Handyperson
A handyperson carries out a wide range of small repair, maintenance, and improvement tasks around the home. From shelving and flat-pack assembly to minor plumbing, painting touch-ups, and general repairs, they handle the jobs that do not require a specialist trade.
What does a handyperson do?
Handypersons tackle a broad range of household tasks, including:
- Shelving, curtain rail, and blind installation
- Flat-pack furniture assembly
- Door and window repairs (sticking doors, broken hinges, locks)
- Minor plumbing (tap washers, toilet repairs, silicone seals)
- Painting touch-ups and patch repairs
- Picture hanging and TV wall mounting
- Gutter cleaning and minor roof repairs
- Draught-proofing and weather stripping
Do handypersons need qualifications?
General handyperson work is not regulated and does not require specific qualifications. However, certain tasks cross into regulated territory: electrical work beyond basic like-for-like replacements falls under Part P, gas work requires Gas Safe registration, and structural alterations may need Building Control approval.
A responsible handyperson will know their limits and recommend a specialist for work that requires specific qualifications or certification. Many handypersons have backgrounds in specific trades and bring substantial practical experience.
What to look for when hiring a handyperson
When choosing a handyperson, consider:
- Range of skills — Check that their skill set covers the tasks you need. Some handypersons lean towards carpentry, others towards general maintenance.
- Honest about limitations — A good handyperson will tell you when a job needs a specialist rather than attempting work outside their competence.
- Public liability insurance — Essential for anyone working in your home.
- Hourly or day rate clarity — Understand whether you are paying hourly, half-day, or full-day rates, and whether materials are included.
- Reviews and references — Reliability and trustworthiness are particularly important for someone working inside your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a handyperson cost?
Day rates range from £150–£325, with London rates reaching £350+ per day. Hourly rates are typically £25–£50. Most handypersons have a minimum call-out of 2–3 hours. For a list of small jobs, a full day booking is usually the most cost-effective approach. Materials are typically charged separately.
What jobs should I not ask a handyperson to do?
Avoid asking a handyperson to carry out work on gas appliances (requires Gas Safe registration), notifiable electrical work (requires Part P compliance), structural alterations, or work on unvented hot water systems. These jobs require qualified, registered specialists for safety and legal reasons.