Find a Handyman Near You
A handyman handles small repairs, assembly, fixings, decorating and general maintenance. There is no licence to be a handyman in the UK, which cuts both ways: they may carry out most non-notifiable work, but gas work requires Gas Safe registration and most fixed electrical work is notifiable under Part P. Ask what they are insured for rather than what they are willing to attempt.
Versatile handyman services for odd jobs, repairs and general maintenance. Compare quotes from vetted handyman professionals across the UK. Typical cost: £100–£250.
Searching for handyperson, handy man or odd job man? That is the same work — every handyman listed here covers it.
Quick answer
What can a handyman legally do, and where does the law stop them?
A handyman handles small repairs, assembly, fixings, decorating and general maintenance, typically £100–£250 for a half or full day. There is no licence to be a handyman in the UK, and that cuts both ways: they may do most non-notifiable work, but gas work requires Gas Safe registration and most fixed electrical work is notifiable under Part P. Ask what they are insured for, not what they are willing to try.
Handyman vs specialist trade — where the saving stops being a saving
| Job | Handyman | Specialist trade | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hang doors, shelves, blinds, TVs | ✅ Ideal | ⚠️ Overkill | Handyman |
| Replace a like-for-like socket | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Yes | Either |
| New circuit or consumer unit | ❌ Notifiable | ✅ Electrician | Electrician |
| Any gas appliance | ❌ Illegal | ✅ Gas Safe | Gas engineer |
| Small plastering or tiling patch | ✅ Often fine | ✅ Better finish | Depends on size |
The honest rule: use a handyman where the risk of a poor result is cosmetic and cheap to redo, and a specialist where it is structural, notifiable, or dangerous. A day of handyman time on the right list of jobs is the best value on this site.
The Complete Guide to Hiring a Handyman in 2026
A handyman provides versatile handyman services for odd jobs, repairs and general maintenance. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a major installation project, a qualified handyman has the skills, tools and experience to complete the work safely and to a high standard. On TradeMatch, every handyman is vetted, background-checked, and holds verified public liability insurance — giving you peace of mind that your project is in safe hands.
When Should You Hire a Handyman?
- •You notice something that needs professional handyman attention — don't wait for small issues to become expensive problems.
- •You're planning a renovation or home improvement project that requires specialist handyman skills.
- •You need work that must comply with UK building regulations, safety standards, or manufacturer warranties.
- •You want a professional assessment, survey or quote before committing to a larger project.
- •You need ongoing maintenance to keep your property in good condition.
HandymanQualifications & Credentials to Look For
When hiring a handyman, always verify their qualifications. The following are the key credentials and trade body memberships regulated by Relevant trade association:
On TradeMatch, we verify all of these credentials before any handyman can quote on jobs.
UK accreditations every handyman on TradeMatch is checked against
Every tradesperson is verified against the UK accreditation bodies that matter for the work — before they can quote.
Handyman Hiring Checklist
Use this checklist before hiring a handyman to ensure you get quality work at a fair price:
- 1Verify qualifications: Relevant trade qualifications
- 2Confirm valid public liability insurance (minimum £1 million cover)
- 3Check reviews from previous customers — look for consistent quality and reliability
- 4Get at least 3 written quotes that itemise labour, materials and VAT
- 5Ask for references and examples of similar completed work
- 6Agree a detailed scope of work and timeline in writing before work starts
- 7Confirm payment terms — TradeMatch escrow protects both homeowner and tradesperson
- 8Check whether Building Control notification or planning permission is required
Red Flags When Hiring a Handyman
Watch out for these warning signs when getting quotes for handyman work:
- ✗No verifiable qualifications or trade body membership
- ✗Requests full payment upfront before any work has started
- ✗No public liability insurance or unwilling to provide proof
- ✗Pressures you to make a quick decision without time to compare quotes
- ✗Cannot provide references or examples of previous work
- ✗Unusually low quotes that seem too good to be true
TradeMatch eliminates these risks — every handyman is vetted, insured, and payments are escrow-protected.
Best Time to Hire a Handyman
You can hire a handyman at any time of year, but planning ahead and booking during off-peak months (typically late autumn to early spring) can help you get better availability and potentially lower prices. For emergency work, TradeMatch has professionals available for same-day callouts.
Looking for a Handyman Near You?
Browse vetted handyman professionals across 200 UK cities.
Average Handyman Costs in 2026
| Job | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture assembly | £30 | £60 | £120 |
| Shelf installation | £40 | £80 | £150 |
| Picture/mirror hanging | £30 | £50 | £100 |
| Flat-pack kitchen assembly | £200 | £400 | £700 |
| General repairs (half day) | £100 | £160 | £260 |
Prices are indicative UK ranges for 2026, not a survey. Actual costs vary by location, materials and scope of work.
Handyman Services
Furniture Assembly
Flat-pack furniture assembly including wardrobes, desks, beds and shelving units
£30–£150Shelving Installation
Wall shelving, floating shelves and storage solution fitting for any room
£50–£200General Repairs & Odd Jobs
Small home repairs including curtain poles, picture hanging, door adjustments and minor fixes
£30–£120TV Wall Mounting
TV bracket installation and wall mounting with cable management and concealment
£50–£150Find a Handyman by Location
Handyman — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a handyman cost in the UK?▾
How do I find a reliable handyman near me?▾
What qualifications should a handyman have?▾
How long does it take to get a handyman on TradeMatch?▾
Are handyman professionals on TradeMatch insured?▾
How much does a handyman charge per hour?▾
What guarantee should a handyman offer?▾
Is it worth hiring a handyman or doing it myself?▾
What handyman services can I book on TradeMatch?▾
How to Hire a Handyman on TradeMatch
Post Your Job
Tell us what handyman work you need — it only takes 2 minutes.
Get Free Quotes
Receive up to 3 quotes from vetted handyman professionals near you.
Hire & Review
Compare reviews, choose the best quote, and leave a review when the job is done.
HandymanQuestions & Answers
Browse questions from homeowners about hiring a handyman, costs, and what to expect.
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How TradeMatch wins for Handyman work
Side-by-side with the four most-searched UK trade platforms. No subscription fees, up to 5 competing quotes, escrow-protected payments — three things every other platform misses.
| Feature | TradeMatch | Checkatrade | MyBuilder | Bark | Rated People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 quotes | ✓ | Browse | Up to 5 | Varies | Up to 3 |
| Escrow payment protection | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| No tradesperson subscription | ✓ | £50+/mo | ✓ | Credits | £15+/mo |
| Verified reviews (live) | ✓ | 5-day delay | ✓ | Mixed | ✓ |
| Background + qualification checks | ✓ | ✓ | Light | Basic ID | ✓ |
| Dispute resolution team | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |