The word handyman is an umbrella term for a vast array of expert services, from carpentry and furniture assembling to plumbing and tiling. The licensing requirements or regulations for handyman work differ from state to state. Usually, handymen are employed for small tasks and quick fixes related to home care and maintenance. They’re paid by the hour and differ from professional contractors who undertake larger commercial and residential projects. Below are some standard handyman services.

12 most common handyman services

Furniture assembly
Furniture assembly is a relatively underrated service. Hiring a workforce can help one mount TVs, move around, set up beds, tables, and shelves, assemble patio furniture, etc. The service entails heavy lifting and unboxing furniture, putting it together, and cleaning afterward. It can save one a lot of time and energy, especially while moving.

Plumbing
Plumbers handle the technicalities involving a building’s sanitization, water supply, heating, etc. They can set up or fix leaky pipes, damaged showers, and other items in the drainage and gas systems.

Drywall installation and repair
One of the most frequently requested handyman services is drywall installation. It entails everything related to drywall, from the insulation of walls and ceilings to repair involving anchor holes, cracks, moisture and rodent damage, painting, and finishing touches.

Carpentry
Handymen who specialize in carpentry are experts in replacing doors, repairing kitchen cabinets, installing crown molding on walls and cabinets, constructing decks and patios, repairing creaky or loose staircases, framing doors, and building wooden structures. It is advisable to seek expert help rather than attempt a dangerous renovation or repair by oneself.

Gutter repairs and cleaning
Clearing leaves from gutter drains looks easier when one’s not perched on a shaky ladder 20 feet above the ground. A professional handyman can do the job much faster and with ease. They can inspect roofs, find damages, and, if required, make repairs and clear debris and clogs.

Minor fixtures
Cabinets, lighting, kitchen faucets, and basic electric and plumbing works require maintenance or replacement over time. Since the job doesn’t require a license, one can easily find skilled handymen for it.

Babyproofing the house
If one’s expecting a newborn in the house, it’s important to ensure that the house is safe and ready for the baby on the move. Babyproofing involves installing smoke alarms, safety locks, temperature guards, and furniture anchors, and removing or sealing flaking paint.

Tiling
A subpar tile installation is easily noticeable and often a safety hazard. A qualified handyman has the skills and appropriate tools to measure the floor area, lay down, and trim titles to avoid uneven surfaces and even waterproof them to avoid damage and extend their longevity.

Interior winterization
Interior winterization for buildings helps one to stay warm during harsh weathers. It involves services like attic insulation, storm window installation, furnace filter change, door weather stripping, door sweeps, and fixing caulk cracks around windows and doors. Getting these done for one’s home also saves one on heating bills and energy usage.

Interior stain, painting, and patching
Scrapped wall paint, wall holes, indoor as well as exterior painting, touch-up, and stain removal can be easily outsourced to a handyman. They can restore the house to its former glory with various techniques. Painting, in particular, requires a certain level of skill and precision to make it look well done. A handyman will have the right tools and expertise to avoid stains on other items in the room.

Electrical tasks
A handyman can cover all major and minor electrical tasks, including the installation of ceiling fans, dimmers, motion detectors, security cameras, light bulbs, and other equipment. Additionally, they can fix loose wall switches and outlets, which are otherwise problematic and risky in the hands of amateurs.

Fencing repairs and landscaping services
Handymen can install or repair fence panels and gates to improve security. Similarly, they also provide landscaping services that entail constructing garden planters, laying paving stones, and even decorating one’s house.

Apart from the aforementioned services, one can also hire a professional handyman for covering windows, repairing and maintaining door and window screens, and remodeling any part of the house as per requirements.

Why hire a handyman?
Handymen are equipped with the necessary skills to complete a task quickly and professionally, helping one save time and energy. Their experience also helps them detect issues with the property, furniture, or appliances at an early stage and prevent major, pocket-burning problems down the road.

What to look for while hiring a handyman?
It’s best to hire a local handyman with necessary expertise and good customer reviews. The reviews will help one to determine the quality of their work and the promptness and accountability of their service. Apart from that, it’s also advisable to verify a handyman’s liability insurance before they begin to work on the property. This helps one to understand whether their insurance would cover the expenses in the event of any unintentional property damage or physical injury.