13 Home Projects That Call For A Handyman

That to-do list isn't going to complete itself! Here's how to find the right handyman for all those small repairs around the house.

HomeAdvisor, Brand Partner

Posted Fri, Jun 22, 2018 at 4:18 pm ET|Updated Fri, Jan 31, 2020 at 10:26 am ET

That to-do list isn't going to complete itself! Here are 13 home projects that call for handyman. (Shutterstock / igorstevanovic)

As a homeowner, you're bound to encounter some household projects that you don't have the time, tools or experience to do yourself. For these types of smaller, non-urgent home repairs, hiring a handyman is often your best bet.

For projects involving new construction or the modification of existing electrical, plumbing or gas systems, you'll want to hire a professional certified in that area. But for routine installations and fixes, hiring a handyman may be the most economical option.

So what kind of projects call for a handyman contractor? And how can you find the right one for your particular job or set of jobs? We've got everything you need to know about when to call a handyman and how to find one you can trust.

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Do Your Research

Make a complete list of the repairs you'd like to do and rank them by priority. Establish a basic, itemized budget of what you'd like to spend and the most you're willing to spend.

Once you've done this, reach out to at least three local handyman contractors. You'll need them to confirm that they have the tools and expertise necessary to tackle the jobs at hand. You can also compare the prices they plan to charge for their services.

Check References & Regulations

You can easily check references and read reviews with HomeAdvisor. You should also ask handyman contractors for photos of past work and for the contact information of clients who have gotten repairs or work similar to yours.

To protect yourself, always check that your handyman candidates carry liability insurance and the certifications or licenses necessary in your state. In some states, it's illegal to hire an unlicensed worker for home improvement projects valued at $500 or more including materials and labor costs.

Get Everything In Writing

A handyman contractor may charge a flat rate per task or an hourly rate. Ask them to provide you with a written itemized estimate of how much you can expect to pay and the specific services to be rendered. If you don't get this in writing, you'll have no recourse should the project go awry.

Ready To Get Started?

Below are some popular home projects that call for a handyman and how much each one stands to cost. All pricing estimates in this article are based on HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, a searchable database that gives homeowners an idea how much they can expect to pay for home projects in their area.

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