- DIY homeownership can significantly reduce maintenance costs and increase property value.
- Homeowners with DIY skills have the potential to earn side income through home improvement projects.
- Home system maintenance and repair is a profitable and high-demand side hustle.
- Professional home cleaning services, including deep cleaning and regular maintenance, can also be lucrative.
Embracing the DIY homeowner lifestyle is not just about savings—it’s also about maximizing the value of your property. According to Home Advisor, the average homeowner spent $1,105 on home maintenance, which includes routine, necessary tasks such as cleaning gutters and servicing heating and cooling systems. By taking a DIY approach, homeowners can drastically reduce these costs.
Moreover, the potential savings increase even more when it comes to larger renovation projects. For instance, DIY bathroom remodels can save homeowners up to 50% compared to hiring professionals, says a study by Houzz. Beyond finances, a sense of accomplishment and increased home equity comes with successful DIY projects. Therefore, being a DIY homeowner has tangible financial benefits and can also provide a sense of pride and achievement.
However, there is another benefit you can secure being a DIY homeowner. You can provide it as a professional service if your skills are good enough. Here are a few areas that can net you the most side hustle income:
Home Improvement Projects
Home improvement projects can be a highly lucrative side hustle. You already have the know-how; chances are, you have the tools too. Your neighbors, friends, and family will likely need similar home improvement services and are willing to pay for your expertise. Here are a few fields you might consider specializing in:
Carpentry
Offer your skills in carpentry and woodworking. Building custom furniture, shelves, or cabinets can earn money, especially since handcrafted pieces are highly sought after. Carpentry also includes installing trim work or crown molding.
Painting and Staining
Interior painting can be a faster way to earn extra income. The process requires less skill than carpentry projects, and you don’t need to invest in expensive tools either. You can also offer staining services for decks and outdoor furniture if you have the experience.
Interior Design and Decorating
If your skills lie in interior design, consider offering your services to those looking for a professional touch with their home decorating projects. Homeowners may even need help choosing color combinations, furniture arrangements, or installing window treatments.
Tiling and Flooring
Tiling and flooring is another specialized area where homeowners often require assistance. Whether installing new flooring or repairing existing tiles, your expertise in this area can lead to a steady stream of projects.
Home System Maintenance and Repair
Home system maintenance and repair is an additional area of expertise that can prove financially beneficial as a side hustle. This includes various services, from HVAC maintenance plumbing repairs, and electrical system fixes. Many homeowners lack the knowledge or time to maintain these systems adequately and are willing to pay a professional to ensure their home runs smoothly.
Furthermore, less seasoned DIY homeowners may feel uncomfortable dealing with these systems due to potentially costly or dangerous mistakes, making this a side hustle in high demand. Developing skills in this area can be achieved through hands-on experience, self-study, or vocational courses at a local community college.
For those interested, there are also professional certification programs that can help to solidify your reputation as a knowledgeable and skilled professional. These certifications add credibility to your services and allow you to charge a premium for your expertise. Being an electrician is the most profitable side hustle in-home system maintenance, as it comes with hazards. Fortunately, getting a professional electrician apprenticeship does not require too much experience or prior knowledge and is a great way to learn the trade.
Home Cleaning
It can be surprising to learn how much money you can make cleaning homes, especially if it’s a service you already do in your own house. However, professional home cleaning involves a higher level of skill and attention to detail than regular household chores.
As a DIY homeowner, you can offer the following cleaning services:
- Deep Cleaning: This involves a thorough top-to-bottom home cleaning and is typically done when a home needs extra attention.
- Recurring Cleaning: Many homeowners prefer to hire a professional cleaner for regular maintenance, which can be scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.
- Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: Moving into or out of a home can be stressful. Having someone to clean it before or after the move can take some of the burden off the homeowner’s shoulders.
These services are in constant demand and can be very lucrative if you offer a high-quality product. Additionally, there is no need for special training as cleaning is easy to master with practice and experience.
Final Thoughts
To succeed as a DIY homeowner, being knowledgeable and comfortable with the projects you take on is essential. With enough practice and research, you can make money by offering your services to others. Whether you want to focus on home improvement projects or systems maintenance, there is something for everyone. Best of luck in finding the side hustle that best suits you!
