What are the most requested handyman services?
Handymen are called so because of their proficiency in various tasks, making them extremely useful to have around. While some handymen focus on a specific area or come from a particular background, the majority are versatile individuals who engage in a wide range of tasks and responsibilities.
Various handyman services are available in abundance, with each handyman specializing in different areas. Consequently, it is important to note that not all professional handymen will provide identical services, even if they advertise as offering “general handyman services” or the like.
Here is a list of handyman services that includes some of the typical tasks that professionals in this field may carry out.
Types of Handyman Services
#1) Drywall Installation
The installation of new drywall is a task that professional handyman services may often focus on, especially when working on a home remodel or addressing water damage remediation.
General handyman services possess the requisite equipment to accurately measure, cut, and install drywall boards proficiently in residential properties.
Not only does drywall provide insulation for your home, but it also enhances fire resistance in the walls and ceilings. However, the lack of drywall upgrades for many individuals over extended periods can lead to a significant issue.
Drywall installation is a frequently requested handyman service, with a high demand due to home improvement needs and water damage repairs. Due to its popularity, there are handymen who solely specialize in this service.
Handyman experts have the ability to fix or install nearly any drywall repair and finishing-related task, including:
- Cracks from settling
- Wear and tear
- Moisture damage
- Rodent damage
- Drywall anchor holes
- Drywall hanging
- Drywall mudding and taping
- Painting and finishing touches
#2) Fixture Replacement
As time passes, household fixtures like kitchen faucets, cabinets, lighting systems, etc., can become worn out or damaged due to regular use. Although many DIY enthusiasts can easily replace several home fixtures, some homeowners either lack the time or prefer hiring a professional to ensure the task is completed correctly.
Most general handyman service professionals are able to do many fixture replacement jobs without needing a license. However, there may be circumstances where a specialized license is necessary for replacing certain fixtures like faucets or lighting systems.
Have you been in possession of your home for a long period of time?
If this is the case, it is inevitable that things will deteriorate or become outdated over time. Fixtures will inevitably require replacement or modernization, including:
- Cabinets
- Lighting fixtures
- Kitchen faucets
Most fixture replacement jobs can be done by a skilled handyman without needing a license. However, it is advisable to hire a professional if you want the task to be completed accurately and efficiently, even though some of these tasks can be attempted as DIY projects.
#3) Smart Home Upgrade Installation
With this handyman service, clients can have a professional visit their home and install various smart home devices, such as thermostats, doorbells, and sensors. It is crucial to verify with the handyman if they possess the necessary certification to install the specific product and brand you have, as there are multiple variations, and certain devices may necessitate expertise in home electrical systems or other intricate details.
#4) Painting for the Interior and Exterior
When it comes to handyman services, one of the most frequently requested types is painting interior or exterior walls. It can be quite laborious to paint a house, particularly if it is already occupied. Consequently, numerous homeowners or property managers opt for painting services in order to enhance a home’s curb appeal before putting it up for sale. This approach often yields a beneficial result as it facilitates a quicker sale or a higher selling price, thereby ensuring a positive return on investment.
Handyman services commonly receive requests to repaint homes and typically possess the appropriate tools (such as paint rollers, drop cloths, tape, furniture covers, and ladders) for the task. Painting services have gained popularity, leading certain handyman services to specialize in them.
When it comes to handyman services being requested, painting, whether it is interior or exterior, is undoubtedly one of the most commonly sought-after. Although many individuals are capable of painting, only a few possess the skill to execute it proficiently.
Painting a room is already a laborious task, and it becomes even more daunting when it comes to painting an entire house. However, handymen are capable of completing the job with greater efficiency and effectiveness due to their possession of all the necessary tools.
- Paint rollers
- Paint brushes
- Drop cloths
- Paint
- Furniture covers
- Masking tape
- Ladders
Handymen who specialize in painting are in high demand, making them a popular choice for those who don’t want to spend their day painting with a brush and can.
#5) Power Washing
Power washing can be used as a fundamental property maintenance method in order to maintain the spotless appearance of a home’s exterior, including sidewalks, driveways, garage floors, roofs, and other surfaces that may accumulate dirt and debris leading to noticeable discoloration.
However, not all general handyman services possess the appropriate equipment for power washing. Power washing necessitates a costly and regularly maintained high-quality water compressor, which is why certain professional handyman services may choose not to provide this service.
#6) Tile Installation
Handyman services that specialize in general tasks are frequently capable of carrying out tile installation on a properly prepared subfloor. Although the process of tile installation may seem straightforward, involving applying adhesive, leveling it, and placing a tile on top, there are numerous additional considerations involved in properly installing tiles.
To ensure a proper tile installation, handymen must first measure the floor space accurately and cut the tiles accordingly. Additionally, they should lay the tiles with precision to avoid uneven arrangements and unnecessary gaps. Lastly, non-vitreous tiles, which are prone to absorbing water, may require sealing to prevent moisture absorption. It is advisable to seek the assistance of flooring professionals or handymen service providers who possess the necessary tools and expertise to effectively address these challenges.
If you have witnessed a poorly done tile installation job, you understand what we mean when we say that tile installation is more of an art than a skill.
While it may appear simple at first glance, this handyman job entails more than just laying the tile; it involves steps such as applying adhesive and ensuring a smooth finish.
A handyman is knowledgeable in achieving a flawless appearance for a tile job. This encompasses:
- Measuring the floor space so that the tiles fit seamlessly
- Laying and possibly cutting tiles to prevent wasted space or crooked layouts
- Waterproofing
Installing a tile floor or a backsplash can be a challenging task. However, a skilled handyman with the required expertise and tools can guarantee a result that resembles those seen on home improvement shows.
#7) Window Repair
Window repairs can be performed by many handyman services for a nominal fee, encompassing tasks such as cleaning up shattered glass and fixing or substituting both the window frame and the window.
If the windows in the home are not a standard size, it may be necessary to contact a specialist.
#8) Small Appliance Repair
Small appliance repair is a popular type of handyman service because many homeowners prefer fixing a broken appliance rather than buying a new one. The handyman is often able to resolve the issue at a much lower cost compared to purchasing a replacement. At the very least, they usually offer an estimate to determine if the repair cost would be too expensive compared to getting a new appliance.
#9) Plumbing
Plumbing is widely used, with garbage disposal replacement being a particularly common service. Many of us are afraid of using a plunger, and even more so of understanding the intricate mechanisms within a toilet or bathroom sink.
A wide-ranging handyman is capable of tackling various minor plumbing tasks, like the installation of a new faucet fixture, the clearance of a toilet blockage, or the execution of certain repiping work.
For more extensive tasks, a plumber’s license is mandatory in 44 states out of 50 (excluding Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming). In case you choose to employ a handyman to repipe a whole house, they might have a legal obligation to hire a subcontracting plumber to supervise the project.
#10) Repairing damaged gutters
Removing leaves from gutter drains may not appear to be a significant matter until one finds themselves standing on an unstable ladder, elevated 30 feet above the ground.
When it comes to cleaning and repairing gutters, many individuals have a valid fear of heights and lack confidence in their abilities or their partner’s ladder-bracing skills.
However, what may cause fear in one person can result in financial profit for another. Handymen, who have ample experience working on ladders, can maximize their time spent in the eaves by inspecting the roof, identifying any damaged gutters that might require repairs, or fixing any roof damages.
#11) Deck construction and repair
Are you contemplating the addition of a patio or deck to your residence?
Repairing or installing a deck requires a high level of craftsmanship that is not possessed by most “handy people,” even if they are knowledgeable about the task.
If your local handyman is equipped with a crew, they can make a complex deck renovation easier for you. Take a back seat and enjoy as they start working, allowing you to plan your inaugural gathering in the brand-new outdoor area.
Make sure they have insurance
Before allowing a handyman to begin working on your home, it is crucial to verify that they possess general liability insurance, regardless of the nature of the job.
Despite being highly skilled professionals, having a handyman working in your house still poses a potential risk to you and your property. In case they inadvertently cause damage to your property or harm you, their policy will provide coverage for third-party claims pertaining to:
- Property damage
- Personal injury
- Advertising injury
In the event of an accident, the service professionals would have the capability to handle the expenses.
Handymen often opt for Thimble insurance due to its versatility in offering on-demand coverage with flexible policies that can be customized by the hour, day, or month.
When a policy is bought, a Certificate of Insurance (COI) is immediately sent to their email. This serves as evidence that they (and you) are safeguarded against any job site mishaps.
If obtaining insurance is as easy as this, there is no justification for allowing a handyman into your residence without reviewing their certificate of insurance.