Handyman services are wonderful when you have projects that need to be done around the house and you don’t want to tackle the DIY method. Handymen, or rather handypersons, generally have multiple skill sets that enable them to do a variety of jobs, small and large. When you hire a handyman, however, you need to understand how much you should be paying, which depends on multiple factors.
Average Handyman Rates
Handypersons are in high demand, and there are many to choose from, with over 1.5 million people employed in the handyman services industry in the U.S. Because of this high demand, handyman services come at cost, but prices can vary significantly based on a variety of factors.
Handypersons often charge an hourly rate, which could be anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on the job. Some have a minimum fee that they charge to ensure that they make a profit on the project, and some projects may have a flat fee rather than an hourly rate. When you call a handyperson, you should ask about their pricing structure for the kind of work that you’re looking for.
Factors Affecting Price
Many factors affect how handypersons determine their price.
Size and Complexity of the Project
The main drivers of handyperson prices are the size and complexity of the project. The size of the job will drive the number of hours that it will take, and the complexity will determine the rate charged. The more complex the job, the more expertise and experience it will take, therefore the rate will be higher.
Let’s break it down into common small, medium, and large jobs.
Small Jobs
Small jobs may include TV mounting, connecting a downspout to a drain, installing light switch plates, or replacing light bulbs. For these types of jobs, the cost could be anywhere from $75 to $200. They don’t take long or require very specialized skills.
Medium Jobs
Medium jobs will take a little longer and require a little more skill. They might include drywall repair, regrouting a shower, light fixture installation, replacing a toilet, painting a bathroom, or gutter cleaning. Costs would likely range from $200 to $600.
Large Jobs
Large jobs might include painting whole rooms, framing a basement for finishing, larger drywall installation or repair jobs, deck installation, or roof repair. Prices could range from $600 to $1,500 or more.
Experience
You’ll want to hire someone who is experienced in the work you need, but you’ll pay more for their expertise. Someone who has been providing handyman services for 20 years is going to charge a premium over a handyperson who is just starting out. If your job is a simple one, like mounting a TV, a novice handyperson might be appropriate so that you can save money, but if you’re having deck installed, experience is probably worth paying for.
Licensing
States have different rules about licensing for performing certain work, but often, handyperson work does not require a license. However, hiring someone who is licensed and insured as a contractor offers you some security, and you’ll pay more in return.
Distance
The distance the handyperson has to travel may make a difference in the price. Traveling costs time and money, so they may add a trip charge to the final bill. Be sure to ask if this is the case, and if it’s included in the price quote they give you.
Independent Handyman Vs. Handyman Services Company
Many handypersons work independently as sole proprietors, but there are also handyman service companies. The companies have to pay employees and overhead and still make a profit, so their prices are going to be higher. However, if something goes wrong with the project, companies may be more likely to work with you to remedy the problem. This is certainly not always the case, of course. Many independent handypersons are very reputable.
Materials Cost
If your job requires materials and the handyman picks up those materials, they may charge for the time it takes to get them and also markup the prices. This can add a significant amount to your final bill, so whenever possible, you should have the materials ready.
When Not to Hire a Handyman
Jobs requiring very specialized skills should most often not be left to a handyperson. Some jobs also may require licensed contractors. Examples of these types of jobs include:
- Tile installation
- HVAC installation
- Larger plumbing jobs
- Roof installation
- Complex electrical work
- Siding installation
- Whole remodeling jobs
Money Saving Tips
Handyman work can be costly, but you can do a few things to save money.
- Hire the handyperson for multiple jobs at once so that you can avoid paying minimum fees or trip charges twice.
- Opt for a reputable independent handyperson instead of a handyman services company.
- Purchase the materials for the job yourself.
- Get multiple quotes, especially for larger jobs, but consider all factors like experience before choosing the cheapest option.
In Closing
When hiring someone for handyman services, be sure to ask about their pricing structure before you hire them, and do your homework to learn about their qualifications.
If you’re looking for a handyperson, JobSnap can connect you with local pros in just a few clicks. Just post your job and get matched. It’s a snap!
