Top Handyman Companies Near You

What Are Handyman

A handyman combines multiple trade skills to perform repairs, maintenance, and improvements in residential or commercial properties. These skilled professionals handle tasks ranging from essential maintenance to complex installations, operating at hourly rates of $50 to $80 plus materials.

Areas of Expertise

• Interior repairs: fixing drywall, installing cabinets, repairing doors
• Exterior maintenance: pressure washing, gutter repair, fence repair
• Basic plumbing: unclogging drains, fixing leaks, replacing fixtures
• Light electrical work: changing fixtures, installing ceiling fans, replacing switches
• Carpentry tasks: building shelves, repairing woodwork, door installations
• Surface finishing: painting, wallpapering, tile repair

Service Scope

• State-specific licensing for projects above certain value thresholds
• Legal limitations on plumbing electrical work scope
• Insurance coverage for property protection
• Bonding requirements for specific job types
• Documentation of completed work permits

A handyman performs maintenance tasks as a paid professional or DIY enthusiast, addressing interior exterior repairs. The scope includes light plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry surface treatments while adhering to local regulations and service limitations.

A Handyman Looking For Work

Handyman services offer diverse income opportunities through multiple categories: carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical work, tile installation, furniture assembly, door repairs, gutter maintenance, and lock replacement.

Service Rates

Available Services

• Install drywall, plaster repairs, interior caulking
• Paint interior walls, decorative finishes, exterior surfaces
• Replace door handles, hinges, locks, window repairs
• Assemble furniture, install cabinets, build bookshelves
• Fix plumbing leaks, repair garbage disposals, install fixtures
• Clean gutters, restore decks, pressure wash surfaces
• Mount TVs, install bathroom accessories, repair fencing
• Apply weather stripping, seal exterior surfaces, and fix storm damage

Professional Requirements

• Obtain necessary licenses based on local regulations
• Carry liability insurance coverage
• Provide written estimates for projects
• Offer labor warranties on completed work
• Document previous work experience
• Maintain up-to-date certifications
• Set competitive market rates
• Create detailed service agreements

• Create professional online profiles
• Join local contractor networks
• Establish service area boundaries
• Document completed projects
• Build relationships with suppliers
• Develop emergency service protocols
• Set up booking systems
• Track project timelines
• Maintain client records

How Much Does A Handyman Charge To Paint A Room

A handyman charges $2 to $5 per square foot to paint a room, with total costs ranging from $400 to $905 for a standard 12x12 foot room.

Labor Costs

Handyman painting labor rates range from $20 to $40 per hour, making them a cost-effective alternative to professional painters. The total labor expense for a room painting project varies between $200 to $500 based on:

• Wall condition
• Room accessibility
• Surface preparation requirements
• Number of paint coats needed

Materials and Paint Costs

Paint materials contribute significantly to the total project cost:

• Premium paint: $30 to $50 per gallon
• Standard paint: $15 to $25 per gallon
• Coverage: 300-400 square feet per gallon

• Room size dimensions
• Wall surface repairs
• Paint color changes
• Trim work requirements
• Ceiling painting needs
• Paint finish selection

What Are The Basic Handyman Tools

Hammer

A claw hammer is a core handyman tool for driving nails, removing nails, and tapping objects. Its dual-purpose head enables both the installation and removal of nails during carpentry and woodworking tasks.

Screwdriver Set

A multi-bit screwdriver set includes Phillips-head flat-head square tip variations. The interchangeable bits accommodate different screw types and sizes commonly found in home repair projects.

Pliers Collection

Three essential plier types support diverse gripping needs:

• Needle-nose pliers for manipulating small objects, wires
• Tongue groove pliers for pipe-related tasks
• Slip-joint pliers for general gripping adjustments

Adjustable Wrench

The movable jaw design adapts to multiple nut bolt sizes, eliminating the need for numerous fixed-size wrenches. This versatility makes it invaluable for plumbing and mechanical repairs.

Tape Measure

A retractable tape measure provides precise measurements for:

• Component sizing
• Equipment Placement
• Material calculations
• Space planning

Utility Knife

The sharp retractable blade handles multiple cutting tasks:

• Drywall scoring
• Carpet trimming
• Material shaping
• Package opening

Each tool serves specific functions in repairs, maintenance, and installations. These six fundamental tools form the foundation of a handyman's toolkit, enabling the completion of common household projects.

How Much To Open Handyman Business

Opening a handyman business costs between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the essential startup requirements. This initial investment covers fundamental business elements, including licensing, a permit, tools, and equipment.

Business Licensing Costs

Based on state requirements, business registration fees range from $75 to $1,000. These costs include:

• Business registration certificates
• Local operating permits
• State-specific licenses
• Insurance documentation fees

Equipment Investment

Tool and equipment expenses vary from $0 to $3,000 depending on existing inventory:

• Basic hand tools
• Power tools
• Safety equipment
• Storage solutions

• Carpentry repairs
• Basic plumbing fixes
• Interior painting
• Drywall installation
• Door installations
• Cabinet mounting
• Tile repairs
• Property maintenance

How Much Does A Handyman Charge Per Hour

Handyman hourly rates vary based on employment status, location, and service type. Self-employed handypersons charge $50 to $80 per hour, while corporate handypersons charge $75 to $125 per hour.

Minimum Charges and Trip Fees

Most handypersons set minimum service charges between $75 to $200 for the first few hours. Additional costs include:

• Material markup: 20% to 50%
• Trip charges: $30 to $80
• Supply runs: Additional fees apply

Regional Price Variations

Location significantly impacts handyman rates:

• Los Angeles: $70 to $140 per hour
• New York City: $60 to $125 per hour
• Small towns: $35 to $65 per hour

Corporate vs. Independent Rates

Corporatehandypersonn services include:

• Higher rates: $75 to $125 per hour
• Vetted professionals
• Insurance coverage
• Service guarantees

• Lower rates: $50 to $80 per hour
• Direct communication
• Flexible scheduling
• Personalized service

What Another Name For Handyman

Professional handypersons use several alternative titles that reflect their diverse skills and expertise:

Professional Titles:

• Maintenance Technician
• Building Mechanic
• Small Project Specialist
• Repairman
• Jack-of-all-trades
• Handyperson
• Handywoman

• Craftsman
• Tradesman
• Odd Jobs Artisan
• Fix It Specialist

Each title emphasizes different aspects of handyman work:

These titles reflect the evolution of the handyman profession from traditional repair work to specialized technical services. Each designation highlights specific skills or service areas, allowing professionals to market their expertise to different client segments.

What Can A Handyman Do Without A License

A handyman performs minor repairs and maintenance tasks without requiring specialized licensing. Here's a breakdown of permissible work:

Interior Work

• Paint walls and trim
• Patch drywall holes
• Install shelving units
• Assemble furniture
• Adjust doors and cabinet hardware
• Clean gutters
• Replace light fixtures
• Install ceiling fans
• Repair fences and gates

Minor Plumbing Tasks

• Unclog drains
• Fix leaky faucets
• Replace toilet components
• Install new fixtures
• Repair garbage disposals

Basic Electrical Work

• Replace light bulbs
• Fix simple electrical issues
• Install light switches
• Replace electrical outlets
• Mount TV brackets

Monetary Limitations

• No structural modifications
• No significant electrical system changes
• No plumbing system alterations
• No HVAC system work
• No permit-required projects
• No commercial building work

State and local regulations vary the specific tasks and monetary limits. Large projects or specialized work require licensed contractors.