service startup ideas may span mobile repair units and the promise of same-day service.
Home Security System Installation
Set up and take care of home security systems that are being used for surveillance cameras, alarms, and monitoring equipment. Hinge with security firms or provide standalone installation services. Homeowners pay between $200-800 to have this work professionally installed, creating great margins. This is a trade service where you use your technical knowledge to sell. Develop strong relationships with real estate agents and insurance providers for consistent referral sources.
Social Media Management for Seniors
Help elder-friendly seniors connect with family members through the use of social media. Teach them Facebook, Instagram, and video calling to get an account and deal with the privacy settings. Some seniors are paying $30 to $60 an hour for patient instruction from someone who is usually a player. You will also need to understand how the industry works and have strong communication skills. Advertise with community centers, retirement communities, and referrals from satisfied clients.
Specialized Cleaning and Maintenance
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning is one of the most successful home service business ideas with low investment. This niche cleaning business opportunity involves minimal use of basic equipment, such as steam cleaners and eco-friendly solutions. The majority of homeowners don’t have effective tools for deep-cleaning their space, so there is always a demand for this type of home maintenance service.
Window Washing and Gutter Cleaning
This is most definitely a scalable business, as window washing and gutter cleaning are services for both residential and commercial properties. These home service startup ideas will need ladders, squeegees, and safety gear. Ongoing maintenance contracts generate consistent streams of income, and seasonal cleanings generate additional revenue. Safety and time are the biggest issues property owners have with these cleaning jobs.
Pressure Washing for Driveways and Decks
Pressure wash services help spruce up outdoor spaces by washing away dirt, mold, and stains from driveways, decks, and more. This business comes with a cost in the form of a commercial-grade pressure washer and transport. The impressive before and after leads to happy customers who keep coming back for more. Peak demand times coincide with spring cleaning season and pre-sale home preparations.
Personal Care and Wellness Services
Mobile Hair and Beauty Services
Salon arrives in any living room with mobile hair and beauty services. Clients relish the on-demand luxury of professional hair and makeup, manicure,s and facials in the comfort of their homes. Equipment needs are small – a travel styling kit, good products, and dependable transportation are all you really need to get started. Appeal to busy professionals, new mothers, older clients, and those with concerns of privacy and convenience. Develop and maintain a strong customer base through social media promotion, referral programs. Set up several appointments in one neighborhood to increase productivity and income.
In-Home Fitness Training
Now, personal fitness coaching can bring the gym to people’s homes! This lucrative home services business requires certified training as well as a few basic items such as resistance bands, weights, and yoga mats. Concentrate on specific niches such as senior fitness, post-injury” recuperation, or wellness programs for high-powered corporate executives. Clients like the individual attention without gym intimidation or commute time. You can sell packages, offer virtual coaching, or nutrition services – all of which open additional sources of income and ways to keep your clients longer-term.
Elderly Care and Companionship
Population ageing leads to an increasing need for elderly care and acts of kindness. Offer assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and social companionship. You will enjoy this rewarding home service business idea by doing a background check, obtaining basic first aid certification, and having compassion. Services can be from a handful of hours a week to full-time care. Establish relationships with local healthcare providers, senior centers, and adult children in need of dependable care for their elderly parents. Establish trust through reliable, caring customer service.
Meal Prep and Personal Chef Services
On-the-go families want shortcuts to get a healthy meal on the table with minimal effort. Personal Chef Services involve menu consultation, grocery shopping, meal prep, and clean up. This is a low-cost business idea that can easily be home-based as you become more established in your email list of happy clients, which entrepreneurs will tell you are their best leads. Niche down to specific cuisines, dietary needs (keto, vegan, gluten-free), or family-style meal prep. Encourage on social media colorful, mouthwatering meals. For the Individual Personal Offer, a weekly subscription service that provides regular income and builds customer loyalty.
Home Healthcare Assistance
A specially registered health professional can provide medical care in a homely setting. Comprehensive services available include wound care, physical therapy, and medication management, as well as postsurgical treatment. Home Service This home service startup idea involves a lot of licensing, insurance, and some kind of medical training. Work with hospitals, physicians, and insurance providers for patient referrals. Home health – improved patient outcomes, reduced hospital readmissions, and customized treatment plans. Focus on growing healthcare networks and maintaining high rates of patient satisfaction.
Seasonal and Event-Based Services
Holiday Decoration Installation
For homeowners, hiring out their decorating duty means they have a lot less to do when it comes around to Christmas, Halloween, and other holidays. This is a seasonal business that capitalizes on the time-crunched family who will have beautiful decorations without installing or storing them. Services range from outdoor lights placement, wreath hanging, indoor tree installation, and complete takedown packages. Several clients will book annually with the same service provider, generating dependable recurrent income during holiday seasons.
Snow Removal and Winter Services
In cold zones, snow removal is one of the biggest profit-turning seasonal service businesses. Entrepreneur Opportunities: In addition to the more basic driveway and sidewalk clearing, smart entrepreneurs also start doing ice treatments, roof snow removal, emergency storm work, etc. Consistent winter income comes from commercial contracts with businesses, apartment complexes, and homeowner associations. Depending on what they’re using- whether it be a simple snow blower mobbed by illegal immigrant Mexicans, or a commercial plow for larger contracts — the bar to entry on this is relatively low, with varying equipment costs.
Pool Maintenance and Opening/Closing
In the land-based business, pool service businesses do well in warm climates, where homeowners have pools and require someone to provide maintenance services that include chemical balancing as well as opening (and closing for the winter). In the spring, you’ll open the pools by uncovering them and checking for any repairs on equipment, balancing chemicals, and filtration. Closings in the fall must be fully cleaned, chemically treated, and winterized. A week of service agreements during swimming season creates a reliable monthly income, and one-time opening/closing services add additional seasonal cash flow for the established pool technician.
Home services business opportunities are great because the barriers to entry are relatively low. From basic cleaning and repairs that require little up-front investment to specialized trades you can charge top dollar for, there’s a service niche here for every skill level and budget. Technology has ushered in some of homeowners’ favorite items, too, with smart home installation and tech support growing in popularity as people look to live connected lives at home.
The great thing about the home service industry is that it’s consistent and it has a lot of room to grow. There will always be people who need help maintaining their homes, caring for their families, and handling the seasons. Pick something within your skill set and interest, start as small to prove the market, and work like hell on developing quality relationships with IT contracts. This is the kind of business where word-of-mouth leads are like gold, and satisfied customers end up being your best sales force for healthy growth.
