How To Develop An App Like Handy: A Complete Guide

In the past decade, the way people access services has changed completely. If you are running a business, you might have noticed the surge in popularity of on-demand apps like Handy. Its success is proof of the demand for immediate and flexible services.

With more than 500K+ happy customers and a growing workforce, it is clear that on-demand apps like Handy are the future. So, what does it take to build an app like Handy that capitalizes on this trend?

No matter if you are in the home services, wellness, or any other industry, making an app like Handy that meets customers’ needs while providing a seamless experience is the key. So, if you are looking to boost the online visibility of your business, developing an app like Handy can be beneficial.

So, this blog will discuss the process to develop an app like Handy, along with what must-have features you will need to integrate, and how much budget you will need.

What is a Handy App?

Handy is a home service app that connects users with trusted professionals for various household services, including cleaning, laundry, and plumbing. With just one click from the app, users can search for available services, schedule appointments, and handle bookings.

Founded in 2012, Handy operates only in the USA, UK, and Canada. People first started using on-demand services with home delivery from supermarkets, restaurants, and grocery stores. Users just had to call, place their order, and they would bring it to their home.

Today, on-demand home services have grown a lot. If you are planning to start an online handyman business, there is a huge opportunity to earn a good revenue. There is a big demand for these services, and many people are looking for quick and easy help at home.

Market Overview of the Home Service Industry

The market size of the on-demand home service industry was valued at $3.71 billion in 2021. It is forecasted that it will reach $14.7 billion by 2030. This shows the demand for home service apps is going to boom in the coming years.

In 2021, North America held the largest market share, contributing 35% of the total revenue. 40% of homeowners cited rising interest rates as a factor influencing their decision to make home improvements. With 56.1% of home service seekers turning to their phones instead of desktops, mobile optimization has become a critical priority for marketers.

How Does a Handy App Work?

After knowing about the handyman market statistics, it is clear that now is the perfect time to invest in this booking industry. So, if you have a similar mobile app idea like Handy, then knowing about its working mechanism is essential.

So, let’s take a look at the Handy app workflow :

► Generate a Request

Firstly, a user generates a request for the work they want to be done. They choose what type of cleaning they want and at what date, time, and location.

► Wait For Response

Now the app sends the request to nearby or available taskers. A matching algorithm picks cleaners based on criteria like availability, proximity, and ratings. The customer waits for a tasker to accept.

► Receive Notification

Once a tasker confirms, the user receives a notification with details like who the cleaner is, estimated arrival time, and job confirmation.

► Avail Services

The cleaner arrives and performs the cleaning tasks. The Handy app might support extra features during the services, like live tracking, in-app chat for any clarifications.

► Initiate Payment

Now the user chooses the desired payment gateway options to make the payment within the Handy application. This makes it one of the best handyman apps.

► Provide Feedback

Lastly, after service completion, the user can give ratings and reviews to the taskers within the app. This feedback helps improve the service and trust.

Steps to Develop an App Like Handy

Creating an app like Handy requires a thorough understanding of a structured approach across different stages.

So, let’s take a look at the process to develop an app like Handy :

♦ Do Project Planning

This is the initial stage of developing an app like Handy, where you define the idea, set your goals, and figure out how to turn your concept into a profitable product.

During this stage, you will identify your target audience, research your competitors, define your app’s purpose, and identify the key features it will offer.

As you start planning, this is when you begin fleshing out your app’s concept, figuring out what it should do, and understanding the technical and functional requirements required to make it work.

♦ Create a UI/UX Design

The next step is all about planning and creating visuals to understand how the home service app will look and function. You do not need to build everything right away, but sketching and wireframing can help you organize your ideas.

These drafts can show potential usability issues early, so you can solve them before moving forward. By wireframing, you get a clearer view of how the app’s screens and features will fit together.

You might also want to create a storyboard or a simple flowchart to show how users will interact with the app. This is when you can experiment with design elements, like branding and user interface. You can consider the benefits of using a mobile app vs a mobile website.

♦ Build an App Like Handy

After you’ve finalized the design, the development phase begins. This is where your idea becomes a real, working app. You start by creating a basic prototype that lets you test the core features and make sure everything works as expected.

At first, when you build an app like Handy, not all features are fully implemented, just the most important ones. This is called an MVP version. In this, the team only adds the must-have features at the start, and once the app gains more users and success, you’ll add more features, test them, and fix any bugs that pop up.

♦ Test the App

Once the app is stable enough, you’ll do a round of user testing with a group of external testers to see how it performs in the real world. At this point, the app should be ready to move on to the deployment stage, where it will be released to the public.

If your project is complex and needs frequent updates or changes, consider using an agile approach. This method breaks the project into smaller sections and allows you to work on each part more efficiently, making room for adjustments as you go.

♦ Deploy and Maintain

Now your app is ready for launch! You’ll submit it to the app stores, following their specific guidelines. But don’t think of this as the end, your app’s journey is just beginning.

Once it’s live, users will start providing feedback, and you’ll need to keep track of reviews, fix bugs, and release updates regularly. Launching an app is just the start of the development cycle.

You’ll need to keep improving it by adding new features, enhancing functionality, and responding to user feedback. This is an ongoing investment, so be prepared to allocate resources for maintenance and upgrades long after the initial release.

Core Features to Include in An App Like Handy

To ensure the success of an on-demand house cleaning app, it’s essential to develop three distinct panels tailored to different users: customers, service providers, and admins. Each layer should include must-have features to deliver a smooth, efficient experience.

Let’s take a look at those three feature panels :

Advanced Features to Add in An App Like Handy

Once you know the must-have features of an app like Handy, you can focus on the essentials for general app functioning. But to make an app like Handy more successful and unique, you need to integrate some advanced or customized features.

So, let’s explore the advanced features you can include in an app like Handy :

➤ Smart Scheduling With Flex Slots

The home service app must learn users’ preferred times and suggest flexible appointment slots automatically, if pros have tight schedules. So, you might get a 4:15 slot instead of waiting till next week, based on cancellations or travel routes.

➤ Smart Home Integration

When you build an app like Handy, integrate a smart home integration feature into it. Users can connect with smart home devices so they can unlock doors remotely, get handyman alerts on smart speakers, or monitor work via cameras. It is super convenient and secure.

➤ AI-Powered Skill Matching

You must integrate an AI-powered skill-matching feature in your app like Handy. The app uses smart AI in handyman to match customers with the perfect handyman based on the exact skill required, past jobs, and customer reviews.

➤ Preferred Pro Mode

Your app must allow users to build their own dream team of handymen, cleaners, electricians, and so on. They can favorite pros, and the application always tries to assign them first.

➤ In-App Video Calls

Your home service, like the Handy app, must allow users to start a quick video call with a pro to show the problem live and get an accurate quote without requiring a visit. It really saves time and avoids wrong estimates.

Tech Stack For Handy App Development

Developing an app like Handy requires a technology stack that aligns with your budget. It is vital to carefully choose the right mobile app tech stack for your Handy app development.

Here is the table showcasing the crucial technologies :

How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App Like Handy?

The cost to develop an app like Handy can range from $20,000 to $150,000 or more, but the final cost can vary.

Let’s take a look at the table of costs :

There are main factors that influence the budget, like the technology you choose, how customized the solution is, the complexity of the design, the features and integrations you need, etc. All of these can impact the overall cost to develop a handyman app.

As we know, the budget depends on your business requirements, so the development time will be around 6 to 12 months or more. So, it is best to hire the top 1% of mobile app developers and watch your business grow and succeed.

How Can You Monetize An App Like Handy?

To monetize an app like Handy, you need to implement some crucial monetization models.

So, let’s explore the essential monetization models that can help in achieving better ROI :

► Service Commission Fees

One of the most common revenue models for an app like Handy is charging a commission on each transaction. When a customer books an app like Handy, the platform takes a percentage of the payment as a fee.

This fee can range anywhere between 10% and 20%. The more successful your app becomes in attracting customers, the higher the volume of transactions. This increases huge profits.

► Freemium Model For Customers

Handy-like handyman apps make money from a freemium model. A basic home service app can be free, and you can provide a premium subscription to customers for exclusive features and tools.

You can provide premium features like faster booking, priority customer support, discounted rates on services, and so on. This model can create a recurring monetization stream from users willing to pay for enhanced services.

► Subscription Plans For Professionals

To attract experienced handymen to your platform, you can offer subscription-based plans for service providers. Taskers can pay a monthly or annual fee to be seen more prominently on the app.

Additionally, they can access tools and receive priority customer leads. This model ensures a steady income stream while motivating taskers to stay active and competitive on your platform.

► Advertising Revenue

Your handyman application can integrate ads from third-party companies or local businesses. It can cover banner ads, in-app advertisements, and promoted services.

For example, local hardware stores, home improvement suppliers, or real estate agents might be interested in advertising to your customer base. This creates a consistent income source.

How Nimble AppGenie Can Help You Develop an App Like Handy?

If you are thinking about building an app like Handy. Nimble AppGenie is the right partner to help you bring your unique idea to life. Our expertise lies in developing robust and visually appealing platforms that connect users with trusted professionals for all types of home services.

From planning to deployment, our expert team takes care of everything. Being the leading handyman app development company, our main aim is to make sure your app works seamlessly, looks great, and is simple for both users and service providers.

To keep your app modern, functional, and responsive, we use the latest technologies to build an app like Handy. This ensures your app is ready to meet the needs of your users and provide a seamless service experience.

Conclusion

The on-demand home services market is growing fast, with new tech startups popping up all over. Just like delivery apps have become a staple on millennials’ phones, now’s the perfect time for home services to do the same.

These online services make it easy to find professionals for home improvements without the hassle of hunting them down. So, if you are planning to make an app like Handy, now is the perfect time to grab this opportunity and become the next industry leader in the home service landscape.

FAQs

Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma, CTO, Nimble AppGenie, is a tech enthusiast with more than a decade of experience in delivering high-value solutions that allow a brand to penetrate the market easily. With a strong hold on mobile app development, he is actively working to help businesses identify the potential of digital transformation by sharing insightful statistics, guides & blogs.