new to the villages
 

so i have been here for about 3 months now and am trying to figure out what to do with my time. i’m recently retired and do not golf. it seems though all of my neighbors have learned how handy i am and i have been doing a lot of small projects for them. i’m considering opening a very inexpensive handyman service and i read i do not require a license for projects under $500.00. my question is would you consider hiring a handyman who is uninsured? i’m not looking to make this a big business just looking to keep busy

Oh gee, the handymen I've hired before should have had insurance? never crossed my mind. Maybe if I had them doing dangerous stuff, but hanging shelves, swapping out light fixtures, seem pretty low risk. Maybe I'm naive. Look at the recreation newspaper for clubs that interest you, and hang out at your nearest rec center-there is always someone to talk to. Welcome.

Lots of people here need help with small projects, hanging pictures, changing light bulbs etc.... Not really making it a business, just being a good neighbor....wink wink...

Quality work cheap. I am surprised you do not have people pounding on your door. Insurance?
Beware if you are charging, you are a business and liable for damages. Insurance, often asked. Paying for insurance means you have a company accepting the risk or part of it.
No insurance does not mean no risk. It means self insured. Damage caused and the customer will go after YOUR assets.

Guy i now was in your same situation. He was handy and could do minor handyman work. So he started doing it. Finally had to stop because it got to a fulltime job.
People here need help on many minor household repairs.
You will do fine.

People in The Villages are obsessed with the question "are you licensed & insured". They seem to think it makes them look sophisticated or particularly savvy.

It's absurd and ridiculous.

Any place you have 125,000+ seniors, there's a need for people who can do odd jobs around a home. If you're any good, you'll end up with no retirement time and be working more hours than before you retired.

Welcome to The Villages! We are also new.....5 months. It's now time for us (after all the work of moving in) to join some clubs and try to make some friends. Other posters have also given you this good advice. As for the handyman part-time job, it's a great idea. The need is here and many villagers want some part time work to add structure to their schedules and avoid boredom. Please send your work info once it's set up.

Agree. I wouldn’t hire someone unless they had insurance. If they do a terrible job or have an accident and damage something, I would want to sue them for the damages. He could certainly self-insure, but he’d better have the resources to back it up.

I wouldn’t work for you !

Send me a message, you can start at my house next week ! All kinds of little jobs.

I'm in the business at your proposed level and I routinely get calls. People don't have: the tools; the skills; the strength or the interest to DIY.

I am interested in hiring you, if you decide to go ahead, please message me.

I personally would not care if you were uninsured to do small jobs. There’s a great need for your services here.

Works for me. :laugh:
He asked; I answered.

I’ve hired Toymeister! He is great - assembled furniture for me that was delivered unassembled (directions were lacking and the job was above my skill level) - He did outstanding work, was punctual and he a real nice guy - I highly recommend, and will use him again!