What can a handyman do for me?

We all have those odd jobs around the house that have been on our ‘to do’ list for way too long. Whether it’s a job you don’t know how to do, or just don’t want to do, the level of procrastination can be strong. 

That’s where handymen and women come in. They can help you with the jobs that you can’t – or won’t – do. 

Because handymen have a multitude of skills, they are a great resource to prepare your home for sale, fix up those little jobs before you move in, or maintaining your home as things begin to fail.

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What jobs can a handyman do?

Most people think of small jobs such as hanging a towel rail or changing a toilet seat that is suitable for a handyman.

A skilled handyman might be able to assemble some furniture you have recently bought or hang a new front door for you. The possibilities are endless – all you have to do is ask.

Handymen are also a great service to call on for odd jobs you can’t do yourself. For example, if you have 10-foot ceilings and don’t have a ladder tall enough to change the light globes, a handyman is often a much more cost-effective service to call on than calling an electrician.

How much does a handyman cost?

Every handyman is different and charges a different rate accordingly, based on their level of experience and the difficulty of the job you have for them. Most tradespeople charge by the hour as well as a call-out fee, which is why it is a good idea to get a handyman to complete a few small projects for you in one hit.

Generally, handymen may charge anywhere between $40-$90 per hour. You can expect to pay the following amounts for the jobs:

These figures are rough estimates and will vary depending on your tradie, so make sure to get multiple quotes before selecting a handyman.

What should I ask my handyman?

If you've found a handyman that is willing to do a job for you for an agreed price, there are a few questions you might want to run through with them before they begin working.

QU: Are you insured?

Before your handyman begins putting holes in your walls, ask if they have Public Liability Insurance in the event something goes wrong and you can be compensated. If your handyman doesn’t, it would be wise to not take the risk and find someone who does have that insurance.

QU: Are you licensed?

You may not be sure as to whether a handyman can do a job without a license, such as knocking out a wall and installing a door (which would constitute building work as it compromises the structure of the house). Call your local council (as the rules do change in each state) and find out if an unlicensed tradesperson, like a handyman, can do that kind of work. Make sure to find out this information before the handyman comes around, as they may still charge you a call-out fee. 

The same rules apply for electrical and plumbing work – only licensed electricians and plumbers should be doing this type of work, so best to call the specialists.

QU: Do you have any references?

Because handymen don't need to be qualified, there can be a big difference in the quality of work from one handyman to another.

If your handyman has worked in your area for a long time, it can be a great idea to call some of their references to make sure the quality of their work is as they say.

Read more on Learn About:

• 6 worthwhile exterior updates to improve your home when selling
• Renovation budget: how to plan and manage your finances
• How to avoid overinvesting in your renovation

Any advice has been prepared without taking into account any person's particular objectives, financial situation or needs. You should make your own enquiries, consider whether advice is appropriate for you.

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