Hi everyone. I'm looking to start my own handyman service on a part time basis here in Ontario. I know i need a license for plumbing and electrical but do i need one to do just small odd jobs for people? I have many years doing reno work for myself and family friends. I know I need a business license and insurance. Anything else?
Hi Henry
Yes, to make it official and legal you will have to apply for a BIN number ( Business
Identification Number)and at that time your name will be your Company Name unless you choose different . Once You receive this
you can officially charge your customers HST.
You will also require Liability Insurance. You may have to shop around not every company
carries this for small business. If you are going to hire employee's ,you will require
WCIB coverage and UI ( Workman's Compensation Insurance and Unemployment Insurance ) for each person including yourself. If you are going to be a " Sole Proprietor". WCIB may
or may not still be optional. I have been in business 23 years and it was optional back then and I do not pay into it by choice. UI
I do believe is optional if you wish to pay into it.
Good Luck
Hey Henry,
Congratulations on making the first steps to becoming a business owner.
A few things you need to get started, (some may be optional for you, but all worth looking into)
1.Create Company (Limited Incorporation, Sole Proprietor)
2.Register for GST/HST number
3.Create bank account for business transactions
4.Get secured credit card to build company credit
5.Get Liability insurance (2 million minimum)
6.Get WCB (If you have employees)
7.Get a book keeping solution (Invoice, expense tracking, etc.)
8.Meet with an accountant and learn about write-offs (keep all receipts)
9.Have a marketing plan (google keyword ads, Facebook, houzz, website)
10.Get municipal business licence for where you are performing work (Don't forget to get permits)
11.Do quality work
12.Request online review
If you are interested in getting help setting up your marketing plan and building an online presence that builds credibility and brings in constant leads, let me know. We do our own marketing for https://gettrue.ca and offer marketing services to other small contractors getting started.
Best of luck!
I can confirm the following from Tim's response:
- WCB only mandatory when (1) employees work for you in any capacity, payroll or cash. And (2) when ever you are a subcontractor on a commercial site. You can call WCB to confirm. I just went through this recently myself.
- UI is not required for a sole proprietor. Federal government has put in legislation to counter UI fraud claims against sole proprietors/ family businesses. I've cancelled mine as i'm not eligible to receive, there's no point paying the premium
Couple other pieces of advice:
- if your married go on your spouses private insurance plan. Save yourself to premiums
- get on quickbooks or similar bookkeeping software. Save yourself the added expense of a person doing this work for you and invoicing you. Dont cheap out on QB, get the full feature edition and input the numbers daily.
Best of luck! The other responses cover the rest
Well done for your business and Other thing to optimize online business profile
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