How to Start a Home Service Business in Los Angeles (And Actually Make Money Doing It)

ByHispanic Business Magazine

Thinking about how to make money starting your own business in Los Angeles? You’re not alone. In one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the world, starting a home service business in Los Angeles is one of the most practical and profitable paths you can take—especially if you’re a hardworking individual looking to build something of your own.

Whether you’re a recent immigrant, a skilled worker, or someone tired of working for someone else, this guide will walk you through the top 5 home service businesses to start in Los Angeles, the pros and cons of each, and practical tips shared by real people on online forums about how to start, hire, market, and grow your business.

🚿 1. Plumbing

Why it’s great: Plumbing services are always in demand. People need their pipes fixed, toilets unclogged, and water heaters replaced—rain or shine.

Plumber Simi Valley

Josh from Santor Plumbing recommends getting started in as an apprentice to learn the basics skills and also customer service.

✅ Pros:

  • High demand in residential and commercial buildings.
  • Strong earning potential—especially for emergency jobs.

❌ Cons:

  • Requires state licensing and regular inspections.
  • Physical work that’s not for everyone.

💡 Tips from successful plumbers:

  • Get licensed early: Check with the California State Licensing Board.
  • Start small with a few tools, then reinvest profits.
  • Join local Facebook groups and Yelp to build your first client list.

❄️ 2. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

Why it works in LA: With our hot summers and surprisingly chilly winters, HVAC is essential.

Luis from R&C Heating and Cooling Service in Santa Monica recommends to start by getting your certification.

✅ Pros:

  • Year-round business opportunities.
  • Can sell maintenance plans for recurring income.

❌ Cons:

  • Requires technical certification (like EPA 608).
  • Can be capital-intensive to start.

💡 Pro tips:

  • Start with repairs and maintenance before getting into installations.
  • Offer 24-hour emergency services to stand out.
  • Build partnerships with property managers.

🏠 3. Roofing

Why it’s profitable: Roofs wear down fast in LA’s sun and occasional storms. It’s a high-ticket service with solid margins.

Visit confirmedroofingexperts.com for tips on what to include on your website.

✅ Pros:

  • Big jobs = big paychecks.
  • Can grow into commercial contracts.

❌ Cons:

  • Seasonal fluctuations (some slow months).
  • Requires a safety-first mentality and insurance.

💡 Forum advice:

  • Hire a licensed subcontractor until you can get licensed yourself.
  • Focus on neighborhoods with older homes first.
  • Post before-and-after photos on Google Business Profile to show off your work.

🧼 4. Window Cleaning

Best for: Solo entrepreneurs or couples wanting to get started fast with low overhead.

✅ Pros:

  • Minimal investment to start.
  • Flexible schedule and high repeat business.

❌ Cons:

  • Weather can affect bookings.
  • Physically demanding and can involve working at heights.

💡 Tips to win:

  • Offer exterior AND interior packages.
  • Use scheduling apps like Jobber or Housecall Pro.
  • Leave flyers at local businesses and residential areas with lots of windows.

🧹 5. House Cleaning

Perfect for: Individuals or families with an eye for detail. Great for building recurring revenue.

Visit Extreme Green Cleaning for Ideas on what to include on your website.

✅ Pros:

  • Easy to start with no certifications.
  • High retention with the right clients.

❌ Cons:

  • Competitive market in LA.
  • Physically exhausting without good systems.

💡 Growth strategies:

  • Specialize in move-in/move-out or eco-friendly cleaning.
  • Offer discounts for weekly or bi-weekly cleanings to lock in repeat clients.
  • Ask for Google reviews after every happy job.

🚀 How to Start and Grow a Home Service Business in Los Angeles

Here’s what people on Reddit, Facebook groups, and small business forums recommend for getting off the ground:

✅ Getting Started:

  • Register a business name and get your EIN.
  • Set up a business bank account and simple accounting software.
  • Build a 1-page website and a Google Business Profile.

✅ Hiring:

  • Hire slow. Fire fast.
  • Look for personality and reliability over experience—you can train skills.
  • Use apps like Homebase or Indeed to find local talent.

✅ Offer Great Service:

  • Always show up on time and communicate clearly.
  • Send follow-up texts or emails to thank clients.
  • Wear branded shirts and keep equipment clean—it builds trust.

✅ Marketing on a Budget:

  • Run local Facebook ads targeting homeowners by zip code.
  • Print flyers in English and Spanish to reach wider audiences.
  • Offer referral discounts to existing clients.

✅ How to Make Money Starting Your Own Business in Los Angeles:

  • Focus on recurring revenue (maintenance plans, cleanings, inspections).
  • Upsell related services once trust is built.
  • Keep overhead low and invest in marketing consistently.

🏁 Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to start a home service business in Los Angeles or how to make money starting your own business in this competitive city—the answer is this: start with services that people already need, learn from others, show up professionally, and scale with smart marketing and systems.

Whether you choose plumbing, HVAC, roofing, window cleaning, or house cleaning—there’s room for growth if you bring passion and persistence.

👉 Ready to start your journey? Subscribe to Hispanic Online for more step-by-step guides tailored for Latino entrepreneurs in Los Angeles!