How to make a living as a home improvement pro after a career change

Amadeus

I have recently changed careers, from being a software engineer to becoming a home improvement pro. While I don't have formal education in the trades or a license, I have worked on home improvement projects over the last 15 years. I also have an educational background in electrical (and software) engineering.

My question is: How do I go about to to making a living in a relatively high priced community (San Diego) doing what I am passionate about? What are my options to acquire a license in one or more of the trades I am interested in (design, electrician, general contracting related work)?

Your feedback is appreciated.

Josef Kriegl, Amadeus Home Services, San Diego CA

DustiO

Hi @Amadeus and welcome! Thanks for posting — I'm tagging in some of our best pros to see if they have any advice for you!

@_Nura101 @adonayflooring @amccarthy @AntilleanRestoration @Bretdouglas @busyb @Chuva @Cliff @CodyRisner @Jack_Marquardt @Juliano_50 @JWC @ShaquealThomas @TechExpert @Trevorbelk

Juliano_50

Hi Amadeus, I would focus to start on what you are good at and passionate, it sounds like electrical and design. General contracting requires years of experience and good contacts to handle the subcontracts. Electrical us highly regulated and where I live requires years of practice under an licensed electrician before you can operate under your own license. I would definitely do design because it is the other way around, usually there are no license required to practice and it is mostly a mix a good taste and people's skills. Thumbtack is a great place for you to start generating leads and building a name for yourself. This is what I did 9 years ago and now my profile also works as a introduction page with photos and testimonials that I show even to potential clients that did not come to me through Thumbtack. Hope this helps.