HIRING GUIDES
How to hire a handyperson
Updated 03/26
By: Laura Macdonald
Hiring a handyperson can be a practical way to get multiple small jobs done around your home — especially when they don’t need a specialist trade.
But because the role is broad and largely unregulated, knowing what to check before hiring matters.
What handypeople typically do
How to choose the right one for your job
The questions to ask before you hire
Mistakes to avoid when hiring a handyperson
Quick checks: what to look for before hiring a handyperson
Before hiring a handyperson, check that they:
Clearly list the types of jobs they do (not all handypeople offer the same services)
Have experience with jobs similar to yours
Will provide a written quote or clear hourly rate
Have public liability insurance
Can show recent customer reviews
Are upfront about what they don’t do
What does a handyperson do?
A handyperson (also known as a handyman or handywoman) carries out a wide range of small repairs, maintenance tasks, and general home improvements that don’t usually require specialist qualifications.
Many handypeople come from trade backgrounds such as carpentry, decorating, or property maintenance, and focus on jobs that are too small for specialist contractors but still need doing properly.
Find guaranteed handypeople near you
Common jobs a handyperson is hired for
A handyperson is typically hired for small, non-regulated tasks that don’t involve structural changes or certified work. This might include:
Hanging shelves, pictures, and mirrors
Curtain rails and blinds installation
TV mounting and cable tidying
Minor carpentry repairs
Door adjustments and handle replacements
Silicone sealing around baths, sinks, and worktops
Gutter clearing and minor exterior maintenance
Touch-up painting and small decorating jobs
Seasonal home maintenance checks
Newer and increasingly common handyman tasks:
Smart doorbell and home device installation (non-wired)
Home office setup (desks, cable management, shelving)
Garden furniture assembly and storage prep
Rental property changeover tasks between tenants
If you have several small jobs, group them together. Many handypeople charge a minimum call-out time, so combining tasks can be more cost-effective than booking separate visits.
Do you need a handyperson or a specialist trade?
This is one of the most common areas of confusion.
You’ll usually need a specialist trade if the job involves:
A handyperson is generally suitable when:
Work is like-for-like (e.g. replacing fittings)
Tasks are cosmetic or maintenance-based
No certification is legally required
If in doubt, ask them directly whether the job is within their scope — a good handyperson will be clear about their limits.
Asking a handyperson to carry out regulated work can invalidate insurance or warranties.
Skills and experience to look for in a handyperson
Handypeople are not a regulated trade, so in this case, experience often matters more than formal certification.
Look for:
A clear description of services offered
Evidence of similar completed jobs
Good communication about timelines and expectations
Willingness to explain how they’ll approach the work
Some handypeople also hold trade-specific qualifications (e.g. carpentry or decorating), which can be useful for certain tasks.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Questions to ask before hiring a handyperson
Have you done similar jobs before?
What’s included in your quote or hourly rate?
Is there a minimum charge or call-out fee?
Who will carry out the work?
How far in advance do I need to book you?
How long do you expect the job to take?
Will I need to supply any materials?
Are you insured for this type of work?
What happens if something needs a specialist trade?
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Understanding quotes and hourly rates
Handypeople may charge:
An hourly rate
A half-day or day rate
A fixed price for specific jobs
Written quotes help you compare like-for-like and avoid misunderstandings. Be cautious of vague pricing or reluctance to confirm what’s included.
For typical pricing, see our handyperson cost guide.
Seasonality: when is it hardest to book a handyperson?
Demand for handypeople often increases:
In late autumn (pre-Christmas jobs)
In January (post-holiday repairs and refreshes)
In spring (general home maintenance)
Booking earlier or being flexible on timing can improve availability during busy periods.
Common mistakes when hiring a handyperson
Assuming all handypeople offer the same services
Hiring based on price alone
Not checking recent reviews
Booking without a written quote
Asking them to carry out regulated work
Not grouping jobs together efficiently
Can you do these jobs yourself?
Some tasks may look simple, but DIY often goes wrong due to:
Incorrect fixings
Poor finishes
Damage to walls, fittings, or wiring
Lack of the right tools
DIY is sometimes possible — but poor workmanship can still affect safety, insurance, or resale value. Hiring a handyperson can reduce risk and save time.
Checklist: how to hire a handyperson
Find a handyperson near you
Hiring a handyperson is a key step in keeping your home safe, functional, and well-maintained, so choosing the right person matters.
When you hire a tradesperson with Checkatrade, you know they are:
Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard
Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work
Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
Search your postcode to compare checked, reviewed handypeople working in your area and request quotes with confidence.
Find guaranteed handypeople near you
FAQs
What is a handyperson allowed to do?
A handyperson can carry out general maintenance and small repairs that don’t require specialist qualifications. Gas, major electrical, and significant plumbing work must be done by qualified tradespeople.
Do handypeople need qualifications?
There’s no legal requirement for handypeople to have specific qualifications, but experience, insurance, and proven past work are important.
Is it better to hire a handyperson or a specialist?
For small, non-regulated jobs, a handyperson is often more practical. For complex or safety-critical work, a specialist is essential.
Do handypeople charge by the hour?
Many handypeople charge by the hour, but some offer fixed prices for specific tasks or day rates for multiple jobs.
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