What Types of Repairs Can a Handyman Do?

A handyman is often seen as a jack-of-all-trades, capable of handling a wide array of repairs and maintenance tasks around homes and businesses. From minor fixes to more complex projects, a handyman’s skill set is broad, making them a valuable resource for property owners. This article dives deep into the types of repairs a handyman can do, outlining the common tasks and how you can leverage this knowledge if you’re interested in learning How to Start a Handyman Business.

Table of Contents

1. General Maintenance and Repairs

Handymen are frequently hired for general maintenance tasks, which are essential in keeping homes and properties functional and safe. These tasks often include:

Fixing Leaky Faucets and Pipes: A common request involves repairing dripping faucets or minor pipe leaks. A handyman can replace washers, seals, or even the faucet unit itself.
Replacing Light Bulbs and Fixtures: Whether it’s a burned-out bulb or upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, a handyman can handle simple electrical jobs like replacing fixtures or installing new lighting.
Repairing Drywall: Holes, cracks, and dents in drywall are unsightly and can worsen over time. A handyman can patch these up, apply joint compound, and repaint the area for a seamless finish.
Cleaning Gutters: Clogged gutters can cause serious water damage if not maintained. Handymen are often called upon to clear out debris and ensure proper water flow.

2. Carpentry Work

Carpentry is a core skill that many handymen possess. The ability to perform basic woodworking tasks makes them invaluable for a range of home improvement and repair projects. Typical carpentry tasks include:

Building or Repairing Shelves: Custom shelving solutions or fixing sagging shelves are common handyman requests.
Repairing or Installing Trim and Molding: Decorative trim, baseboards, and crown molding can enhance the look of a room. A handyman can install these finishing touches or repair damaged sections.
Fixing Cabinets and Drawers: Misaligned or stuck cabinet doors and drawers can be easily fixed by a skilled handyman.
Assembling Furniture: Ready-to-assemble furniture can be a headache for some homeowners. A handyman can efficiently put together flat-pack furniture from retailers like IKEA.

3. Plumbing Repairs

While more complex plumbing jobs require a licensed plumber, many minor plumbing repairs can be handled by a handyman. These tasks include:

Replacing Faucets and Showerheads: Whether it’s an upgrade or a fix for a leaking fixture, a handyman can easily switch out faucets and showerheads.
Unclogging Drains: Handymen can clear minor clogs in sinks, toilets, or showers using standard tools like plungers and snakes.
Fixing Running Toilets: A constantly running toilet wastes water and can be fixed by replacing worn-out flappers, fill valves, or flush valves.

4. Electrical Repairs

While major electrical work should be left to a licensed electrician, a handyman can perform smaller electrical tasks that don’t involve complex wiring. These may include:

Replacing Light Switches and Outlets: A handyman can swap out faulty or outdated light switches and outlets for safer, modern alternatives.
Installing Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fan installation involves both electrical and mounting work, which a handyman can handle if it’s within the scope of their skills.
Repairing Loose Wires or Connections: If there’s a minor issue with a loose wire in a light fixture or outlet, a handyman can make these adjustments safely.

5. Painting and Wall Repair

Painting is a common task that many homeowners prefer to leave to professionals. Handymen can offer painting services for both interior and exterior projects. Here’s what they can typically do:

Touch-Up Painting: Over time, walls get scuffed and chipped. A handyman can do touch-ups to restore the wall’s appearance without the need for a full repaint.
Full Room Painting: From preparing the walls to applying the final coat, a handyman can paint entire rooms.
Wallpaper Removal: Old, peeling wallpaper can be a pain to remove. Handymen are often equipped to strip wallpaper and prepare the surface for painting or new wallpaper installation.
Patching and Sanding Walls: In addition to painting, handymen can patch holes and sand the walls smooth, ensuring a flawless finish.

6. Exterior Home Repairs

The outside of a home requires just as much maintenance as the inside. Handymen can tackle a variety of exterior repair tasks, such as:

Fixing Decks and Fences: From loose boards to broken gates, a handyman can handle common deck and fence repairs, ensuring they’re safe and functional.
Pressure Washing: Driveways, sidewalks, decks, and siding can accumulate dirt and grime. A handyman with a pressure washer can clean these surfaces, restoring their original look.
Gutter Repair and Cleaning: Beyond cleaning, gutters sometimes need repairs due to sagging sections or leaks. A handyman can reattach loose gutters and fix small leaks.
Siding Repair: Damaged siding not only looks bad but can lead to water damage if left unchecked. Handymen can repair or replace sections of siding to protect your home.

7. Appliance Installation and Repair

Handymen can assist with installing and repairing household appliances that don’t involve complex electrical or plumbing modifications. Common tasks include:

Installing Dishwashers and Washing Machines: Handymen can help connect these appliances to existing water lines and outlets.
Mounting TVs and Sound Systems: Wall-mounted TVs and sound systems require careful installation to ensure safety and functionality, which a handyman can handle.
Repairing Small Appliances: Minor issues with microwaves, garbage disposals, or other small appliances can often be repaired by a handyman.

8. Flooring Installation and Repair

Flooring projects can be time-consuming, but many handymen are skilled in both installation and repair. This includes:

Replacing Damaged Floorboards: Whether it’s hardwood, laminate, or tile, a handyman can replace sections of damaged flooring.
Installing New Floors: From vinyl planks to engineered wood, a handyman can install a variety of flooring types, usually at a lower cost than a specialized flooring contractor.
Fixing Loose Tiles: Loose or cracked tiles in kitchens and bathrooms can be repaired by a handyman using grout and adhesives.

9. Seasonal Maintenance Tasks

Certain repairs and maintenance tasks are season-specific and are often best handled by a handyman. These may include:

Winterizing Homes: Preparing a home for winter involves tasks like sealing windows, insulating pipes, and ensuring the heating system is functioning properly.
Spring Yard Cleanup: In the spring, a handyman can help clean up the yard, trim bushes, and prepare gardens for planting.
Hanging Holiday Decorations: From stringing lights to setting up large displays, a handyman can take the hassle out of holiday decorating.

10. Minor Renovation Projects

For homeowners looking to make small improvements without the cost of hiring a general contractor, a handyman can be the perfect solution. These projects might include:

Installing New Fixtures: Updating door handles, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware are tasks that a handyman can easily handle.
Building Custom Storage Solutions: A handyman can design and build custom storage options like closet organizers, under-stair storage, or built-in shelving.
Installing Backsplashes: Adding a tile backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom is a detail that can elevate the space, and a handyman can manage this type of project.

Conclusion: How to Start a Handyman Business

If you’ve read through the types of repairs a handyman can do and found yourself inspired, you might be curious about How to Start a Handyman Business. This industry offers flexibility, a wide range of potential clients, and the chance to work on diverse projects. To get started, it’s important to assess your skills, obtain any necessary licenses or certifications, and build a strong network through word-of-mouth referrals and online marketing. Additionally, investing in essential tools and equipment and learning how to price your services competitively will set the foundation for a successful handyman business.

With the growing demand for repair and maintenance services, starting a handyman business can be a rewarding venture.