A good handyman is a godsend for many home owners. They can do a multitude of jobs and can be cheaper and more flexible than tradespeople. The question we get asked a lot though, is when should I use a handyman instead of a tradesperson?

A Handyman Is Good For Small Construction Jobs

In many jurisdictions handyman is not allowed to do larger construction jobs. For instance, in Australia the cut-off is any job over $3,300. Large fines apply for any handyman who quotes over this limit.

That figure isn’t job a monetary cut-off, it’s also a good indication of what a handyman should be capable of doing. Smaller construction jobs like a small pool desk, a retaining wall, adding an interior wall…those sorts of things are within the purview of your average handyman.

A handyman can deliver good value for small construction projects.

A Handyman Is Good For Multi-Purpose Jobs

You might have a few odd-jobs you need done. Perhaps you’ve got some Ikea furniture that needs assembling. And a hole in the garage wall that needs patching. And a gate you want hung. Combine all those jobs and get a handyman out to complete them for you.

Some jobs require multiple skills to complete them. For instance, an area of your garden might require a fence and a small retaining wall. That’s a good job for a handyman.

A good example of handyman work supplied to us by Galea Handyman is this fence and retaining wall below.

He built a small timber retaining wall and added a gate and fence above. That’s a very neatly finished job and shows you what a skilled handyman is capable of doing.

Peter is a good example of a handyman. He was a boilermaker by trade, so he’s got considerable welding skills. He’ll weld up a metal post as part of a job like a retaining wall repair. By combining multiple skills he’s able to give his customers cost effective solutions like this. As you can see in this before and after picture below.

When Not To Use A Handyman

As a rule, anything that is a bigger job should have dedicated tradespeople. For instance, we’re building a small one bedroom apartment in our backyard. That requires a builder with a builders’ license and appropriate insurance (and experience).

Plumbing, gas and electrical should not be attempted by a handyman. Those all requires specific skills and licenses that your handyman will not have. You can be maimed or killed by mistakes made in these areas. (Or if you flood your house, in the case of plumbing.) That’s why a handyman is not the person for these. Get a fully licensed and insured tradesperson for these jobs.

What Can A Handyman Do?

Each handyman will have different skills but here is a list of things you should consider using a handyman for:

• Tiling
• Retaining walls
• Small construction jobs like pergolas
• Fencing
• Decks
• Painting and plastering
• Small renovations
• Garden and lawn care

Check with your handyman to see what they’re capable of. Each person has a different background and a different set of skills. Handyman are great because they combine many skills.

If you’ve got a couple of small jobs around the home that need doing, consider using a handyman.