🏠 What Does a Handyman Do? 25 Common Home Repair Services Explained

Complete guide to handyman services—from drywall repair to furniture assembly. Learn what handymen actually do and how to find reliable local help.

The Modern Local Handyman

If you've ever searched for a handyman near me, you know how valuable a reliable local pro can be. From fixing leaky faucets to assembling furniture, handyman services cover a wide range of home repair and improvement needs.

Platforms like GigItDone.org make it easier than ever to find a local handyman, compare profiles, read reviews, and connect directly—all without hidden fees or middlemen.

Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or property manager, understanding what a handyman actually does can save you time, money, and stress.

🧰 What Does a Handyman Do?

A handyman (or "handyperson") is a skilled generalist who can handle a variety of home repair services, maintenance, and small renovation projects. They bridge the gap between DIY and hiring full-service contractors.

✓ What Makes a Good Handyman

Unlike specialized trades like electricians or plumbers, a handyman focuses on everyday household repairs and smaller jobs that keep your home running smoothly.

🔧 25 Common Handyman Services Explained

Below are 25 of the most common handyman tasks homeowners request through local service marketplaces like GigItDone.

1 General Home Repairs

From squeaky doors to loose tiles, handymen handle home repairs that keep your property in shape. Search home repair near me on GigItDone to find local help fast.

2 Drywall Repair and Patching

Cracks, dents, or holes in drywall? A handyman can patch and texture walls to look brand new—perfect before painting or remodeling. This is one of the most common handyman services.

3 Painting and Touch-Ups

Interior and exterior painting are some of the most common home improvement services near me. From single rooms to full exterior touch-ups, handymen provide quality painting at fair prices. See also: Affordable Lawn Care for maintaining curb appeal beyond the walls.

4 Furniture Assembly

Bought new furniture online? Skip the frustration. Many handymen offer furniture assembly and installation services for IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon purchases, and more.

5 Minor Plumbing Repairs

For minor leaks, faucet replacements, or toilet repairs, a handyman can help—though major plumbing work should go to a licensed plumber. Common tasks include replacing washers, fixing running toilets, and installing new fixtures.

6 Basic Electrical Repairs

Need new light fixtures or outlets installed? Electrical handymen can safely handle small electrical jobs like replacing switches, installing ceiling fans, or adding GFCI outlets. Major electrical work requires licensed electricians.

7 Appliance Installation

From dishwashers to microwaves, a handyman can often assist with appliance hookup—or recommend a specialist for larger jobs requiring gas or complex electrical work.

8 Carpentry Services

Need shelving, trim repair, or door framing? A handyman carpenter can handle these small woodwork projects efficiently. Services include installing crown molding, building custom shelves, or repairing damaged trim.

9 Home Maintenance

Handymen often provide seasonal maintenance—gutter cleaning, pressure washing, or weatherproofing your home before winter. Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs. See related: Snow Removal Service.

10 Bathroom Repairs

Fixing grout, installing towel racks, or caulking bathtubs are common handyman bathroom tasks. They can also replace faucets, fix leaky showers, and install bathroom accessories.

11 Kitchen Repairs

Handymen can repair cabinet doors, replace backsplashes, or install new hardware—great for kitchen remodeling near me searches. They handle cabinet adjustments, drawer repairs, and minor countertop fixes.

12 Flooring Repairs

Loose tiles, squeaky floorboards, or laminate repair are common home maintenance services. Handymen can fix individual damaged boards, re-grout tiles, or patch vinyl flooring.

13 Door and Window Repair

From alignment to lock installation, a local handyman service can make doors and windows open and close properly again. Services include fixing stuck doors, replacing weather stripping, and adjusting hinges.

14 Deck and Fence Repair

Keep your outdoor spaces safe and beautiful with deck maintenance, staining, and fence repair services. Handymen can replace broken boards, tighten loose railings, and apply protective finishes.

15 Gutter Cleaning

Clogged gutters can lead to major water damage. Hiring a handyman for gutter cleaning is a smart preventive step. Many handymen also offer minor gutter repairs and realignment.

16 TV Mounting

A simple but essential modern handyman service—securely mounting flat-screen TVs on drywall or brick. This includes running cables through walls for a clean, professional look.

17 Smart Home Device Installation

From smart thermostats to doorbell cameras, tech-savvy handymen can set up home automation devices. This includes installing video doorbells, smart locks, and WiFi-enabled devices.

18 Caulking and Sealing

Stopping drafts and leaks is an easy, cost-effective job for handymen near me. Proper caulking around windows, doors, and tubs prevents water damage and improves energy efficiency.

19 Minor Roof Repairs

Some handymen handle small roofing repairs—like shingle replacement or gutter flashing fixes. Major roof work should be handled by licensed roofers, but handymen can fix small leaks and replace individual shingles.

20 Pressure Washing

Clean patios, decks, and driveways with professional-grade pressure washing—ideal for improving curb appeal. Handymen can also pressure wash siding, fences, and outdoor furniture.

21 Home Remodeling Assistance

While large remodels need licensed contractors, a handyman can help with home remodeling prep work, cleanup, or finish carpentry. For full remodeling projects, see local contractors on GigItDone.

22 Moving and Hauling Help

Need a few strong hands to move furniture or haul junk? Many handymen double as local movers for small jobs. Check out: Make Extra Cash Doing Odd Jobs.

23 Exterior Maintenance

Handymen can repair siding, patch stucco, or paint trim to keep your home exterior looking its best. They handle minor siding repairs, caulking around windows, and fixing fascia boards.

24 Light Remodeling Tasks

Installing trim, wainscoting, or new closet shelves often falls under handyman remodeling services. These finishing touches can transform a room without major renovation costs.

25 Small Odd Jobs

Need curtains hung, pictures framed, or baby gates installed? A handyman for small jobs near me is the answer. These quick tasks add up to big improvements in daily convenience. See also: 50 Odd Jobs List.

Need Any of These Services?

Post your project for free and connect with local handymen in your area. Compare profiles, read reviews, and get quotes.

Find Local Handymen

✓ Free to post ✓ Direct connections ✓ Local professionals

🧱 Handyman vs Contractor: What's the Difference?

Understanding when to hire a handyman versus a contractor can save you money and ensure your project is completed properly.

Aspect Handyman Contractor
Project Scope Small-scale repairs and maintenance Large renovations requiring permits
Cost $40-$80/hour or flat rates Higher hourly rates, project-based pricing
Licensing May not require licenses for small jobs Licensed for specialized trades
Skills Generalist across multiple trades Specialist in specific trade
Project Duration Hours to a few days Weeks to months
Best For Repairs, maintenance, small improvements Major renovations, structural work

Handymen typically handle small-scale repairs, while contractors near me or home remodel contractors take on full renovation projects that require permits, multiple trades, or specialized licenses.

📋 When to Hire a Contractor Instead

If your job involves any of these, search for home contractors near me on GigItDone:

📱 Finding the Right Handyman Near You

Using the GigItDone marketplace, you can:

✓ How GigItDone Makes Finding Handymen Easy

Unlike Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, GigItDone is built specifically for local services, making it easier to find trusted home service professionals nearby. Learn more: Craigslist Alternatives and Facebook vs GigItDone.

💡 Why Use a Local Handyman?

Hiring a local handyman service saves time, supports small businesses, and keeps money in your community.

✓ Benefits of Hiring Local Handymen

You're not dealing with big corporations or apps that take high fees—just direct connections between neighbors helping neighbors.

For more insights on the growing gig economy, see The Rise of Local Gig Marketplaces.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does a handyman do?

A handyman is a skilled generalist who handles various home repair services, maintenance tasks, and small renovation projects. They can do drywall repair, painting, minor plumbing and electrical work, furniture assembly, carpentry, appliance installation, door and window repairs, and many other household tasks. Handymen bridge the gap between DIY and hiring specialized contractors.

How much does a handyman cost?

Handymen typically charge $40-$80 per hour or provide flat-rate pricing for specific tasks. Small repairs cost $50-$150, medium projects $150-$500, and larger jobs $500-$2,000+. Rates vary by location, experience, and project complexity. Get quotes from multiple local handymen to compare pricing in your area.

What's the difference between a handyman and a contractor?

Handymen handle small-scale repairs and maintenance, while contractors take on full renovation projects requiring permits, multiple trades, or specialized licenses. Use a handyman for minor repairs, painting, furniture assembly, or small improvements. Hire a contractor for major renovations, structural work, electrical rewiring, or plumbing overhauls.

Do handymen need to be licensed?

Licensing requirements vary by state and project type. Most small repair work doesn't require licensing, but electrical work, plumbing, and projects over certain dollar amounts (typically $500-$1,000) may require licenses. Always check your local regulations and ask handymen about their qualifications for specific tasks.

Can a handyman do plumbing and electrical work?

Handymen can typically handle minor plumbing and electrical repairs like replacing faucets, fixing toilets, installing light fixtures, or replacing outlets. Major work like electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, plumbing system replacement, or gas line work requires licensed professionals. Check your local laws for specific restrictions.

How do I find a reliable handyman near me?

Use local service marketplaces like GigItDone to browse verified handyman profiles, read reviews, compare rates, and view portfolios. Look for handymen with 4.5+ star ratings, multiple recent reviews, and clear communication. Get quotes from 3-5 local handymen to compare pricing and availability.

What should I ask a handyman before hiring?

Ask about: experience with your specific project type, references from similar jobs, insurance and licensing (if applicable), timeline for completion, what's included in the estimate, warranty on work, how they handle unexpected issues, payment schedule, and whether cleanup is included. Professional handymen expect and welcome these questions.

Can I hire a handyman for one small job?

Yes! Many handymen specialize in small odd jobs like hanging curtains, mounting TVs, fixing squeaky doors, or assembling furniture. Some may have minimum charges (typically $50-$100), but most are happy to take on quick tasks, especially if you have multiple small jobs to batch together.

🧩 Related Reading

🛠️ Find Trusted Handymen Today

Ready to find a professional handyman near you? Visit GigItDone.org—the free, local marketplace for home repair services, contractors, and odd jobs in your community.

✓ Get Started in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Post your project for free—describe what you need and when
  2. Review quotes from local handymen—compare profiles, rates, and reviews
  3. Choose your pro and get it done—message directly and schedule the work

Post your project, connect directly with independent handymen, and get your home repairs done—quickly and locally.

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