Q & A
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.
How much does a handyman charge?
Minimum rates for handyman jobs typically range from $60-$100. Pricing will depend on skill and experience required for the job, as well as regional labor rates. Here are a few examples of average handyman flat rates:
- Attic ladder replacement: $150.
- Toilet replacement: $75.
- Ceiling fan and light fixtures: $75.
- Faucet replacement: $125.
- Garbage disposal: $75.
A handyman performs general maintenance and repairs for residential and commercial properties. A handyman may charge a flat fee for standard services that take a predictable amount of time, such as installing a new appliance, as well as an hourly rate for larger projects such as digging out and replacing a rotted fence post. A cost-saving strategy when hiring a handyman is to bundle all the tasks you want them to do into one visit to make the most of any minimum service fees.
What does a handyman do?
A handyman is a skilled laborer who provides basic home repairs. Anyone can call themselves a handyman, although most who do so are skilled with repairs and home projects. Reading reviews is a good way to determine their fitness for your job. The tasks a handyman can perform include assembling furniture, painting interiors and exteriors, repairing fences, repairing broken doors or replacing trim, hanging lights, hooking up appliances, and much more. Handymen may have flat fees for certain services, or charge an hourly rate. Handyman rates are often lower than those of a contractor, as they don’t have the same specialization. Some states have no limit on the work a handyman can perform, while others do. For example, California’s Building and Professions Code section 7048 (small operations) permits handymen to provide work similar to that of a contractor (floor installation, painting, etc.) provided the total cost of labor and materials does not exceed $500. A handyman is a great resource for minor home repairs at a lower cost than a licensed contractor, but for more complex projects, it pays to hire a specialized contractor. Fore more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.
What do handymen charge per hour?
On average, you canexpect to paya handy person around $55 per hour. However, this cost can range between $35 and $80 per hour, depending on a number of factors. For instance, a handyman may charge a minimum fee of $50-$100 for small jobs that won’t take much of their time. The complexity of the job will affect the price as well. Your final price will also depend upon where you live, as certain regions have higher labor rates than others.
Get in touch with a fewhandy people near you, and ask for free cost estimates.
Is it worth it to hire a handyman?
It’s worth it to hire a handyman in many cases. For example, you should hire a handyman when the project’s size and scope make it challenging to complete by yourself. These projects may include major home remodels or additions, foundation work or electrical/plumbing/HVAC-related tasks. However, make sure the handyman has the proper credentials or license to perform the necessary work.
You might also want to hire a handyman if a contractor’s price is too high. Handymen often charge less than general contractors, but contractors typically have the required license to perform certain tasks.
And, lastly, think about the complexity of the job and the cost of future repairs. It’s worth it to hire a handyman when the project is complex. Doing something incorrectly can wind up costing more than hiring the pro in the first place.
Can a handyman do plumbing?
In some states, a handyman can provide plumbing services, but it may be in your best interest to call a plumber, particularly for issues more major than unclogging a drain or attaching a new sink. Hiring a plumber is important because mishandling your water and gas lines has the potential to do great damage to your home, your family’s health, or even the safety of your neighborhood. A handyman is not legally required to have any training or licensing in plumbing matters, while a licensed plumber has undergone years of education and on-the-job training. In some cases, homeowners insurance won’t cover damage caused by plumbing repair done by an unlicensed handyman.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most plumbers learn their trade through a four- or five-year apprenticeship with 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. They also receive classroom education including “safety, local plumbing codes and regulations, and blueprint reading. They also study mathematics, applied physics, and chemistry. After completing an apprenticeship program, plumbers … are considered to be journey workers, qualifying them to perform duties on their own,” according to the DOL. Licensed plumbers should do continuing education to keep abreast of safety and technology changes. Poor plumbing can lead to sewage backups, a flooded home or even natural gas leaks, so it’s best to leave it in the hands of a specialized professional.
How do you find a good handyman?
Finding a good handyman can change your life. Within days, the endless list of insurmountable tasks that were either out of your skill range or impossible to fit into your busy schedule can be completed. If you know you want help but aren’t sure how to hire the right pro, ask these questions to find the right fit:
- What is your work experience? If you are putting in a tile backsplash, you want someone experienced with the task, not someone who generally does painting and junk removal.
- How much do you charge? Handymen often charge hourly rates that vary based on the complexity of the task they’re hired to do, as well as flat rates for standard jobs. Be clear about what they’ll charge before you hire them.
- On that note, discuss payment details. It’s wise not to pay all the money up front, especially for larger projects. You may be able to pay a deposit for materials and pay the remainder upon project completion.
- How long will the job take you to complete? If the handyman is as busy as you are and a fence repair is going to take months, you should probably find another qualified handyman for the job.
Read client reviews and follow up with references to make sure you’re choosing the right handyman for your projects. For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.
Reviews for Ashburn handymen
Gerry F.
Excellent work on a couple of handyman projects.
James Y.
I've used handyman services in the past, but I have never been more impressed than the services received from A to Z. Definitely my go-to with any handyman projects in the future.
Archana R.
Orlando is very professional and punctual . We will definitely recommend him for any handyman work.
Archana g.
I would recommend Chris for any handyman work . He is really good 👍
Christine H.
Orlando was on time and extremely responsive. If you’re looking around for a handyman, Orlando is definitely your guy.
Lacey M.
We had 6 curtains rods installed - great service and very prompt! Will hire again for other handyman services.
Zahir M.
Honest, easy to communicate with and reasonable Handyman. He installed grab bars in shower (created frames for mounting), caulking and bike hook installation.
Tony S.
Handyman @ Your command is just what I've been looking for. The tech "Hugo" was very good and professional. I was very pleased with his work and his knowledge.
Tarsa l.
Elmer was very professional and completed the task including additional items not initially discussed. Would definitely use his services again and would recommend anyone who is looking for a good handyman!
Saurabh S.
Alex is a one stop shop for all your handyman needs. He took time answering all my questions. Cleaned up after the work. He was punctual and courteous. I will work with him again.
Christine N.
Joe is an excellent handyman and re-hung our cabinets with no problems. He knew exactly what to do, and already had the parts that were needed to do a great job. We will definitely call him again.
Laura A.
Kuffa is a great handyman. Very hard working. Great attitude. Caring about the quality of the work and ensuring I was happy. Came the second day even though he had to drive far, so he wouldn’t let me down.
Bharadwaj p.
James was very responsive and his work was very professional and well done. He came by, looked at the work needed, identified the parts that works be required and got them himself. His work was quick and efficient. Would definitely recommend for plumbing plus handyman work.
Morgan C.
Dan did a great job hanging my curtain rod (fixing what I messed up). He also helped hanging multiple pictures and hanging a light fixture for me. Thank you so much Dan! I will be calling him in the future for handyman jobs!!
William C.
Handyman contacted me immediately and said he could be at my house in a half hour. He showed up on time and was able to troubleshoot my problems. He was in and out within an hour. Very sharp and knowledgeable. Very professional and pleasant. Will contact him again for future projects.
Nicole D.
JR Handyman was quick with responding to my request and was able to get my project completed all within a matter of hours after connection. I appreciate the consistency in communication and value his work. Thank you for your awesome and quick service! Will definitely book again for future projects.
James H.
I recently hired JR as a handyman, and I must say that I am extremely satisfied with his services. Not only does he deliver quality work, but his prices are incredibly reasonable. In fact, JR beat his competitors' prices by a whopping 50%, which was a pleasant surprise.What impressed me the most about JR was his efficiency and ability to work on a fast timeline. Despite the tight schedule, he completed the tasks I assigned to him promptly without compromising on the quality of his work. This level of dedication and professionalism is hard to find in the handyman industry.JR's attention to detail and craftsmanship were evident in every project he undertook for me. From fixing electrical issues to repairing plumbing problems, he demonstrated expertise in various areas. It's refreshing to work with someone who takes pride in their work and goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.Furthermore, JR was always punctual, respectful, and courteous throughout our interactions. He was attentive to my needs and listened carefully to my concerns, providing helpful suggestions and solutions along the way. It was evident that he genuinely cared about the outcome and the satisfaction of his clients.Overall, I highly recommend JR for anyone in need of a skilled and reliable handyman. His commitment to providing quality work at reasonable prices, along with his ability to complete projects on a fast timeline, make him stand out among the rest. I will undoubtedly be reaching out to JR for any future handyman needs.
CJ M.
I had to fix several things at my TH and Dan was very efficient and productive from responding to my messages with details and until getting things done. He had solutions to many minor issues around the house. I would highly recommend him for any handyman work.
Sreedhar Reddy M.
He responded very quickly and arrived the very next day morning. He came on time as quoted and did an amazing job in replacing the vent cover, closing all the bird entry points, cleaning up the work area. I will highly recommend him for any handyman work he listed on.
Pim T.
Mehdi from FixTman installed curtain rods and hung curtains in two of my bedrooms. He was on time, very polite and professional, and the work was completed timely. The curtains look great. FixTman was very responsive and pricing was reasonable. I plan to use them again for all my handyman work around the house.
Linh H.
I recently had the pleasure of using the handyman service from US HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC ,and I must say that I am incredibly impressed with their professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional workmanship. From start to finish, my experience with them was nothing short of outstanding. My mailbox was broken. Called in for the service and get it fixed next morning. Highly recommended
Kimmy H.
We needed some work done for our home to go on the market and found Orlando on here. He installed 2 vanity lights and faucets for us. I've had bad experiences hiring unfamiliar companies in the past, but I just found my go-to handyman! He was efficient, professional and friendly and did an amazing job. Highly recommend!!
Krithika S.
Eric did a clean job for the kitchen floor repair work he did for us. He also noticed a few dents on my walls and offered to complete it - which was great. There is a bit of of a language issue but we were able to communicate with each other to get the work done. I would definitely recommend and would engage him for future handyman work.
Prashant B.
The handyman was not punctual at all… booking was at 2 pm and I had to reach out to him at 2:40 to check on where he was… he then said his previous job got delayed and he will take another hr… I waited for another hr and then he texted back saying that he will take another hr and 20 mins… So had to just cancel him…
Nishanth M.
The best handyman experience I ever had. They came home on time and was very efficient with the work they have done. I have initially booked the appointment just for bar cabinet installation but later requested for other installs. He was ok with it and provided excellent service through out the installs. Elements setup was all his idea and I loved the end result. Must recommended service. Thanks again for all the efforts
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