Key takeaways
- Handymen are great for small, non-structural jobs. Think minor drywall repairs, caulking, installing shelves, replacing faucets, hanging doors, and basic fixture swaps.
- Licensing rules vary by state and city. In many areas, handymen can only work on projects under a certain dollar amount and cannot legally do work that requires a licensed trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas, or structural).
- Permits usually require a licensed contractor. If a job needs a building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit, you’ll almost always need a licensed pro—not just a handyman.
- Using a handyman for “off-limits” work can backfire. You could face failed inspections, insurance problems, safety risks, and expensive rework if you sell your home or have a claim.
- Expect hourly rates in the $50–$125 range. Many handymen have a 1–2 hour minimum, plus materials and possibly a trip fee.
- Use a handyman for punch lists; use licensed trades for systems. If it involves your home’s structure, electrical panel, plumbing drains/vents, gas lines, or HVAC, lean toward a licensed contractor.
- When in doubt, ask about licensing and permits up front. A reputable pro will explain what they’re allowed to do and when they’ll bring in a licensed specialist.
Typical price range
All numbers below are approximate US ballpark ranges. Actual costs depend on your region, the handyman’s experience, and how complex your project is.
Common handyman pricing scenarios
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Small “honey-do” visit (1–2 small tasks): $100–$250
Example: install curtain rods, fix a sticky door, patch a small drywall hole. Often 1–2 hours plus small materials. -
Half-day of mixed tasks (3–6 items): $250–$500
Example: hang a TV (no in-wall wiring), replace a faucet, install a new light fixture, re-caulk a tub. -
Full-day handyman project list: $450–$900+
Example: several rooms of touch-up drywall and paint, multiple fixtures swapped, a few doors adjusted, grab bars installed. -
Minor drywall repair (per area): $150–$400
Patching a few holes, sanding, and spot painting. Larger or textured areas cost more. -
Basic fixture swap (existing wiring/plumbing): $100–$300 each
Replacing a light fixture, faucet, or toilet where the hookups already exist and are in good shape. -
Simple carpentry (trim, shelving, small repairs): $150–$600+
Depends on materials, custom cuts, and finishing (stain/paint). -
Assembly and installs (furniture, TV mounts, closet systems): $75–$300+
Often billed hourly; complex systems or awkward mounting surfaces push costs up.
What pushes costs lower
- Simple, clearly defined tasks. “Replace this faucet with that one” is cheaper to quote than “fix my bathroom.”
- Grouping tasks into one visit. A half- or full-day rate can be more economical than multiple small trips.
- Supplying your own materials. If you buy fixtures or hardware yourself, you’ll often pay only labor (but ask about returns and compatibility).
- Easy access and no surprises. Open areas, standard materials, and no hidden damage keep labor time down.
What pushes costs higher
- Hidden damage or code issues. Rot behind trim, outdated wiring, or leaking pipes can turn a simple job into a bigger repair.
- Specialty materials or finishes. Matching existing textures, stains, or high-end hardware takes more time and care.
- Working around obstacles. Tight spaces, tall ceilings, or moving heavy furniture add labor.
- Scope creep. “While you’re here…” items can add up; it’s fine to add tasks, but expect the price to rise with them.
Repair vs. replacement: when a handyman is the right call
This guide is less about whether to repair or replace a specific item, and more about who should handle it. Still, thinking in “repair vs. replace” terms helps you decide when a handyman makes sense.
When a handyman is usually a good fit
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Cosmetic or minor functional issues.
- Small drywall holes, scuffs, or popped nails
- Loose cabinet doors or drawer slides
- Re-caulking tubs, showers, and sinks
- Replacing worn weatherstripping or door sweeps
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Simple replacements using existing hookups.
- Swapping a faucet or showerhead (no moving pipes)
- Replacing a toilet in the same location
- Replacing a light fixture where the box and wiring are already in good shape (and local rules allow it)
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Low-risk “repair first” items.
- Adjusting a door that sticks instead of replacing the whole door
- Re-securing loose railings or grab bars (if framing is sound)
- Tightening or re-anchoring loose hardware and fixtures
When you should lean toward replacement and/or licensed trades
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The repair is more than ~50% of replacement cost.
Example: Your 20-year-old, builder-grade vanity is water-damaged. A handyman quotes $400–$500 to repair and refinish it, while a new, similar-quality vanity installed might be $800–$1,000 with a licensed contractor. At that point, replacement is often smarter. -
The issue involves a home system, not just a surface.
- Repeated leaks behind walls or ceilings (plumbing)
- Frequent breaker trips or flickering lights (electrical)
- Cracks in foundation, sagging floors, or roof issues (structural/roofing)
These call for licensed plumbers, electricians, or structural/roofing pros.
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Permits are likely required.
- Adding or moving electrical circuits
- Moving or adding plumbing lines or drains
- Altering load-bearing walls or adding decks
These are typically not handyman territory and should be done by licensed contractors who can pull permits.
A concrete example
You have an old bathroom fan that’s noisy and barely works:
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Handyman option:
- Replace the fan with a similar model using the existing wiring and duct.
- Cost: $150–$300 labor plus the fan.
- Good if the duct and wiring are sound and no permit is required.
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Licensed electrician or HVAC option:
- Replace the fan, upgrade the wiring if needed, and reroute or extend ducting to meet current code.
- Cost: $400–$900+, especially if drywall repair is needed.
- Better if the fan is underpowered, the duct is poorly run, or your area requires a permit for electrical work.
Efficiency and long-term costs
Choosing between a quick handyman fix and a more involved project with a licensed pro isn’t just about today’s bill. Long-term costs and safety matter, too.
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Energy efficiency.
- A handyman can often seal drafts, install weatherstripping, and add simple insulation (like foam gaskets on outlets or door sweeps).
- These low-cost tasks—often $100–$300 in labor—can shave heating and cooling costs over time.
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Water damage prevention.
- Re-caulking tubs, sealing around sinks, and fixing minor leaks promptly can prevent thousands of dollars in rot, mold, or flooring damage.
- Even if you use a handyman, consider a licensed plumber if leaks are recurring or inside walls.
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Code-compliant work holds value.
- Work done by licensed trades and properly permitted is less likely to cause issues during inspections, appraisals, or insurance claims.
- Cutting corners with unpermitted electrical or structural work might save in the short term but cost more if you have to redo it later.
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Maintenance vs. major upgrades.
- Handymen excel at maintenance: tightening, sealing, adjusting, and minor repairs that extend the life of what you already own.
- If a system (like your electrical panel, plumbing stack, or HVAC) is old and problematic, it’s often cheaper long-term to upgrade with a licensed pro than to keep patching around the edges.
What to expect from a visit or project
Before the pro arrives
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Clarify your list.
- Write down everything you’d like done, with photos if possible.
- Group tasks by room or type (plumbing, carpentry, etc.).
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Ask about scope and licensing.
- Confirm what they’re legally allowed to do in your area.
- If any task might need a permit, ask how they handle that.
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Discuss pricing.
- Many handymen charge hourly with a minimum (e.g., 1–2 hours), while some offer flat rates per task or per half-day.
- Ask if there’s a trip fee or markup on materials.
Typical repair visit (2–4 hours)
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Arrival and walk-through (10–20 minutes).
- Review your list, prioritize tasks, and confirm pricing and time estimates.
- The handyman may flag any items that need a licensed trade.
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Set-up and protection (10–30 minutes).
- Lay down drop cloths, move small furniture, and gather tools.
- Shut off water or power locally if needed.
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Work on agreed tasks (1–3+ hours).
- Complete highest-priority items first.
- Check in if unexpected issues arise (hidden damage, code concerns).
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Clean-up and review (15–30 minutes).
- Tidy the work area, remove debris, and walk you through what was done.
- Discuss any remaining issues that may require a specialist.
Typical small replacement or install project
For something like installing a new vanity, hanging cabinets, or building custom shelves:
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Planning and measuring (30–60 minutes).
- Confirm layout, heights, and stud locations.
- Check for obstacles like pipes, wiring, or vents.
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Removal of old items (30–90 minutes).
- Carefully remove old fixtures or cabinets.
- Assess the wall, floor, or connections behind them.
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Install and adjustments (1–4+ hours).
- Mount new items, level and secure them, and reconnect basic plumbing or fixtures (within legal limits).
- Test doors, drawers, and hardware.
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Finishing touches (30–90 minutes).
- Caulking, small paint touch-ups, and clean-up.
- If more complex plumbing, electrical, or structural work is needed, the handyman may stop and recommend a licensed pro.
DIY vs. hire a pro
Reasonable DIY tasks for many homeowners
If you’re comfortable with basic tools and follow safety steps, you might DIY:
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Simple cosmetic fixes.
- Patching tiny nail holes, touch-up painting, replacing outlet/switch covers (without touching wiring).
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Basic hardware installs.
- Hanging curtain rods, towel bars, and simple shelves into studs or with proper anchors.
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Minor maintenance.
- Replacing weatherstripping, installing door sweeps, lubricating squeaky hinges, tightening loose screws.
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Non-structural furniture and storage.
- Assembling furniture, installing over-the-door organizers, or freestanding shelving units.
Tasks best left to a handyman or licensed pro
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Anything involving your electrical system.
- Adding circuits, moving outlets, working in the breaker panel, or troubleshooting wiring should be done by a licensed electrician.
- Even swapping fixtures may require a licensed pro in some areas; always check local rules.
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Plumbing beyond the very basics.
- Moving pipes, working on drains inside walls, or dealing with recurring leaks is licensed plumber territory.
- A handyman may be allowed to replace a faucet or toilet, but rules vary.
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Gas lines and fuel-burning appliances.
- Stoves, furnaces, water heaters, and gas lines should be handled only by licensed gas or HVAC pros. This is a serious safety issue.
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Structural work.
- Removing or altering walls, cutting joists, adding decks, or modifying stairs should involve a licensed contractor and often an engineer and permits.
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Roofing and major exterior work.
- Roof repairs, large siding jobs, and window/door replacements that affect openings in the building envelope should be done by licensed pros.
When in doubt, assume that anything affecting safety, structure, or building systems should be done by a licensed, insured contractor—not just a handyman.
Questions to ask potential pros
- “Are you licensed, insured, and bonded for this type of work?”
- “What kinds of jobs are you legally allowed to do in this area?”
- “Do any of these tasks require a permit, and if so, who pulls it?”
- “Do you charge hourly, per task, or by the half-/full-day?”
- “Is there a minimum charge or trip fee I should know about?”
- “Can you give me a written estimate that breaks down labor and materials?”
- “If you discover hidden problems, how do you handle extra costs or change orders?”
- “Will you be doing the work yourself, or will anyone else be on site?”
- “What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer on your work?”
- “How do you protect my home (floors, furniture, dust control) during the job?”
- “Can you provide references or photos of similar projects you’ve done?”
- “How soon can you start, and how long do you expect the work to take?”
Quick FAQ
Can a handyman legally do electrical or plumbing work?
It depends on state and local laws. In many areas, handymen can only do very minor electrical or plumbing tasks, if at all. Anything that requires a permit or touches main systems (panels, major pipes, gas, etc.) typically must be done by a licensed electrician or plumber.
Do I need a permit for handyman work?
Permits are usually tied to the type and scope of work, not the job title. Cosmetic work (painting, small drywall repairs, hardware installs) usually doesn’t need permits. Structural changes, new circuits, moving plumbing, or major HVAC work often do—and that usually means hiring a licensed contractor.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover work done by a handyman?
Insurance generally cares about whether the work was done to code by a qualified person. If unlicensed or unpermitted work contributes to damage (like a fire or flood), your claim could be questioned. That’s why it’s important to use licensed pros for system-level work and keep records of who did what.
Can a handyman pull permits?
In many places, only licensed contractors can pull certain types of permits. Some handymen may also hold contractor licenses, but you should ask specifically. If a job clearly needs a permit and the person you’re hiring can’t or won’t pull one, that’s a red flag.
Wrap-up and next steps
Choosing between a handyman and a licensed trade pro comes down to what the work touches:
- Surfaces and finishes? A handyman is often perfect for small repairs, touch-ups, and straightforward replacements that don’t change your home’s systems.
- Systems and structure? If it affects your electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, roof, or framing, lean toward a licensed contractor and permits where required.
Balance age, condition, and cost: if a repair is close to half the cost of a proper replacement—or if it’s patching a deeper system problem—it’s usually smarter to invest in a long-term fix with the right licensed pro.
Before you commit, get 2–3 quotes so you can compare scope, pricing, and how each pro handles licensing and permits. A neutral directory like Home Services Scout can help you quickly compare local handymen and licensed contractors without pressure.
With a clear task list and the right type of professional, you can tackle your projects safely, stay on budget, and protect your home’s value for years to come.