What Is a Handyman and What Are Handyman Services?

What is a handyman?

A handyman is a person or business that does various odd jobs and maintenance tasks around the home or workplace. They can do anything from hanging curtains and fixing furniture to undertaking full home repairs and DIY jobs. Handymen usually have experience in general property maintenance, although they can be specialised in certain areas such as plumbing, electrical work and carpentry. 

In some cases, they may even offer other services such as landscaping, window cleaning and a range of home improvements. They typically charge by the hour or offer an overall package price for a project, depending on the job requirements. As with any job it pays to shop around for the best price, but generally speaking, a handyman will be more cost-effective than calling out a specialist tradesperson. 

What does a handyman do?

Handymen can take on a variety of jobs. The most common tasks they undertake include:

•    Basic carpentry such as drilling holes and fixtures 
•    Assembling flat-pack furniture 
•    Fixing shelves and rails 
•    Installing locks and security devices 
•    Painting and decorating 
•    Gardening including lawn mowing and hedge trimming 
•    Cleaning gutters and downpipes 
•    Fitting new skirting boards or doors 
•    Minor plumbing work 
•    Electrical work including simple wiring jobs 

Handymen may also offer household services such as appliance repairs, car maintenance, house cleaning and more. Many professionals can also provide services for businesses and commercial premises, such as office fit-outs or building maintenance. 

Need assistance finding handyman near you?

Get a Quote

Can a handyman do plumbing or electrical work?

In most cases a handyman can handle basic plumbing and electrical jobs, but it is important to check that they are qualified and experienced in these areas before they undertake any work. Generally, they will not be qualified to carry out more complex plumbing and electrical work and you should always call in a registered specialist for these jobs. 

What is the average hourly rate for a handy professional? 

The average hourly rate for a handyman varies depending on the job and the location, but typically it is between £20 - £30 per hour. Some rates may be higher or lower depending on the job size, the qualifications and experience of the handyman and locations across the country, so it’s worth shopping around to get the best price. 

What are the benefits of hiring a handyman? 

Hiring a handyman has many advantages. Here are some of the key benefits: 

•    A handyman can complete small and large tasks quickly and to a high standard 
•    They can work around existing commitments and schedules 
•    They can often provide advice on how to best tackle your DIY jobs 
•    They are often able to source materials at competitive rates 
•    Handymen are often more cost-effective than hiring a specialist. 

Hiring a professional handyman can be a great way of getting the job done quickly and efficiently without paying over the odds. It is important to ensure that the handyman you hire is fully qualified and experienced in the area of work you require – this will guarantee quality results and help to keep costs low.

In this article: