Handyman in Melbourne

No — for small jobs, pay on completion. A deposit is only reasonable when the handyman must buy significant materials for you, and then it should roughly match the materials cost. Full prepayment for labor is a red flag on any small job.

Use a handyman for small, low-risk, multi-skill jobs. Use a specialist when the job is regulated (gas, most electrical, structural), when it needs a permit, or when a failure is expensive (waterproofing, roofing). A good handyman will tell you when a job is beyond their scope — treat willingness to take on clearly regulated work as a warning sign, not a convenience.

Even for small jobs, get in writing: the task list, the rate model (hourly with estimated hours, or fixed), materials included or excluded, call-out fee if any, and who disposes of waste. For fixed quotes, confirm what happens if hidden problems appear (e.g. rotten wall behind a shelf) — the honest answer is 'I stop and requote'.

Ask neighbors or your building manager first — handymen live on repeat local work. Otherwise use platforms with verified reviews, and check three things: recent reviews describing similar tasks, proof of public liability insurance, and how they quote (a pro asks questions or wants photos before naming a price).

No. Unlike the UK or US, Australian law reserves all fixed electrical work — including replacing switches, sockets, and light fittings — for licensed electricians. A handyman can replace lamp bulbs and plug-in items only. Unlicensed electrical work risks fines and voids insurance.

Typically $45-$110 per hour depending on city — Sydney and Canberra at the top ($60-$120), regional areas lower. Airtasker fixed-price tasks commonly land at $70-$150 for a single small job. Half-day rates of $250-$400 are common for batched lists.