What is a Handyman?

Handymen are the unsung heroes of household maintenance – providing a broad range of services that help keep homes and businesses in tip-top condition. From odd jobs like fixing a leaky tap to flat-pack furniture assembly, a handyman’s skill set is vast, varied and extremely helpful!

In this article, we’ll explore what a handyman does, the types of electrical work they can handle, a comprehensive list of handyman skills, and their typical duties.

What Does a Handyman Do? Handyman Duties

So, what do handymen do? Well, a handyman is usually skilled at handling a multitude of tasks that vary from mundane to complex – making handyman services really useful for homeowners.

These tasks often include repair tasks such as minor electrical and plumbing repairs, carpentry, and painting. A handyman will usually be skilled in numerous aspects of general property maintenance, which means they can effortlessly switch from fixing minor leaks to tackling larger projects like kitchen renovations.

Some of the routine tasks include:

Repairs: From tightening a loose hinge on a door to replacing broken tiles, a handyman ensures everything in your home functions as it should.
Maintenance: Preventive measures such as cleaning out gutters or servicing boilers to keep your home running smoothly without unexpected breakdowns.
Installations: Whether it’s a new light fixture or a flat-pack wardrobe, handymen have the tools and know-how to install a variety of home fittings.
Improvements: They can also take on home improvement projects that enhance your living space, such as painting a room or installing new kitchen cabinets.

This versatility makes a handyman a valuable asset for any household, helping to keep your home working as it should and in pristine condition.

What Electrical Work Can a Handyman Do?

A handyman’s ability to handle minor electrical tasks can be incredibly useful for minor home electrical repairs and installations. They are typically equipped to manage jobs such as replacing light fixtures, installing new switches, and ensuring that sockets are safely mounted and functional.

Although a handyman can perform these basic electrical tasks, it’s important to remember that more complex wiring jobs or anything involving the main electrical supply should be left to a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.

Don’t worry though – a handyman will know the limitations of his or her services and they’ll be able to tell you when you need a certified professional to help or sign-off on certain jobs.

Handyman Skills List

The skills of a handyman can vary widely from one individual to another, so it’s important to talk to each about the trade skills they have before making a decision about who can help.

That said, the following handyman list of services covers some of the more common skills that many handymen possess:

General Carpentry

Most handymen are skilled in basic carpentry, which includes constructing new structures, repairing wooden fixtures, and installing cabinetry. This skill is essential for tasks ranging from framing to fine woodwork.

Plumbing Repairs

A typical handyman can handle minor plumbing issues such as fixing leaks, replacing taps, and unclogging drains. They ensure that your water systems function efficiently without major disruptions.

Electrical Basics

As mentioned earlier, many handymen are equipped to deal with straightforward electrical tasks such as installing light fixtures and replacing switches and outlets, ensuring they operate safely.

Painting and Decorating

Whether it’s a touch-up or a complete repaint, skilled handymen can provide professional results in painting and decorating, significantly enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your space.

Tiling and Flooring

Installation and repair of various types of flooring and tiling are common skills. Handymen can often lay ceramic tiles, vinyl, or laminate – and possibly even replace damaged sections with precision.

Plaster Installation and Repair

From patching holes to installing new panels, handymen can manage plaster repairs and installation, an essential skill for maintaining the integrity of your walls.

Landscaping and Gardening

Some handymen also offer basic landscaping services such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and installing garden fixtures, improving the exterior look and functionality of your property.

Appliance Installation

Installing and setting up appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers are tasks that many handymen are well-equipped to handle.

Furniture Assembly

With the prevalence of flat-pack furniture, handymen frequently assemble items ranging from simple chairs to entire kitchen units.

Window and Door Repairs

Repairing or replacing windows and doors, including fixing locks and draught excluders, are tasks that require a keen eye for detail and precise handiwork.

Maintenance and Repair

Handymen are responsible for a variety of maintenance and repair tasks, including minor electrical and plumbing repairs, carpentry, painting, and other general maintenance and repair tasks in homes, offices, and commercial properties.

Each handyman may offer a different subset of these skills, so it’s crucial to discuss your specific needs to ensure they can effectively handle the task at hand. A skilled maintenance worker can perform these tasks safely and efficiently, following safety procedures and working well both independently and as part of a team.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Handyman Repair Tasks

While handymen are well-known for handling fix-up tasks like repairs, installations, and general maintenance, their roles often extend into less common duties that can be just as crucial for maintaining and enhancing a property. A comprehensive handyman job description includes these varied tasks and responsibilities. They may also collaborate with other professionals to complete more complex tasks.

Here are some of these additional duties:

Weatherproofing: Handymen can perform essential weatherproofing tasks, such as sealing windows and doors, to protect homes against weather elements and improve energy efficiency.
Safety Upgrades: Installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and safety rails in bathrooms and stairwells are important tasks that enhance the safety of a home.
Home Inspection Repairs: Following a property inspection, handymen often address the minor repairs noted in the inspection report, which can be crucial for property sales or rentals.
Property Maintenance: General maintenance tasks around the home or workplace, including services like landscaping, window cleaning, home improvements, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry.
Assembling and Installing Holiday Decorations: Especially around festive seasons, handymen might be enlisted to help with the heavy lifting and technical aspects of setting up holiday decorations.
Home Organisation Solutions: Installing shelving units, closet organizers, and storage solutions to help homeowners better manage their space and reduce clutter.
Senior Living Modifications: Adjusting homes to better suit the needs of elderly residents, such as installing grab bars, ramps, and other accessibility features to facilitate mobility.
Maintenance Services: Offering repair and maintenance services to clients through a service company or construction firm.

Each of these duties highlights a handyman’s ability to adapt to different needs, showcasing their helpful role in both routine and more specialist handyman work.