As a homeowner you are aware that something always needs fixing around the house. You may need a wall painted, a new appliance installed, or the roof fixed. If you don’t have the time or capability to do this on your own, you may need the home repair services of a handyman.
The home repair service business is now a major industry. That’s because many people prefer to call a handyman or skilled tradesman to do minor home repairs. Older or retired people living alone often require the services of a handyman. Of course, there are do-it-yourselfers who are perfectly capable of doing repair and maintenance work at home. However, even DIY enthusiasts may need the skills of a plumber or electrician for more complicated tasks.
Handyman vs. Home Improvement Specialists
A handyman and a home improvement specialist can both operate their own businesses but the home improvement specialist is required to have a contractor’s license. This is why hiring a contractor to do the same thing will cost more than if a handyman were to do the job. This is also why licensed professionals sometimes turn down smaller home repair jobs. If you need someone to paint a room, install new shelves or repair a dry wall, call a handyman. To build a new addition to your home or repair a staircase, you will need the home repair services of a licensed carpenter or contractor.
Home Repair Jobs for a Handyman
A handyman is a more affordable and convenient option for small household repairs. He is a jack-of-all-
Replacing your entire plumbing system or more complicated electrical wiring should be done by a licensed professional.
However, you can hire a handyman to perform simple tasks such as emptying storm drains, fixing a leaky faucet or putting up shelves. A handyman can also handle more complicated tasks such as installing a water heater or replacing roof shingles.
There are some jobs that are not suited to the garden variety handyman, and having a burst pipes emergency is one such situation you will need to call in the professional services of a plumber, to ensure your house doesn’t flood.
A flooded house from burst water pipes can cause considerable damage to carpets, gyprock walls and timber flooring. So make sure to match the task with the right man or woman for the job.
Where to Find a Handyman
Many handymen work on their own, setting up “office” in their own homes. People you know may be able to recommend a good handyman for home repair services. You can also search online for a handyman in your area. There are many businesses and franchises for handyman services. You can call on them if you need any repair or maintenance services at home.