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A handyperson can complete a wide variety of basic repairs and installation services, such as:

• Completing HVAC maintenance

• Fixing your sprinkler

• Installing an air conditioner in the window

• Repairing a leaky roof

• Fixing or refacing cabinets

• Installing an awning

• Securing loose stair railings

• Repairing a door cost

• Repainting a bedroom

• Hanging Christmas lights

Some plumbing and repair work requires specialized knowledge and licenses. In those cases, you shouldn’t hire a handyperson.

When home repairs require special licenses or permits, you likely need to hire a local contractor instead. Here are some examples of jobs that need a permit and are best done by certified pros:

• Adding a stairway

• Installing a new roof

• Installing a fireplace or wood stove

• Building a raised deck

• Replacing certain plumbing fixtures, such as water heaters

• Putting in new doors or windows

• Building a retaining wall

• Any work requiring the repair or modification of the existing electrical, plumbing, or gas systems

The easiest way to keep handyperson costs down is to buy your own tools and learn to handle basic repairs yourself. In the event you aren’t comfortable DIY-ing a project, you can keep handyperson jobs down by:

• Clearing out furniture and other obstacles to make the job easier and take less time

• Combining multiple small jobs if you can and asking for a discount for bundling the tasks

• Building rapport with a specific handyperson who may give you a loyalty discount

• Asking about discounts for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities

A handyperson usually has the flexibility to charge on an hourly or flat-rate basis. Before you ask, look at how the two differ. 

Suppose a job takes three hours to complete. At $75 per hour, you’ll spend $225. If they price the same job at a flat rate of $300, the rate is effectively $100 an hour, but this can save you money overall if the job takes longer than expected. Use your knowledge of the job and its potential pitfalls to weigh each option before deciding which one works best for you.

You don’t need to tip your handyperson. Handyperson hourly rates are high enough, typically between $55 and $75. And in some cases, they’re as high as $130 per hour. However, if you have a handyperson who regularly helps around your house and you’ve developed a good relationship with them, you can consider giving them a holiday bonus or tip at the end of each year.