What Does a Handyman Do? 8 Jobs Perfect for a Handyperson

Housework and home improvement projects may seem never-ending, especially if you have been in your home for a while. Luckily, a local handyperson can fix various problems in just a couple of days or weeks, depending on the size of the job. 

At Angi, we recognize that all genders can be handy, so we use the terms handyman and handyperson interchangeably. What jobs does a handyman do, and what jobs should you hire a specialist for? Keep reading for more information on common tasks and jobs that can be done in a cinch.

What Jobs Can a Handyperson Do?

A good handyperson is always in demand. They are responsible for general repairs, odd jobs, fix-ups, and maintenance work on house interiors and exteriors. An individual can handle minor repairs as long as they do not require special licensing and do not pose a danger to themselves or those in the household. 

You can expect to pay an average of $420, but handyperson common costs can range from $65 to $1,500, depending on the scope of the work. Typically, they will charge $50 to $150 per hour for most tasks, plus materials. 

Handypeople can do many different types of jobs, ranging from simple tasks that take minutes to larger projects that take up to a few weeks to complete. Below, we touch on just 8 of the many jobs they can do. If you are unsure if a handyperson can do the task you need, consider calling a handyperson near you to discuss the job.

Gutter Repair and Cleaning

Gutters need to be free of dirt and debris to work properly. If not cleaned, water damage can cause foundation issues, flooded basements, and roof damage inside and outside your home. 

While cleaning gutters may not seem like a challenging winter project, you should take safety seriously. Handypeople can help you with this daunting task, keeping you safely on the ground and keeping your gutters clean. Try booking this task at the beginning of spring and at the end of autumn to keep your gutters free from debris build-up. 

Minor Plumbing

Plumbing issues happen in every home, and most of them can be fixed in a couple of hours. While some jobs are too big for a handyperson and will require a licensed plumber, a plumbing handyperson near you may be able to tackle some of the most common tasks, including:

• Clogged toilets

• Slow-draining sinks

• Clogged shower drains

• Dripping faucets 

• Low water pressure 

• Shower head replacement

Painting

Whether you are working on a room, the exterior of your home, or some decor pieces, painting can give your house the perfect easy makeover. Handypeople can help bring new life into your home with a fresh coat of paint. Speak with your handyperson ahead of time to determine if you need to purchase supplies like paint, rollers, and brushes ahead of time, or if that is something that they will add to their material costs. 

Garden Work

A handyperson can often handle lawn maintenance without the help of a gardener. Watering the yard, controlling weeds, and repairing bare lawn patches are perfect handyperson jobs. Other yard maintenance jobs that handypeople can do include mulching, bush trimming, and leaf removal. 

Basic Electrical Work

While some complex electrical jobs like running new wiring may require a license, there is still plenty for a local handyperson specializing in electrical work to do around the house. Keep in mind that electrical work can often be dangerous, so ensure you have assessed the project carefully before figuring out what type of pro to hire. Basic electrical work can include:

• Installing a flat-screen TV

• Changing light bulbs

• Fixing an appliance

• Adding ceiling lights or a ceiling fan

Assembling Furniture and Decor

If you have recently bought new furniture or are looking to remodel or replace items in your home, this could be a great time to put everything together. But if you struggle with how to read a tape measure or the difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer, you might opt to hire out furniture assembly or repair tasks. From fixing faulty chairs and cabinets to hanging new wall art and mirrors to putting up Christmas lights, these handyperson projects can make a huge difference in your space and give it a fresh new vibe.

Carpentry

If your window trim is broken or your room requires a door installation, this is something a handyperson can take care of—especially if you need help knowing when to use wood putty or wood filler, or how long caulk takes to dry. They can also focus on minor patio or backyard fixes, especially if your deck needs sanding, power-washing, or refinishing. There are other carpentry projects suitable for a handyperson, such as:

• Building shelves

• Creating shoe racks

• Making or fixing small furniture

• Repairing door trims 

• Installing pet doors

Wall and Flooring Repairs

Flooring experiences a lot of wear and tear during daily use, and it can be hard to find the time or develop the right experience to repair or replace it. Fortunately, many handypeople can do this for you. From tile flooring repairs like tile replacement to hardwood polishing and carpet patching, hiring a handyperson can give your floors an updated look with no added effort on your part.

Similarly, drywall dents, holes, and damage can make your home look used and abused. Luckily, a handyperson who is experienced with drywall repairs can make the damage disappear. While some of these can be DIYed, they are often time-consuming tasks that can easily be offloaded to a pro. 

What our customers are saying:

"Excellent service, excellent work, and since there was time left over, my pro started looking around for things he could help with...and found some! He sealed my shower and fixed the drywall where the water from the shower had leaked and bubbled the drywall and he repaired some siding that was slipping at the front of my house. I really appreciated his punctuality, efficiency, and professionalism. I would use them again. Actually, I am accruing a whole list of chores for next time!"

— Nancy K., Longwood, FL

What Jobs Can a Handyperson Not Do?

Handypeople can save the day by tackling several tasks that you might not be able to do (or simply don’t want to), but unfortunately, they have limitations. It could be a safety concern or a licensing barrier, but some conditions prohibit handypeople from doing certain jobs for you. Below, we look at a few examples—if you are unsure that your job would qualify, speaking with a handyperson near you is the best way to know for sure. 

Major Remodeling

If you’re looking to remodel your home, it’s best to consult a local home remodeling contractor rather than a handyperson. While handypeople can complete minor construction jobs, remodeling jobs that impact the structural soundness of your home requires a professional with the right licensing and often the input of an architect. 

Asbestos Removal

If you have asbestos in your home, having it taken care of correctly and quickly is critical to keeping everyone safe. Asbestos removal specialists have the proper knowledge and training to determine if the asbestos can be encapsulated or needs to be removed. They also have access to the proper gear needed for this project, as asbestos can cause harm if inhaled. This is a job best left to a specialist and not for a handyperson.  

Roofing

Having a leaky roof can dampen your day—literally. While some handypeople can do some minor roof repairs, like replacing missing shingles or adding adhesive to existing flashing, it’s best to consult a local roofing contractor for any significant repairs or replacements. Roofing contractors have the right licenses and insurance for the job, plus their knowledge can help determine if you need to replace the whole roof or repair just one section.

HVAC Installation

Calling a handyperson is a great idea for cleaning your air ducts or changing an air filter in your HVAC system. But if you need significant HVAC repairs or need to install a new heating or cooling unit, calling an HVAC company near you is the way to go. HVAC technicians have the specialized knowledge and licenses to decide what unit is right for your home and the skillset to install it safely.