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The Potential of A Home Service Business
Starting a home service business as a retiree can be highly rewarding and profitable. By leveraging skills you already have or can easily learn, you can create a fulfilling business that generates extra income while providing the freedom to work on your own terms. But choosing the right business is crucial to your success. Factors like startup costs, local competition, earning potential, and the physical demands of each business should be carefully considered. With the right choice, you can build a business that fits seamlessly into your retirement lifestyle.
This guide, written by The BBQ Cleaner, outlines the best home service business ideas tailored for retirees. Jeff’s experience in creating a nationwide BBQ cleaning franchise makes him uniquely qualified to offer insights on what it takes to succeed in the home service industry. If you’re searching for the best home service business to own as a retiree, you’re in the right place.
BBQ Cleaning Services
BBQ Cleaning Business: For retirees seeking a manageable, flexible, and highly profitable business, BBQ cleaning stands out as an exceptional choice. As the founder of The BBQ Cleaner, Jeff Krentzman has developed a business model that is straightforward, low-cost, and ideal for those looking to work part-time or seasonally. With growing demand and minimal competition, BBQ cleaning provides the perfect mix of freedom, financial potential, and long-term sustainability. The BBQ Cleaner system is designed as a turnkey operation, giving retirees everything they need to get started—from training and equipment to comprehensive marketing support.
Notably, BBQ cleaning as a business has low competition, which means owners can quickly establish themselves in their local market. Financial flexibility is also a big advantage; retirees can start with minimal upfront investment, covering only essential equipment and training. As a franchisee, you receive ongoing support, ensuring you’re never alone in growing your business. With the option to work full-time or part-time, retirees can easily tailor their workload to fit their lifestyle and personal goals.
Many retirees find fulfillment in running this business and report high satisfaction rates. Here’s what franchise owners have to say:
- “We were booked up for 2 months from our first ad. We never expected to have clients literally lining up for us so quickly. It’s impossible to put into words what The BBQ Cleaner did for our family.” – Kevin Yusko, Capital Grill Cleaning, Ballston Spa, NY
- “Within four days of running my first advertisement, I was booked up for weeks in advance. This has gone better than I ever dreamed it could. You and your company were just as presented—professional, responsive, and more importantly, genuine.” – Steve Koffler, Desert BBQ Cleaning, Palm Desert, CA
- “This really is a great turnkey operation for a home-based business. There were no surprises starting up; everything happened exactly as promised.” – Steve Adams, Backyard BBQ Grill Company, St. Charles, MO
- “I’m not sure how to put into a few words how I feel about The BBQ Cleaner. From the moment I started working with them, it has been a total dream come true.” – Bill Fullerton, Que Crew Grill Cleaning, Bellefonte, PA
- “The onsite training has given me the insight to go forward with my business and make it successful quicker than if I had tried it alone.” – Lee Parker, The Grill Cleaners, Rockwall, TX
The BBQ Cleaner also emphasizes sustainable growth, with franchisees frequently rebooking clients thanks to excellent service and strong brand recognition. Operationally, franchisees receive marketing materials, training manuals, and in-person support to ensure they’re equipped to succeed from day one. Furthermore, the BBQ cleaning business model is designed to be family-friendly, providing retirees the chance to pass their business down to family members or involve them in operations, creating a legacy of success.
Handyman Services
Why It’s a Good Fit: Retirees with a knack for home repairs or carpentry can find satisfaction in handyman services. This business keeps you physically active without a demanding schedule and lets you focus on manageable tasks around your skillset. Retirees can offer their services for small projects, allowing them to enjoy flexible hours and set their own pace.
How to Start: Retirees can begin by offering handyman services to neighbors or through community boards. Creating a simple online presence on social media or local listing sites is an easy way to reach clients. You can also get certifications in specific areas like plumbing or electrical work to enhance credibility.
Tools Needed: Basic toolkit (hammer, screwdriver set, wrenches, utility knife), power drill, tape measure, stud finder, level, safety gear (gloves, goggles), basic carpentry and plumbing tools.
Home Cleaning Services
Why It’s a Good Fit: Cleaning services are highly flexible, and many retirees find satisfaction in helping clients maintain a clean, organized home. The work can be tailored to individual clients, offering you control over the volume and type of jobs you take on, making it easy to balance with other activities.
How to Start: To get started, retirees can market their cleaning services through word-of-mouth, community bulletins, or local social media groups. Consider certifications in eco-friendly cleaning practices to appeal to clients concerned with environmental impact.
Tools Needed: Vacuum, mop, broom, microfiber cloths, cleaning solutions (all-purpose, glass, bathroom), bucket, sponges, scrub brushes.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Why It’s a Good Fit: Carpet and upholstery cleaning is ideal for retirees who want flexible hours and a focused scope of work. The business involves manageable projects that offer visible results, which can be particularly rewarding. This service is in constant demand from homeowners and businesses, providing steady income potential.
How to Start: Begin by renting or purchasing a professional carpet cleaner and offering services locally. Building credibility through certifications like those from the IICRC can also help set you apart. Partnering with local real estate agents for move-in or move-out cleanings can create additional revenue.
Tools Needed: Carpet cleaner (rentable or owned), upholstery brush, stain removers, spray bottles, microfiber towels.
Home Organization Services
Why It’s a Good Fit: Retirees who enjoy organizing spaces and helping others create order in their homes may find this business very fulfilling. Home organization allows for creativity and flexibility while addressing a growing demand among busy families and professionals.
How to Start: Market your organization services on social media and through local networking. Obtaining certifications in organizing from associations like NAPO can give retirees credibility and make them more appealing to clients looking for professional expertise.
Tools Needed: Storage bins, shelving, labels, measuring tape, notepad for planning, professional organizing software (optional).
Senior Transport Services
Why It’s a Good Fit: Retirees who want to help their community and enjoy driving can find senior transport services particularly rewarding. It allows retirees to set their own hours while providing a needed service that supports seniors’ independence, with minimal physical demands.
How to Start: Retirees can promote their services through local senior centers, community boards, or referrals. Having a certification in safe transportation or senior care can be beneficial in building trust with clients and their families.
Tools Needed: Vehicle (preferably a reliable, spacious car), GPS, business liability insurance, safety kits.
Home Renovation Consulting
Why It’s a Good Fit: Retirees with experience in construction or home design can share their expertise through renovation consulting. This role is ideal for retirees as it involves minimal physical labor but allows you to stay involved in projects, advising homeowners on budgeting, planning, and design.
How to Start: Retirees can start by offering services to friends or family and then expand through local referrals or online promotion. Adding design or construction management certifications boosts credibility, showing clients that they are working with a knowledgeable advisor.
Tools Needed: Computer with design software, basic measuring tools, design resources (sample books, color charts), smartphone for virtual consultations.
Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
Why It’s a Good Fit: Animal lovers can find pet sitting and dog walking to be a fulfilling, low-stress business. It allows retirees to spend time with pets, which can be incredibly rewarding, while providing a service that has flexible hours and low startup requirements.
How to Start: You can begin by offering services in your local neighborhood or by signing up on pet-sitting platforms to expand your reach. Obtaining pet care certifications, like pet CPR training, can help build trust and ensure a higher level of care.
Tools Needed: Leashes, pet waste bags, pet treats, first aid kit, basic pet CPR training.
Property Management
Why It’s a Good Fit: For retirees with real estate or managerial experience, property management offers steady income with minimal physical demands. This role is largely administrative, letting you handle communications and coordinate services, ideal for retirees seeking a flexible, rewarding role.
How to Start: Retirees can start by managing a few small properties or vacation rentals and expand through referrals. Consider obtaining property management software and certifications to enhance credibility and simplify the administrative aspects of the role.
Tools Needed: Computer, property management software, smartphone, notepad, basic maintenance contacts.
Home Inspection Services
Why It’s a Good Fit: Home inspection services are ideal for retirees with a background in construction or real estate, as they involve using knowledge rather than physical labor. Inspectors work at their own pace, making this a flexible option that also provides a needed service in the housing market.
How to Start: Obtain a home inspection certification to validate your expertise and offer your services through local real estate offices. You can build a steady client base by advertising competitive rates and showcasing expertise in your field.
Tools Needed: Moisture meter, electrical tester, flashlight, ladder, safety goggles, notepad.
Appliance Repair
Why It’s a Good Fit: Appliance repair is a great choice for retirees with a technical or mechanical background, providing hands-on work without being physically demanding. It offers control over your workload and allows you to specialize in particular types of appliances.
How to Start: Retirees can start by offering simple appliance repair services and advertising locally. Earning certifications in specific appliance repair techniques adds credibility, allowing you to expand your services and charge competitive rates.
Tools Needed: Multimeter, screwdrivers, pliers, socket set, basic replacement parts, safety gloves.
Window Cleaning
Why It’s a Good Fit: Window cleaning offers retirees flexible, part-time work in an outdoor setting. By focusing on low-rise windows, retirees can avoid physically demanding projects while still delivering high-quality results for clients.
How to Start: Retirees can begin by offering their services locally, starting with ground-level or single-story homes. Marketing eco-friendly products appeals to clients concerned with environmental impact, and clear pricing helps attract repeat clients.
Tools Needed: Squeegee, ladder, microfiber towels, window cleaning solution, bucket, safety gloves.
Junk Removal
Why It’s a Good Fit: Junk removal is an excellent choice for retirees who want to help clients declutter without heavy lifting. Retirees can handle smaller projects, allowing them to assist clients with eco-friendly disposal practices, community involvement, and a low-stress approach.
How to Start: Retirees can begin by promoting their junk removal services locally. Partnering with recycling centers or charities for donations can add a community focus and appeal to environmentally-conscious clients.
Tools Needed: Truck or trailer, gloves, safety gear, trash bags, basic hand tools.
Interior Painting
Why It’s a Good Fit: Retirees with an eye for detail and color can enjoy interior painting, focusing on manageable projects like accent walls or rooms. It’s a flexible, creative job that provides visible results without needing intensive labor.
How to Start: Offer services locally, focusing on smaller-scale projects like accent walls or room painting. Using eco-friendly, low-VOC paints can appeal to clients looking for safer, environmentally friendly options.
Tools Needed: Paint rollers, brushes, drop cloths, painter’s tape, safe low-VOC paint options, step ladder.
Home-Based Tutoring Services
Why It’s a Good Fit: Retirees with teaching experience or expertise in a particular subject can find tutoring highly fulfilling. It offers the flexibility to work from home or in-person, creating meaningful connections and helping students excel.
How to Start: Building a profile on tutoring platforms or advertising locally is a good way to begin. Obtaining tutoring certifications builds credibility, assuring clients that you have the knowledge and skills to help students succeed.
Tools Needed: Computer with internet access, webcam, educational materials, whiteboard (for in-person tutoring).
Is it time for you to start a home service business?
Choosing the right home service business can transform your retirement by providing financial rewards, flexibility, and personal satisfaction. Whether you’re skilled in home repair, cleaning, organization, or pet care, there’s a home service business that can align with your passions and lifestyle.
If you’re interested in a turnkey, well-supported business model, consider The BBQ Cleaner franchise, which has empowered retirees across the country to build thriving BBQ cleaning businesses. With industry-leading support, minimal competition, and endless potential for family involvement, The BBQ Cleaner offers an unparalleled opportunity for retirees looking to make the most of their golden years. With stories of franchisees surpassing their expectations and achieving their dreams, The BBQ Cleaner stands out as a top choice for retirees seeking an exciting, rewarding venture.
