What Does a Handyman Do?

Handyman

A handyman is a “jack of all trades” who can handle various general repair and maintenance tasks. They differ from a contractor, who generally has earned some license for specialized expertise. From assembling IKEA furniture to drilling into walls, a handyman needs many tools. One of the most essential is a hand sander.

HandymanHandyman Naperville IL specializes in repair or maintenance tasks like repairing leaky faucets and installing doorknobs. But some offer a more comprehensive range of services, including painting, plumbing, and electrical work. These professionals are sometimes called “jacks of all trades” and often have a well-rounded knowledge base to complete various home improvement projects.

Some handymen work independently, while others may work as a freelance contractor for repair service companies or even property management firms. They are generally paid per project, which typically includes assessing the job at hand, making recommendations for approaches, estimating the cost of labor and materials, securing said materials and then performing the work. They may also be responsible for cleaning up any messes they create.

Handymen can install a wide range of devices and appliances for clients, including smart home applications. These can include video doorbells, virtual assistants, and thermostats. They can also handle more complicated electrical work, such as changing light bulbs or rewiring an outlet. However, complex electrical work should be completed by licensed electricians.

A handyman can also help a homeowner with smaller carpentry jobs, such as replacing or repairing window and door trims. They can also sand and refinish wooden decks, pergolas or other timber structures. They can also mount flat-screen TVs on walls or hang holiday lights.

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to have a long list of maintenance tasks that need to be addressed. But sometimes it can be hard to find the time, skills, or equipment needed to get everything done. This is where a professional NYC Handyman comes in. They can take care of all those repairs and improvements that you’ve been putting off for far too long.

The majority of handymen are jacks of all trades and have the ability to fix a wide range of issues in both residential and commercial spaces. They can handle everything from fixing broken fixtures to assembling furniture. They can even paint small areas of a house, though they should never attempt to work on any larger painting projects that require a licensed painter.

Painting

Of all the services handymen offer, painting (both interior and exterior) is probably the most popular. It’s a great way to refresh the look of a room, and a fresh coat of paint can also help make a home or business more appealing to buyers if it’s on the market. Handymen can also repaint trim work around windows and doors, or re-stain or repaint decks or fences.

Inside the home, handymen can offer furniture assembly services, hanging mirrors or pictures, and installing closet organizers. They can also mount TVs and hang curtains or blinds. This is a service that’s particularly useful for people who’ve recently moved or had new furniture delivered and want their spaces to feel put together and complete.

Handymen can also paint walls if they’ve been scraped or damaged by furniture or kids playing. This is one of the most common handyman services requested, and New York Handyman Pro’s painting contractors have years of experience laying tile and recoloring walls and rooms. They know how to prep the surface, apply a coat of paint with precision, and make sure the finished product looks clean and professional.

Whether or not to offer these or other services depends on the size and scope of the job and whether it requires any special skills or equipment that a licensed tradesperson would need. For example, a kitchen remodel isn’t something a handyman can do, but a qualified plumber or electrician could. Knowing which services you can and can’t provide will help you market your business to the right customers. You can create a handyman services list in Jobber and import it into your client documents when creating quotes, making it easy to reference and clearly communicate to your clients which tasks you’re capable of.

Plumbing

Many small plumbing jobs can be done by handymen, such as fixing a dripping faucet or replacing a toilet seat. However, larger projects that require a more in-depth knowledge of plumbing are better suited for licensed plumbers. These types of projects may involve installing a new shower or tub, sinks, or toilets, or repairing or replacing damaged drywall or vanities due to the presence of water or plumbing leaks.

Plumbers often charge more for their services than handymen, but they have a much greater understanding of the intricacies of plumbing. They can also offer more comprehensive services, such as rerouting pipes or replacing entire fixtures. Plumbers are also required to carry liability coverage, which protects them and their customers from financial repercussions in the event of an accident or damage caused during work performed on a property.

While a state-specific license is not needed for a handyman, most states do have requirements such as minimum labor and materials amounts. Some states also require that a handyman be insured and bonded, which helps protect the client in the event of an injury or damage to property during a project. Additionally, a handyman may need to obtain a permit for certain projects in order to comply with local building and zoning regulations.

Most states allow handymen to perform a limited amount of specialized work, such as electrical and HVAC repair. However, these types of jobs are generally outside the scope of what a typical handyman is trained to do, and they should be turned down if a request is made for them.

While there is no education requirement for a handyman, training in areas such as construction, electrician, welding, small appliance repair and HVAC can be beneficial. Additionally, experience with tools and a good working knowledge of basic plumbing repairs are necessary. Many handymen are self employed, but they can also find work through home warranty companies or repair service firms. For some, this is a side or part time job, while for others, it is a full-time career. Some even choose to become certified handymen, which increases their earning potential and can help them stand out from the competition.

Electrical

Electrical handymen are skilled at a variety of tasks that involve electricity. They can install light fixtures, run wires through walls to connect appliances, and repair damaged outlets or switches. They can also replace old switches and sockets with new, energy-efficient ones.

Some electrical jobs are too complicated for a handyman, and they should only be handled by licensed electricians. This is because complex electrical work can cause serious damage to a home, and it requires special knowledge of wiring, circuits, and switches. If a handyman completes such work without the proper training, they could be putting the homeowner at risk of injury or fire.

Handymen can help with the installation of a number of different types of light bulbs. They can also install smoke detectors and other safety devices. Additionally, they can run wires from the main power source to outlets and other locations in a house. This is especially important when doing renovations that require the relocation of appliances.

When a light fixture isn’t working, a handyman can fix the problem by replacing the bulb or rewiring it. They can also install new outlets and switches, as well as test fuses and circuit breakers to ensure they are functioning properly.

A common electrical problem is a faulty or overloaded outlet. Handymen can check if there is enough power to an outlet by testing it with a multimeter. They can also upgrade old outlets to GFCI outlets, which are safer and more efficient than traditional ones.

In addition to electrical repairs, handymen can also fix problems with power tools. They can repair or replace broken blades on cords and replace stripped screws. They can also sand and stain wooden decks, pergolas, and other timber structures.

If you have a small home project that needs to be completed quickly and professionally, a Handyman may be your best choice. They are qualified to take on a wide range of home improvement tasks, including painting, carpentry, and plumbing. They can also handle minor electrical work, such as installing a ceiling fan or light fixture.