If you have a list of small, and not so small, odd jobs around the house chances are a local handyman can help.

A handyman is a versatile tradie who is skilled in a range of tasks, from hanging pictures to painting, to putting new flat-pack furniture together - plus hundreds of other small repair jobs. They can also help with tasks outdoors, like repairing a shonky gate, sagging fence or leaking gutter. 

Read on for everything you need to know about hiring a local handyman near you, including: 


• What is a handyman & what can a handyman legally do?
• What jobs can a handyman help me with?
• Does a handyman need a licence and insurance?
• How much does a handyman cost?
• What questions should I ask a handyman?

What is a handyman & what can a handyman legally do?

A handyman is a real ‘jack of all trades’ who often has a background in a particular trade, and enjoys the variety the job offers. That’s because no two days will be the same for a handyman - they could be changing tap washers in the morning, replacing insect mesh on a screen door at lunchtime and painting in the afternoon.

That said, there are limits to what they can legally do. They can’t for example take on any structural building work - that is best left to a licensed builder.

The same goes for any plumbing, all electrical work and gasfitting - which all need a tradie licensed for those jobs.

What jobs can a handyman help me with?

A handymen can help you with a wide variety of jobs around the home, including:

• Painting and plastering
• Carpentry
• Pressure cleaning
• Door fitting
• Fitting door locks
• Installing smoke detectors
• Repairs and maintenance of tiling
• Repairs and maintenance of decking
• Installation of sheds and cubby houses
• Installing sprinkler and irrigation systems
• Cleaning and pressure washing
• Gardening
• Gutter cleaning
• Lawn mowing

Does a handyman need a licence and insurance?

Generally speaking a handyman does not require a licence if the work is not structural and if the total value of the materials and labour does not exceed a certain value.

This means they can take on basic tiling, bricklaying and carpentry projects, and save you hiring dedicated trades which are likely to be more expensive.

 
Licensing does vary by state, so it’s best to check what applies where you live.

For example, in NSW, there is a minor maintenance and cleaning licence which covers, ‘non-structural maintenance (including minor repairs) or cleaning of existing works, structures or buildings’.

If your job is valued at more than $5,000 (incl GST) in labour and materials, they would need to be licensed.



Just like any other tradie who comes to work in your home, a handyman needs valid insurance cover. This protects you and them in case an accident occurs.  Insurances they should hold include for personal injury, third party and property damage. Ask to see the certificates to ensure they are valid.  

How much does a handyman cost?

Most handymen charge by the hour, with costs ranging from $50 to $120 per hour. This can increase if it’s a more involved, complex job. More complicated jobs tend to cost up to $100 per hour or more. Some handymen will charge a flat rate for the first hour - say $90 and then a per half hour rate of say $33.00.

You can read our dedicated cost article for more detail, and for an idea what your handyman job could cost.

Let’s now look at how to choose the right handyman for your job.

What questions should I ask a local handyman?

Before you hire a local handyman, there are some questions you should run through - so you get the right person for your job. Ask them: 


• Are you insured?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up?
• Can I see previous examples of your work?
• How long will the job take?
• When can you start?

Get a sense how much your project will cost by getting quotes from your local handyman. This will give you an idea what current market rates are.