How much are handyman hourly rates?

Handyman hourly rates

What is a handyman?

• Installing equipment and fixtures

• Replacing faulty parts

• Repairing leaky or squeaky stuff

• Performing general maintenance

• Assembling furniture

• Clearing out rubbish and junk

• Painting walls

• Demolishing old closets

• Repairing drywall

• Installing kitchen cabinets

• Handling basic carpentry or electrical work

• Planting shrubs

• Performing other small jobs and home improvements

Handyman flat rates

Handyman rates by project type

Handyman price list example

Handyman prices by scope of work

What affects handyman rates?

• Hourly rates and flat rates

• The project's scope

• Labor costs where you live

• The handy person's skill level

• Any materials or parts required

Travel fees

Material costs

• Handyman purchases and incorporates cost of goods into your bill

• Handyman purchases, incorporates cost of goods into bill and charges an hourly rate for shopping

• Customer purchases materials before the contractor arrives for the job. If you select this option, be sure to have the pro confirm that you have purchased the appropriate parts for the job. This will save you both time and money.

Minimum service fees

What's the difference between a handyman and contractor?

• HVAC work

• Plumbing projects

• Roofing installation or major roofing repairs

• Electrical installation and repair

• Concrete and other masonry work

• Flooring

How to hire a great handyman

• Read reviews: Great work speaks for itself through positive online reviews from previous and current customers. Look for someone with a range of experience

• Work experience: If you need to replace a leaky toilet, look for a handyman who has successfully installed toilets. You don't want your handyman trying out their first toilet installation on the only bathroom in your house.

• Discuss rates: Find out ahead of time whether your future handyman charges by the hour or will quote you a flat rate.

• Discuss payment options: Do they only accept cash or checks? Do they accept credit cards? For bigger jobs, talk about payment plans. If you hire a handyman for a multi-day project, they may request a deposit, but be wary of anyone who wants you to pay in full before work starts or before work is completed.

• Gut check the estimate: People who provide drastically lower estimates may not be reputable and tend to disappear. Trustworthy operations require standard rates to remain in business.

• Look at past projects: Look for a handyman who has been in business over the years, who will be more likely to stand by their work.

• Talk about job timelines: For a bigger project, such as hanging wallpaper throughout your entire home, discuss when the project will start, what time they will arrive for work each day, approximately how many hours of work they will do per day and when they expect to finish. Whether the job will take only a few hours or several weeks, make sure you agree on a timeline you're both happy with.

How to save money on handyman projects

• Bundling together home repair jobs: Handymen who charge an hourly rate will often have a minimum charge. This means that even if the task takes 20 minutes, you are likely to be charged for a full hour. Group together smaller household jobs to capitalize on your handyman's time and make the most of your investment.

• Spend time on planning: Communicate clearly while hiring and let the pro know exactly what the projects entail and what materials will be required. Sending photos (from more than one angle) of each project can give the handyman a better understanding of what tools and materials to bring.

• If special supplies are needed, communicate clearly about that, too: For example, if you want the handyman to paint an accent wall in your home, tell them the wall size, exact paint color and paint sheen, and indicate if you need any touch-ups to your drywall before painting. Providing as much detail as possible makes the handyman more efficient and saves you money.

Find a handyman near you