How Much Does a Handyman Cost?

Last Updated Apr 2, 2016 · Written by Craig Gibson

Handyman|Renovation Costs

You know those pesky household jobs and home maintenance projects that you don’t want to – or can’t – do? Rather than put up with broken cabinets, dicky doorknobs or blown light bulbs, you can call in a handyman.

This article will help you work out what jobs they can do and how much it may cost.


^{This handyman even helps little old ladies cross the street. © Yellow Van Handyman}

What jobs can a handyman do?

So what can your local handyman service help you get done? Quite a lot, including:

Basic painting: a handyman is perfect for those small painting jobs, like a feature wall, fence or door.

General carpentry work: it could be hanging a door, fixing your deck or building some basic shelves.

Furniture assembly: if you don’t have the time or inclination to assemble flat-pack furniture, a handyman can definitely help.

Hanging picture frames and mirrors: it can be tricky hanging artworks and heavy mirrors, so why not get some help?

Tile repairs: if you have a small repair job, like fixing a single cracked tile, a handyman is perfect for this task.

Connecting your washer or dryer: call a handyman if all you need is a few hoses connected.

Pressure cleaning: you will be amazed how your paving, driveway and outdoor areas will look after a thorough pressure clean.


A handyman is perfect for small jobs, like treating external timber. © Ascent Design & Build

Does my handyman need to be licensed?

The short answer is no, but this does mean they are able to carry out a limited range of tasks. These vary by state so it is best to check what applies where you live.

Generally speaking a handymen 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. In NSW this is $1,000,though this does vary by state. This means a handyman could not do legally do a tiling job worth over the prescribed amount - but they could carry out a smaller value project.

It is worth detailing what jobs a handyman can’t legally do.

There are limitations to what jobs a handyman can legally carry out

What jobs can’t a handyman do?

While a handyman is versatile and able to carry out a range of jobs, many critical tasks must legally be carried out by an appropriately licensed tradie. So unless your handyman has licenses in these areas, you're best to find a qualified and licensed tradie.

The most obvious jobs your handyman might not have a license for, include:

Building: any structural work to your home must be done by a licensed builder.
Plumbing: all plumbing work must be done by a licensed plumber.
Electrical: all electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician.
Gasfitting: an appropriately licensed plumber or gas fitter must do any gasfitting related work for you.

If you are not sure if a handyman can legally do your job, get in touch with your local council or  licensing authority.

And just like any other tradie who comes to work in your home, a handyman needs to be insured. 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.

Like any other tradie who comes to work in your home, a handyman needs to be insured

Read: How to choose a handyman


While handymen really are a jack of all trades, they may not be legally able to do some jobs in your home, like electrical work. © Stratton Building

How much does a handyman cost?

So how much will a handyman charge you?

Most handymen charge by the hour, with costs ranging from $40 to $90 per hour. This can increase if you need the handyman to carry out more extensive repairs. More complicated jobs tend to cost up to $80 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.

They may also have standard rates for common projects, rather than an hourly rate. For example, expect to pay in the region of:

• $60 per hour for odd jobs such as hanging artwork
• $140 to $600 for plastering
• $180 to $500 for patching holes in a wall and repairing damaged plaster
• $200 for fixing water damaged ceiling
• $200 for setting up a TV and mounting it on a wall
• $80 to $200 for assembling flat pack furniture, storage systems, play equipment, sheds and gym equipment
• $350 to paint a single room with two coats of paint

To save money, you may like to bundle a few tasks together. This will allow the handyman to complete several projects in one go.

Hiring a local handyman

Here on hipages, you can find and weigh up quotes from handymen, with our free Get Quotes service. Once you receive quotes from handyman, you’ll be able to choose the one that suits your needs and budget.

When it comes time to hire a handyman make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you insured to work in my home?
• Can you provide a written, itemised quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

Get a sense how much your project will cost by getting quotes from local handymen. This will enable you to get a sense of what market rates currently are.

* All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.