How Much Does a Handyman or Woman Cost in the U.K.?

17/12/2024

Handyman and woman prices

From putting up shelves to fixing the bike that’s been sitting in your shed for years, you can find a helpful handyperson ready to take on those odd jobs you haven’t had a chance to do. Wondering how much they are likely to charge? Find out with our handy (pun intended) cost guide.

 

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How much does a handyman or woman charge?

The jobs a local handyman or woman might take on can vary greatly. Some tasks might take minutes, while others can take hours or even days. Because of this, it can be tricky to pin down the exact average cost of hiring a handyperson. 

It’s not just the timing, either. Other factors come into play, like materials, tools and expertise. So, how can you find the right person for the job while sticking to your budget?

 

Handyperson jobAverage time taken Average cost + VAT
Call-out feeN/A£30
Handyman day rate8 hours£180-£240
Flat-pack furniture assembly1-2 hours £40 – £70
Put up eight basic shelves2-3 hours £70 – £120
Paint woodwork ( 4m x 4m room)3-5 hours £80 – £150
Picture and mirror hanging0.5-1 hour£20 – £45
Put up a curtain rail0.5-1 hour£25 – £50
Jetwash a patio1-2 hours£40 – £70
Minor electrical work1-2 hours£60 – £120
Minor plumbing work1-2 hours£70 – £130

 

Handyman prices per hour

Fortunately, lots of handymen and women offer an hourly rate to make quotes easier. Anywhere from £15 to £60 per hour is likely, with £30 being average (depending on where you’re based). As with many services, handyperson rates tend to be higher in cities like London

Then there’s job complexity. Simple tasks (like putting furniture together or fixing a minor leak), will likely come with a lower rate, while anything involving more specific skills will usually cost more — electrical work and detailed carpentry, for instance.

Do you have an urgent job that needs sorting? Your handyperson may charge more for last-minute or out-of-hours tasks. They might also be happy to offer a day rate for longer jobs. The average UK day rate for a handyman is around £180-£240.

The best way to get an accurate idea of how much a job might cost near you is to compare hourly rates on Taskrabbit.

 

What jobs can a handyman help with?

You name it, there’s a handyman who can help. The beauty of hiring a handyperson is that they tend to have a variety of skills to build, fix, and install all manner of household items. 

Whether you need help moving big items, like wardrobes and beds, want to reseal your bathtub, or don’t feel confident in your own wall-painting skills, you can hire a handyman or woman to take the task off your to-do list. 

Other ways they can help include:

  • Repairing doors and walls
  • Replacing door handles
  • Squeaky door hinges
  • Fixing kitchen cabinets and furniture
  • Fixing or replacing toilet seats
  • Painting
  • Small electrical fixes
  • Leaky taps
  • Furniture Assembly
  • Jammed blinds

 

Lots of handymen are happy to take on a mixture of different jobs, so it’s always worth putting a request out there to see who’s available to help.

 

Hiring a handyman in the UK: Factors to consider

When you’re ready to find a handyman to help you, we recommend checking:

  • The handyperson’s experience: Have they done similar work before? It’s important to make sure they have the skills you need, and it’s helpful to look at reviews and testimonials to see what other people have thought of their work.
  • Their pricing structure: The best way to get an accurate quote is to let the handyman know as much about your project as possible. That way, they can let you know if they charge an hourly rate, day rate, or flat fee and then provide a detailed estimate for the whole task. Find out if they include materials in their cost or if you need to provide these yourself.

    On Taskrabbit, you just fill out the details of your task to see the hourly rates of handymen or women in your area.

  • Their availability: It might seem obvious, but you need your handyperson’s schedule to sync up with your own, so it’s helpful to find out their availability early on. You can always compare different Taskers to find the handyman or woman who best suits your timeline.

 

a handyman repairs a door lock at home

Why hire a handyperson?

For many of us, keeping up with household jobs can be challenging. Work and busy lives mean it’s not always possible to whip up a wardrobe in an afternoon or retile the bathroom. Not all of us are confident in our skills, either — especially when it comes to things like drilling, painting, or fixing. The last thing you want is to pay more to have a professional come out and redo it.

Hiring a handyperson can free up your to-do list, ticking off all those practical tasks you can’t get around to or don’t feel comfortable doing. They have the skills and experience to get the job done efficiently.

 

FAQs about hiring a handyman

How much does it cost to hire a handyman in the UK?

The price of handyman services varies depending on the job itself, where you are, and the person’s experience. You can usually expect to pay around £30 per hour, but remember to factor in materials, last-minute tasks, and any specialist skills needed.

 

Do I need to provide tools and materials?

This is something you’ll need to confirm with your handyman ahead of time. Some handymen and women will bring their own tools and source any materials for you, while others may ask you to supply them. 

 

When should I hire a specialist instead of a handyman?

A handyperson can offer a whole host of skills to help out with various tasks. However, if you have a particularly complex job that requires particular safety standards (like major electrical works or gardening with a chainsaw), it’s best to seek a specialist. This is also the case if you need your handyperson to follow strict building codes.

 

Are there any additional fees I should be aware of when hiring a handyman?

When you search for a handyman or woman using Taskrabbit, you will see the available Tasker’s hourly rate for the job. When you connect with them, you can chat about any extras like supplying specific materials or needing certain tools. However, they will always let you know ahead of time so there are no nasty surprises.

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