That means you are going to need some storage space. Most handymen get by with a truck that has a cap or a "topper". If gives them the storage space of an SUV, but they do not have to change vehicles if they already have a reliable truck. Of course, if you have the budget to get a new (or good Affordable Cleaning Specialist in Milwaukee WI used) vehicle, then some alternatives come up. Vans are a proven vehicle for service people of all kinds. They have more room than a pickup truck with a cap, which lets you actually walk into your little traveling hardware store.
If you can not afford a new (or used) cap for your truck, or you do not even have a truck right now, do not despair. If you are just getting started you can certainly get by with whatever room is in the passenger seat and the back seat. The most important thing is to have whatever you are driving look clean and well cared for. The old "pride of ownership" will go a long way here. Your customers might get a little suspicious if you were driving a brand new top-of-the-line vehicle anyway, so make the Affordable Painting Services Near Morristown most of the fact that a used but clean truck or car makes you look honest.
In terms of color for your ride, white vehicles look a bit more like standard service vehicles. That does not mean you need to re-paint whatever you are driving now, but when the time comes to upgrade, go with white for the professionalism points.
Another major consideration for your vehicle is fuel efficiency. Expect to be driving over 1000 miles a month. If fuel prices jack up again, even a little bit, that could seriously cut into your profits. You can, of course, raise your rates a bit, trim your service area or start charging an "out of town" fuel fee, but all of that just masks the problem. According to the government fuel economy site, the most efficient standard size trucks are the Chevrolet Silverado 15 Hybrid wheel drive and the GMC Sierra 15 Hybrid 2 wheel drive. For small pickup trucks, the Ford Ranger 2 wheel drive and the Toyota Tacoma 2 wheel drive win. For cargo vans, the Chevrolet Express 1500 2 wheel drive and the GMC Savanna 1500 2 wheel drive get the top fuel efficiency prizes.
For what its worth, I own a predecessor of the Toyota Tacoma, but mine is 4 wheel drive. It is approaching 200,000 miles and still runs beautifully, even when there is half a ton of cinder block in the back. My first vehicle was a GMC Suburban, and though I was not too focused on how well it ran and its utility as a work vehicle, the old, wise men at the rural New Hampshire coffee shops always seemed to approve of it, saying, "Now that's a Vehicle". It is sad to have to note that four wheel drive does not make for good fuel efficiency, but anyone who has driven a four wheel knows how quickly the power from those extra two wheels drains the gas tank. That said, depending on where you live, having a four wheel drive may be the difference between getting Affordable HVAC in Clinton MD & Northern Virginia to the job or not getting to the job.
Many Mobile Home owners at some point realize that their Mobile Home is getting old and out-dated. Then they ask themselves: should they repair or remodel the old unit, or should they just completely replace it?
The first consideration would be how much work does the existing unit need? A lot or a little?
The second consideration is what do you want to change about your existing unit? Add more space? Add a room? Re-arrange the layout? Or does it just need some paint and some new fixtures? Is the structure safe and sound?
The third consideration, and most important one, is what can you afford? A lot or a little?
The fourth and final consideration is how long you intend to live there? A short time or a long time?
Ok, here is the scoop: Never expect to put money into remodeling or fixing up a used, older Mobile Home and get that money out of it, ever!
Yes, if you took an old one and put $20,000 into it it would be worth more than it was before, but absolutely not what you put into it - you lose money on all remodeling or repairs.
So, now consider your answers to the questions (considerations) above:
How long will you be in the home? What is your budget? What do you want to change? How much work would it take to make it what you want (considering money, time, effort)?
If you will be in the home for a very long time, and you can afford it, then seriously consider replacing the home. This is mostly due to the way new homes are built compared to older mobile homes. The new ones just last longer and are built better. They are also much nicer and will appreciate better (depreciate less) when compared to a remodeled older home.
If your budget allows it, replace the home - no question about it. One consideration is the market value of an older mobile home installed in a space vs. a new manufactured home installed. The new home may Affordable Shared Living Homes for Adults in Need near Elizabeth NJ sell quicker and for a much higher price than the cost of installing it plus the land (space) value.
Here is an example Blogger in Monroe LA of this market value comparison:
Suppose you owned an older mobile home, installed in a nice park, free and clear of any mortgages or liens. Now, if you took $100,000.00 and completely remodeled the old home down to the studs and made it "brand new" OR you spent the same $100,000.00 and installed a new home - the new home would sell for more on the open market 9 times out of 10.
Continuing on, If you only want to change a few things in your existing home, but are happy with the rest of it, and you are not going to sell or need any equity out of your home soon, then just fix up the small things.
If you think that just a few things need changing, and you start remodeling one part of the home, then it could be that you then think that another part will need remodeling too. Or, in the middle of a small remodel job you may discover that there is more damage in the home and that might lead to more work. At this point consider stopping and replacing the home completely.
Remember, we don't sell homes, so we are not biased.