With all the uncertainty swirling around job security, THIS may be the time to forge ahead and take your skills to the next level! We've all thought about self-employment, and if you're ready, consider these helpful considerations supplied to us from Megan Cooper of Real Life Home.net. It's a big step, but following these tips will put you and your business on a firm foundation and give you a good head start on your new endeavour! Thank you, Megan!
The first customer is the hardest. The 10th is the one that changes everything.
Starting a home services business isn’t just about mastering your trade — it’s about understanding how to run the business behind it. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a painting company, cleaning crew, landscaping service, or handyman operation, your early setup decisions shape everything that follows.
Let’s walk through what it takes to start strong, stay organized, and build the kind of reputation that keeps your phone ringing.
In Summary
Home service success doesn’t come from ads or luck — it’s built on consistency, communication, and care. Focus first on credibility: register properly, price fairly, and show up on time. Then, build habits that make you dependable even when business gets busy.
If you get the basics right early, growth tends to take care of itself.
Getting Started, One Step at a Time
Steps, Actions and Why They Matter
1. Registration: Set up your business officially through the Government of Canada’s registration page. Legitimacy earns trust with both customers and suppliers.
2. Finances: Use Wave Accounting to track income, expenses, and invoices. Keeping everything clean for taxes and avoids headaches later.
3. Insurance: Compare rates on Zensurance. Protect you and your clients - even small jobs carry risk
4. Website: Build a simple, mobile-friendly site with Squarespace. Clients almost always check online before booking.
5. Scheduling: Automate quotes and appointments using Jobber. Make your business look organized from day one.
An Essential Pre-Launch Checklist
● Registered business name and number
● Liability insurance secured
● Logo, phone number, and email are branded
● Business bank account opened
● Pricing sheet ready (hourly + flat rates)
● Accounting system connected to payments
● Scheduling tool tested
● First five clients identified
How to Build Trust That Lasts
Be easy to reach. Pick up the phone, reply to texts fast, and keep a friendly tone.
Show your work. Post before-and-after photos on your site or social feed.
Ask for reviews. Encourage clients to share feedback on Google Business Profile.
Keep your promises. Even if it means working an extra hour — reliability builds reputation.
Learn continuously. The trades change — so should your methods and tools.
Featured Tip: Create “Home Care Packages”
Don’t just offer one-time jobs; package services into repeat visits. For example: “Seasonal Lawn Tune-Up” or “Quarterly Deep Clean.” Customers love predictable pricing and scheduling. You can set up recurring payments through Stripe Billing to make this effortless for both sides.
FAQ — Common Questions When You’re Starting Out
Q: What kind of business structure should I choose?
Most home service pros start as sole proprietors, then incorporate once revenue grows.
Q: Do I need a website if I’m on social media?
Yes — a site builds long-term credibility and helps you appear in search results.
Q: How can I get steady work in slow months?
Offer bundled discounts to repeat clients or team up with realtors and property managers for year-round jobs.
Q: What’s the best way to track cash flow?
Do weekly reviews using your accounting app — don’t wait until tax season.
Build Your Business Literacy
Understanding the “numbers side” of your business is what keeps it alive and growing. Learning the basics of marketing, accounting, and operations helps you make smarter calls and avoid expensive mistakes.
Check this out: Online courses are a great way to strengthen your knowledge while keeping your work schedule flexible.
Weekly Habits to Establish Early
➢ Send invoices every Friday before closing time
➢ Review next week’s appointments on Sunday night
➢ Request two reviews per week from happy clients
➢ Repost a project photo online at least once a month
➢ Check insurance and license renewal dates quarterly
Final Thoughts
A successful home services business doesn’t have to be big to be profitable — it just has to be steady, trustworthy, and visible. Keep showing up, treat every customer like your first, and your reputation will quietly become your best marketing engine.