What are the most requested handyman services? (2023)

Handymen get their name because they’re good at so many things, and therefore very “handy” to have around. Although some handymen specialize in or originate from a specific field, most work as a jack of all trades—doing a little of this and that here and there.

But what exactly are the top handyman services that someone in this field should be able to perform?

We’ll discuss the most commonly requested tasks, as well as what a handyman needs to be able to perform the job the right way. Let’s get to work!

Plumbing

Plumbing is a very common service, especially garbage disposal replacement. Most of us live in fear of the plunger, let alone the mysterious inner workings of a toilet or bathroom sink.

A general handyman can take on most minor plumbing jobs, such as installing a new faucet fixture, unclogging a toilet, or doing some repiping.

However, for larger jobs, 44 out of 50 states (excluding Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming) require a plumber’s license. If you hire a handyman for repiping an entire house, they may be legally obligated to hire a subcontracting plumber to oversee the project.

Drywall installation

Drywall not only provides your home with insulation, but it also adds fire resistance to the walls and ceilings. But many people haven’t upgraded their drywall for decades. That can pose a serious problem.

One of the most commonly requested handyman services is drywall installation, whether for home improvement or to repair water damage. In fact, some handymen specialize in and only focus on drywall installation because so many people need it.

Handyman professionals can repair or install almost anything related to drywall repair and finishing, including:

• Cracks from settling
• Wear and tear
• Moisture damage
• Rodent damage
• Drywall anchor holes
• Drywall hanging
• Drywall mudding and taping
• Painting and finishing touches

Repairing damaged gutters

Removing leaves from gutter drains may not seem like that big of a deal until you’re standing on a wobbly ladder 30 feet above the ground.

Many people rightfully fear heights and don’t trust themselves (or their partner’s ladder-bracing skills) when it comes to cleaning and repairing gutters.

But one person’s fear is another’s financial gain. Handymen have plenty of experience on a ladder, and can use their time up in the eaves to also inspect the roof, identify damaged gutters (repairing them if necessary), or fixing roof damages.

Fixture replacement

Have you had your home for a while?

If so, then things are bound to wear down or go out of style over time. Fixtures eventually need replacing or updating, including:

• Cabinets
• Lighting fixtures
• Kitchen faucets

The vast majority of fixture replacement jobs don’t require a license, which makes them ideal tasks for the experienced handyman. Even if some of these odd jobs can be DIY projects, if you want it done right, it’s best to hire an expert.

Patching and painting

Whether the paint on the wall has been scraped by furniture, or a hole was punched through the drywall by roughhousing kids, patching and painting is one of the most frequent handymen requests.

Although most people can paint, few know how to replace a small section of drywall, which includes:

• Patching
• Spackling
• Sanding
• Painting

Even minor scrapes or holes can “ruin” a pristine white wall. A handyman can make it look brand new.

Laying tile

Tile installation isn’t so much a skill as it is an art. If you’ve ever seen a bad tile installation job, then you know exactly what we mean.

Although this handyman job seems simple on the surface—put down the adhesive, smooth it out, lay the tile—there’s so much more to it than that.

A handyman knows exactly how to make a tile job look perfect. This includes:

• Measuring the floor space so that the tiles fit seamlessly
• Laying and possibly cutting tiles to prevent wasted space or crooked layouts
• Waterproofing

Laying a tile floor or installing a backsplash is a tricky business. A professional handyman has the experience and the tools necessary to ensure that it ends up looking like you were on a home improvement show.

Painting

Of all the handyman services requested, painting (both interior and exterior) has to be one of the most common. While most people can paint, few can do it well.

It’s a ton of work to paint a room, let alone an entire house! Handymen can perform the job much more efficiently and effectively, particularly since they have all the tools needed, including:

• Paint rollers
• Paint brushes
• Drop cloths
• Paint
• Furniture covers
• Masking tape
• Ladders

In fact, some handymen specialize as painters because it’s such a popular handyman service. So, if you don’t feel like spending the day with a brush and paint can, a handyman is the obvious choice.

Deck construction and repair

Are you thinking about adding a patio or deck to your home?

Repairing or installing a deck isn’t a simple task, even if you know what you’re doing. It takes a level of craftsmanship that even most “handy people” don’t have.

Your local handyman can turn a complicated deck redo into a straightforward job, especially if they have a crew that can help them out. Let them go to work as you sit back, relax, and start planning your first get-together in your new outdoor space.

Make sure they have insurance

No matter the job, it’s important that you make sure a handyman has general liability insurance before you ever let them start work on your home.

Even if they are the epitome of professional, a handyman in your home represents a potential risk to you and your property. Should they accidentally damage your property or injure you, their policy will help cover third-party claims of:

• Property damage
• Personal injury
• Advertising injury

This means that if an accident did occur, the service professionals would be able to cover the costs.

This is why many handymen choose to get insured via Thimble. We offer on-demand insurance with flexible policies that go by the hour, day, or month.

The moment a policy is purchased, a Certificate of Insurance (COI) is sent to their email inbox. This acts as proof that they (and you) are protected from potential job site accidents.

When getting insured is as simple as this, you have no reason to let a handyman into your home without seeing their COI!

Handyman services

At the end of the day, a good handyman is someone smart to have on speed dial. They are capable of tackling a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Plumbing
• Drywall
• Gutter repair
• Fixture repair and replacement
• Patching and painting
• Tiling
• Painting
• Deck work

When they arrive at your house or business, double check their Certificate of Insurance – then get out of their way so they can get to work!