Handyman in Stevenage

As a rule of thumb in most markets: hanging a shelf or a few pictures is under an hour; mounting a TV is 1-1.5 hours; re-sealing a bath is 1-2 hours; adjusting or rehanging a door is about an hour. Multiply by the local hourly rate on this page and add materials. If a quote for one such task equals a half-day rate, get a second quote.

Batch your tasks. The call-out and setup time is fixed, so one visit with 5 small jobs costs far less than 5 separate visits. Write a task list in priority order, photograph each item, and send it before the visit so the handyman brings the right materials and gives a realistic estimate.

Platforms (Airtasker, Taskrabbit, local equivalents) are competitive for one-off standard tasks because providers bid. Direct hiring wins on repeat work — an independent handyman without platform fees often charges 10-20% less once you are an established customer. Many people find a handyman via a platform once, then book direct.

Only if they carry public liability insurance — ask for proof before work that could cause damage (drilling near pipes, working at height, plumbing fixes). A burst pipe behind a wall or a TV that falls off its mount can cost far more than the job itself. Reputable handymen expect the question.

Gas: nothing — any work on gas appliances or pipework requires a Gas Safe registered engineer. Electrics: minor like-for-like work (replacing an existing socket faceplate, light fitting, or damaged switch) is generally allowed; new circuits, consumer unit work, and most bathroom/outdoor electrics are notifiable under Part P and need a registered electrician.

Around £150-£250 per day outside London and £200-£300 in London, versus £25-£50 per hour for shorter visits. A day rate becomes better value than hourly once your task list passes about 4-5 hours.