How much does it cost to hire a handyman?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

If you have any small jobs but not the time or skill to do them yourself, consider hiring a handyman. A handyman can take care of many small projects and hires out their services to those who need them. Depending on the handyman, they may be able to do anything, from repairing your deck to installing a toilet. Some even have the skills for minor bathroom upgrades and wiring a new light.

There is a wide range of associated costs with the variation in projects. The national average cost to hire a handyman is between $150 and $600, with most people spending around $300 to install a large flat-screen TV complete with HDMI cable and electrical outlet. The low cost for hiring a handyman is around $75 to replace a bathroom faucet with the homeowner providing the new faucet. The high cost is around $1,000 to repair and paint the drywall in a 12’ x 12’ room.

Cost to Hire a Handyman

What Is a Handyman?

A handyman is a skilled individual who contracts for small to medium projects. Unlike contractors, handymen are unlicensed. They may have a broad range of skills, with some handymen being more experienced than others. For example, some handymen can install a ceiling fan, while others can plumb a new bathroom. You may need to call more than one handyman to complete a project to get the best price and find someone capable of the job.

Handyman Hourly Rate

The hourly rate for a handyman ranges from $50 to $100, with most charging around $65 an hour. Depending on the handyman, this may include driving time and material markup fees. Others charge a flat rate or have a minimum, so they may charge $65 an hour with a $130 minimum charge. Even if something takes less than 1 hour to complete, you still pay the minimum rate.

Trip Charge for a Handyman

Not all handymen have a trip charge. Those who do start hourly billing when they leave for your job. This is most typical for small jobs. For example, if they plan to change a faucet and anticipate a job of 15 minutes. They start the billing when they leave their home and end when they finish the job. If the drive time is 30 minutes, they charge 45 minutes, rather than only for 15. This charge is most common for handymen without a minimum charge.

Handyman Minimum Charge

Not all handymen have a minimum charge, but the most common is $130. This is usually for small projects that take 30 minutes or less. For example, when fixing a leaky pipe, a job that could take a few minutes or two hours, they likely give you a minimum charge to cover some of their travel time.

Handyman Prices by Type of Project

Handymen can take on many projects. Most can be broken down into general categories that determine the possible job cost. Typical categories include installations, repairs, painting, and maintenance. Not all handymen take on every project. Some specialize or restrict themselves to one or two categories, while others tackle all projects.

Installation

A handyman typically charges between $60 and $400 for a new installation. Typical installations include faucets, ceiling fans, small light fixtures, drapes, heavy artwork, TVs, sinks, and toilets. Many handymen also install appliances. In most cases, you need to have the fixture or appliance on hand for installation. While a handyman may purchase materials for some jobs, you are expected to provide the item for installation. Installations may be charged on a flat rate or hourly basis.

Repairs

Typical charges for repairs range from $75 to $700. Repairs may include a toilet flush valve, leaking pipe, or drywall repair. Not all handymen are well versed in all types. Some can handle minor plumbing jobs but not those related to the pipework. Likewise, some can handle small drywall repairs but not major repairs. Repairs are usually charged on an hourly basis.

Handyman Maintenance

Maintenance tasks carried out by a handyman average between $100 and $280. Typical maintenance jobs include removing leaves and debris from your gutters, scraping and staining a deck, and recaulking a shower. Every handyman has a list of maintenance projects they provide. Some specialize in maintenance and take care of numerous tasks, while others may only do one or two. Speak to your handyman about what they can do. Most maintenance jobs are charged by the hour.

Handyman Painting

For handyman painting projects, expect to pay $400 to $1,000 on average. This does not include the paint or other supply costs. Many handymen only do small painting jobs, such as painting an area of drywall they just patched. Others paint rooms, ceilings, shutters, and stain decks. Because each handyman has preferences, search for someone willing to take on the job. Those who paint often have costs comparable to professional painters due to the job’s exacting nature.

Handyman Prices by Installation Task

A handyman takes on many tasks, such as installing things around the home. Installations are typically limited in scope and use materials and work in areas where a specialist is not needed. Installations by a handyman are also usually limited in steps. For example, they may install a tile floor, but they may not install a glass mosaic with a paper face that requires additional expertise and steps for installation. Always ask your handyman beforehand. You are expected to have the item on hand at installation, meaning they do not provide it:

Art Hanging

If you have heavy artwork, a handyman can hang this for $60 to $125 on average. This includes installing any mounting hardware necessary to support the work and the hanging and leveling. If needed, this may include the traveling cost to the hardware store for the necessary hardware. Costs may be lower if you have this on hand. Costs could be higher if the wall is obstructed or difficult to get to or if the wall requires patching or repair before hanging. Your handyman may ask to see the wall and art before committing to a cost.

Handyman Bathroom Faucet Installation

If you have your handyman replace your bathroom faucet, costs typically range from $60 to $150. This does not include the new faucet’s cost, but it includes the old faucet’s removal and disposal. You need the faucet on hand for installation. If the job is minor, the cost quoted may also include travel time. The costs can be higher if the faucet requires special additions, such as setting up a touch-toe sensor.

Handyman Curtain Installation

If you have your handyman hang curtains, expect to pay between $60 and $150 per window. This does not include the curtain’s costs or additional hardware that the job may require. It may include travel costs, depending on how far the handyman needs to go. Installation includes measuring, installing the brackets, and hanging the curtains. You need to be available to indicate and confirm the hanging height. While this cost is per window, you may get a discount if you have multiple windows hung at once.

Handyman Blind Installation

Having blinds installed ranges from $60 to $150 per window. This does not include the blinds or additional hardware costs. Depending on the timing, it may include travel-related costs. The installation includes measuring, installing the brackets, and hanging the blinds. You need to be there to indicate the height or other options. You may also get a discount per window if you have multiple windows installed at the same time.

Handyman Light Installation

If you have your handyman install a light fixture, this costs between $80 and $150. It does not include the cost of the fixture or any extra hardware. The light type may impact the hanging’s cost. A hallway light costs less to install than a chandelier. While some handymen install a new light fixture, most only install a new light fixture in the same location as a previous light. Small changes in the location may also be possible, depending on the handyman’s skill level.

Handyman Appliance Installation

If you have a handyman install an appliance, expect costs to range from $100 to $150 on average. This does not include the appliance’s cost or any necessary hardware or parts. Appliances that a handyman typically installs include washers and dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, and range ovens. They may also remove and dispose of older appliances, but the disposal may have additional costs. You should be there to indicate the exact position of the new appliance. Installation typically includes hooking up the water and electricity, securing the appliance, and testing it.

Handyman Toilet Installation

The average cost for a handyman to install a toilet is between $100 and $200. This usually includes the old toilet’s removal and installing a new wax ring. It does not include the new toilet’s cost or any additional required parts, such as a valve. Installation typically includes assembling the toilet, placing it, bolting it into place, and hooking up the water supply. It also includes testing the toilet and checking for leaks. Costs may be higher if the toilet has an offset waste.

Handyman Gutter Installation

If you have your handyman install new gutters, expect to pay between $100 and $300 for the job. This does not include the cost of the gutters or hangers and other necessary hardware. Most handymen can install seamed gutters that install via hangers on the fascia. Because seamless gutters require special equipment and material, this is a job better left to the professionals. The job is less expensive for gutters on the first story. Gutter installations on the second and third stories cost more.

Childproofing a Home

When a handyman installs childproofing materials in your home, costs typically range from $100 to $300 for the job. This does not include the costs of the childproofing materials. Typical services may include installing locks on cabinet doors, changing doorknobs, installing gates, and installing toilet locks. The more rooms you childproof, the higher your total costs. While a handyman can install the items you select, hire a specialist if you need advice on what and where to childproof. A handyman is best at assembling and installing the items you have already chosen.

Handyman Fan Installation

The cost for a handyman to install a ceiling fan in your home ranges from $100 to $300. This does not include the cost of the fan or any necessary hardware. The job’s cost increases with the ceiling’s height. For example, installing a fan in a vaulted ceiling costs more than installing one on a standard ceiling. A handyman usually only installs the fan where there has been an existing fan or light fixture. They do not typically install a fan in an area where there has not already been an electrical fixture.

Handyman Door Installation

If you have a new door hung by a handyman, expect to pay between $200 and $300 for the job. This does not include the door’s cost or any required hardware. This project’s cost is influenced by whether the door has a frame. It can also be influenced by whether this is a replacement door or a new installation. The installation includes the hanging and hardware and making sure it is level. It may also include installing new hardware, such as a new doorknob or lock.

Handyman Kitchen Sink Installation

If a handyman installs a new kitchen sink, expect to pay around $200 to $300. This does not include the cost of the new sink, plumbing, or extra hardware. This project’s cost varies depending on the sink’s type, with drop-in sinks costing less than undermount sinks to install. Installation includes the old sink’s removal, installing the new one, and hooking up the drain and plumbing. Installing garbage disposal adds to the project’s cost. Installing a faucet also increases the price.

Handyman to Install a Bathroom Vanity

The average cost to have a handyman install a bathroom vanity is between $200 and $400. This does not include the vanity’s cost, sinks or faucets installed with it, or the plumbing and extra hardware. Installation usually includes removing a sink or vanity. This also includes hooking up the plumbing and installing a new faucet. If you have a specialty faucet or sink to install, your costs are higher than if the vanity comes with a sink and is predrilled for the faucets. You need to be onsite to ensure the placement is correct.

Holiday Lighting

If a handyman hangs your holiday lights, expect prices to range from $200 to $400. This does not include the cost of the lights or any hardware needed. You need to be on hand to direct the handyman to where you want the lights hung. While a professional light hanging company may design or make suggestions, a handyman only does the hanging. You must provide explicit instructions on how and where. Costs increase for installing lights on a second story or above. Costs are lower for ground-level work.

Handyman to Lay Laminate Flooring

If a handyman installs your laminate flooring, expect to pay around $300 to $400 on average. This does not include the cost of the flooring or any necessary hardware. It also does not include the cost of removing the existing flooring. In some cases, you need to remove the baseboards from the room to avoid an additional charge. Costs include the laying of a floating floor in an average-sized room of 300 sq.ft. Intricate patterns, lots of cuts or odd angles, and other specialty work increases the installation cost.

Handyman Carpet Installation

The cost to have a handyman install a carpet in your home ranges from $300 to $400. This does not include the cost of the new carpet, padding, or hardware. It also does not include the cost of removing any existing carpeting or flooring. A handyman does not measure for the carpeting. You need to have the correctly sized piece of carpeting and padding on hand for this installation. These costs reflect the average 300 sq.ft. room. Larger areas cost more.

Handyman TV Mount

The average cost to have a handyman mount a TV on the wall is between $300 and $400. This does not include the cost of the TV, the cables, or any necessary hardware. Typically, this installation includes mounting and leveling. It also includes the HDMI cable’s installation and moving the outlet behind the TV. If you have previously had a TV in this area, it may include any necessary repairs to the wall. Costs are higher for oversized or ceiling-mounted TVs.

Handyman Rates by Repair Tasks

Handymen are particularly good at minor repairs. While you should always hire a specialist for major repairs concerning appliances, furnaces, and foundations, a handyman can easily address minor repairs. Charges for the repairs generally range depending on the problem’s severity and repair’s complexity.

Handyman to Fix a Hole in a Wall

Expect to pay between $125 and $175 for a handyman to fix a small hole in a wall. This does not include the material cost needed to patch the hole. It also does not include painting the entire wall to match the repair, but it does include the cost of painting the repaired area. The hole’s size impacts the cost. Any holes larger than a dinner plate require more extensive repair work and have higher costs. These costs are for repairing small holes in most walls.

Handyman Door Repair

The cost to have a handyman repair a door is $125 to $200. This does not include any materials that may be needed for the repair. Typical door repairs include patching holes, re-hanging the door, tightening doorknobs, tightening hinges, replacing hinges, and repairing the frame. The more extensive the damage, the higher the repair cost. Exterior doors tend to be more costly to repair than interior doors. Likewise, solid doors cost more than lightweight hollow core doors.

Handyman Window Repair

The price for a handyman to repair a window is between $125 and $200 on average. This does not include any materials that may be needed for the repair. Typical window repairs may include replacing a pane of glass, repairing a sash cord, replacing a lock, loosening a stuck window, or repairing a frame. The more extensive the damage, the higher the cost. Windows on the second floor of the home may be more costly to repair than windows on the first floor. Operational windows cost more to repair than fixed windows.

Handyman Fence Repair

The cost for a handyman to repair a fence is $125 to $200. This does not include the cost of any materials or hardware that are needed. Typical fence repairs include replacing fence panels or sections, resetting a fence post, and replacing gate hardware. The more extensive the damage, the higher the costs. Painting or staining the fence after the repair is an additional fee. Costs can also fluctuate based on the material. For example, wood fences are less expensive to repair than metal.

Handyman Stair Repair

The cost to have a handyman repair a set of stairs is between $150 and $300. This does not include the material costs needed to make the repair. Typical repairs may include replacing treads, replacing risers, replacing or repairing stringers, and repairing or replacing balustrades or railings. Interior stairs tend to cost more to repair than exterior stairs. Likewise, wood deck stairs cost less than concrete and stone stairs. If the repaired area must be painted or stained to match the surrounding areas, the project’s costs increase.

Handyman for Kitchen Cabinets

If you need to have your kitchen cabinets repaired, hire a handyman for $150 to $500. This does not include the cost of any materials or hardware that are needed. Typical repairs include replacing interior shelves, replacing or repairing stiles, changing cabinet hardware, replacing old hinges, and repairing minor holes. Costs increase if you need to stain or paint the cabinets to cover the repair. The more extensive the repair work, the higher the costs. Specialty finishes and exotic hardwood cabinets also increase the costs.

Handyman Appliance Repair

If you have a handyman make minor repairs to your appliances, expect costs to be between $200 and $400. This does not include the cost of any hardware or materials. In most cases, hire a specialist for your appliances. This is particularly true if your appliance is under warranty because having an unqualified person working on your appliance voids the warranty. For minor repairs or older appliances no longer under warranty, handymen can help. The more serious the issue, the higher the cost to fix.

Tile and Grout

The average cost for a handyman to repair tile and grout averages $200 to $400. This does not include the cost of any materials needed to complete the repair. Typical repairs include digging up and replacing old grout and removing and replacing a broken tile. Removing old grout can be expensive because it is time-consuming, particularly if you have many repairs. In some cases, it may be less expensive to hire a tile specialist. They often have tools and techniques that a handyman does not have access to, making the repair faster and less expensive.

Handyman Deck Repair

The average cost of having a handyman repair your deck is between $200 and $500. This does not include the cost of any material or hardware needed for the job. Typical repairs include replacing planks, replacing old hangers, replacing posts, and repairing or replacing deck stairs. Painting or staining the deck as part of the repair increases costs. Ensure that your handyman checks things, such as if the posts and supports are in good condition. If wood rot is pervasive, the deck may need to be replaced.

Handyman Siding Repair

The cost to have a handyman repair siding averages $250 to $300. This does not include the cost of any new siding or additional materials necessary to make the repair. Typical repairs include removing dents from aluminum siding, repairing minor cracks or holes in vinyl siding, and replacing small sections of wood siding. Some repairs involve removing the siding and installing new siding. You may want to hire a siding installer for the job if this is the case unless the handyman has extensive experience in this area. If you suspect you have asbestos siding, do not attempt to repair it until testing is done.

Handyman Drywall Repair

If your drywall needs more work than a hole repair, expect to pay between $275 and $800 for a handyman. This does not include the cost of any material or hardware needed to make the repair. Most handymen have minimum charges for drywall repair. The more extensive the work, the higher the costs. This is also true if you need to paint the wall after the repair. If the area has water damage or other issues, hire a specialist to address the problem.

Handyman Pipe Repair

The cost to have a handyman repair a leaking pipe is around $275 to $800 on average. This does not include the costs of any materials necessary to make the repair. While a handyman cannot make significant plumbing repairs, most can find and fix a leaking pipe or valve. The cost increases if the pipe is in a difficult-to-reach location. Most handymen do not replace pipes, so they may refer you to a plumber if the damage is extensive. The most common repairs are leaking pipes beneath sinks, beside toilets, and around joints or valves.

Handyman Roof Repair

The cost to have a handyman make roof repairs averages $300 to $900. This does not include the costs of any materials necessary for the repair. Not all handymen make roof repairs. Some do not carry the insurance for roof work. Those who do usually charge a higher rate for this work. Typical repairs include adding adhesive to flashing, replacing broken or missing shingles, and replacing missing flashing.

Emergency Handyman Service Cost

Like other professionals you hire, a handyman may charge an emergency fee. This can include being called out after dark or on the weekends or holidays. It may also include putting a rush on a job rather than waiting for an opening in the schedule. The average emergency rate is $90 an hour but could go as high as $200 an hour, depending on the timing, distance, and job.

Handyman vs Contractor

You may wonder whether you should hire a contractor or a handyman. The biggest difference is that a contractor must be licensed in most states. This means they passed an exam and paid licensing fees. Check the license status with the state to see if it is in good standing. A contractor held accountable for problems on the job may lose this license.

A handyman is simply a skilled individual offering their services. They often take on small jobs that most contractors pass on. A handyman is not licensed or regulated. While contractors have specific skill sets, a handyman’s skill set varies.

When hiring a handyman, get references, find out if they are insured, and interview at least three to find the best fit for the job.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• If your job requires a permit, extensive electrical or plumbing work, or costs more than $3,000, it is out of the realm of a handyman. Hire a contractor for the job.
• A handyman who charges an hourly rate usually has a minimum charge. This means that they charge for at least 1 hour’s work, if not more. Sometimes, driving time is included in this minimum.
• Make sure that you communicate clearly with your handyman. Ensure they know the job’s scope. Some may not feel comfortable taking every job. Do not pressure them into it, but look for another handyman. Sending photos of the project helps them get a better sense of the scope.
• Keep costs down by prepping the area, making sure it is clear, and cleaning up after. Ensure you have all the fixtures and materials on hand to help the job go faster.
• In some states, such as California, handymen are restricted in how much they can do. There are caps, such as any job costing more than $1,000. At this point, a handyman is barred from doing the work, and a licensed contractor must do the job.