A handyman is a skilled professional who can tackle a variety of tasks. These include:
Minor plumbing jobs are okay for a handyman to handle, but anything that involves the sewer line or septic tank requires a licensed plumber.
Hanging a picture might seem like a simple enough task, but it’s one of the most difficult things to get right. Handymen can save you from hours of frustration by hanging it correctly the first time around.
Plumbing
A home’s plumbing system is often taken for granted until something goes wrong. Fixing a leaky faucet or clogged toilet can be easy for the DIYer, but when a serious issue like a backed-up sewage system occurs, it’s best to call a professional plumber. Handy is an online platform that connects you with professional, insured plumbers that can perform a variety of plumbing services.
Whether you need a new garbage disposal installed, a water heater repaired, or a clogged drainpipe unclogged, a Handy professional is qualified to do the job quickly and efficiently. All plumbers on the Handy platform have been vetted, verified and screened before they are booked to work at your home, so you can rest assured that the plumbing job will be completed correctly.
Some states allow Handymen to perform minor plumbing jobs without a license, including unclogging sinks and toilets, replacing faucet fixtures, and installing showerheads or bathtub knobs. However, for large projects such as a repiping, it’s usually necessary to hire a licensed plumber, as 44 out of 50 states require a valid license to perform these types of repairs. Even if your project doesn’t require a licensed plumber, a Handy professional can still help you save money by performing the work themselves rather than hiring a full-service plumber. This allows you to keep your project costs low and save on the cost of paying for a full-service plumber’s hourly rate.
Electrical
Many people hire handymen for a variety of home improvement tasks, including electrical projects. While it’s important for handymen to have a wide skill set, they should not perform any work that involves electricity unless they are licensed electricians. This is because working on electrical wiring without a license can cause severe damage, fires, or even electrocution.
Electricians specialize in repairing or installing a range of electrical fixtures, from outlets and switches to electrical panels and GFCI receptacles. Handymen, on the other hand, are jacks-of-all-trades and may not have the specialized knowledge needed to safely handle these types of jobs. If a handyman works on an electrical project without a license, they could face serious fines and other legal consequences.
In addition to installing lights, handymen can also repair or replace electrical fixtures such as fans and light bulbs. They may also run cable lines between rooms for televisions and other electronic devices. Some handymen also offer specialized services such as installing smart appliances like video doorbells and thermostats.
Most handymen are self-employed, but some work for construction or repair service companies, property management firms, or local governments and community agencies. Some even freelance and work on a part-time basis. Some handymen have additional training or education in specific fields, such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, or HVAC. They may also have experience with a particular type of equipment or tool, such as an electric drill or power tools.
Carpentry
Many people don’t think about their home’s plumbing until something goes wrong. While in-depth plumbing issues require licensed plumbers, handymen are often able to fix minor problems like leaky faucets and clogged toilets. They can also help with regular maintenance tasks like changing filters and cleaning ducts, keeping homes safe and comfortable throughout the year.
Handymen can handle a variety of carpentry projects, including installing or replacing cabinets, shelves, and doors. They can also add moldings and trim, and hang wallpaper or other wall decorations. It’s common for handymen to offer interior winterization services, which include caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors.
If you have a new baby, handymen can also help with babyproofing jobs like installing outlet covers and safety locks and anchoring furniture to the wall. They can even assemble children’s toys and set up baby gates, taking a huge load off of busy parents.
Handymen don’t need any special education or training to work in this field. However, if they want to improve their chances of getting a job, they can take courses at vocational schools or community colleges that teach a specific trade. Some handymen choose to undergo apprenticeships, which allow them to work with experienced professionals and learn the trade from the ground up.
Painting
A fresh coat of paint can transform a room or the exterior of your home. Handymen can help you choose the right color and finish, then prepare the surface and complete the job quickly and professionally. They’ll also clean up the area when they’re finished. It’s a great way to give your house an instant makeover without spending a lot of money.
Handymen can also handle painting projects like window frames, doors, sash cords, and picnic tables. They’ll use a high-quality paint and do all the prep work to ensure a beautiful result. Handymen often have a painter’s per-hour rate and may vary their charges depending on how many coats you want or if they need to sand down the surface.
If you’re looking for a local handyman to help with your next project, check out the reviews on sites like Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor. You can also ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. If you’re still not sure, call a few different companies and request quotes for the project you need done. Then, compare the prices to find the best fit for your budget. Good luck! The post Everything You Need To Know About What A Handyman Does appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice.
Flooring
Generally speaking, handymen are jacks of all trades and are able to perform a variety of small projects. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who need a little bit of everything done, from cleaning out their gutters to fixing a doorknob that isn’t turning. Handymen usually don’t require a license to work in their field, but they should be fully insured so that if something goes wrong during a job, the handyman can cover the cost of any damages or injuries caused by their actions.
A handyman can also help with more general maintenance, like changing filters and cleaning ducts, to make sure the heating or cooling in a home is functioning correctly as summer or winter approaches. Handymen can also assist with more in-depth repair work, but will likely recommend a licensed professional to handle any HVAC jobs that require the expertise of an expert technician.
Handymen can be hired to do a wide variety of other tasks, from decluttering basements to building movable shelves. Exterior window washing for two- and three-story homes is another straightforward service that many homeowners rely on handymen to do. As with all services, handymen should provide a clear list of their rates and what they can do in advance so that there are no surprises when it comes time to bill. Using software like Jobber, which is specifically designed for contractors, can make this task easy by allowing you to create a handyman services list that you can use to quickly and easily quote clients.
Appliance Installation
Handymen often get hired to install small appliances, like dishwashers and refrigerators. They can also replace home fixtures, like faucets and light fixtures. This type of work doesn’t require a license, so many handymen choose to offer it as an additional service.
Smart devices and appliances are becoming increasingly popular in American homes. However, these gadgets aren’t always the easiest to set up and operate. Handymen can help by installing and setting up smart home applications, such as video doorbells or virtual assistants. They can even go a step further and connect these devices to the homeowner’s internet network.
Handymen can also perform a variety of cleaning services, including window washing and gutter cleaning. They can even mount Christmas lights and other decorative items for homeowners. Depending on their client’s needs, handymen may also be able to clean out drains and vacuum the carpet. Some of these services are seasonal, so handymen should plan their marketing efforts accordingly. For example, patio furniture assembly and holiday light installation may be more popular during the summer than spring or fall. Lastly, it’s important for handymen to have insurance so they can protect themselves from liability on the job. Handymen can purchase on-demand insurance with Thimble, which offers flexible policies by the hour or day. This allows them to focus on their customers’ needs and avoid any costly mistakes. Attempting greater-scale renovation projects, such as tearing down walls or replacing ceilings, typically requires a contractor’s license and may be dangerous.