A Handyman Can Perform a Variety of Tasks

From plumbing to roofing and electricity to outdoor maintenance, a handyman is someone who is skilled in a variety of tasks and trades around the home. Repair and maintenance work may range from something as simple as changing a light fixture or fixing a leaky faucet to complex tasks such as installing a new toilet or repairing roof shingles. While the title often indicates a homeowner that likes to tackle do-it-yourself projects, a handyman may also be a paid contractor hired to do a specific job or provide continuous building maintenance.

In these times of economic problems, decreased employment opportunities, and home budget cuts, many homeowners opt to perform their own house maintenance. Certain store chains, television channels, and guide books have taken advantage of this market by providing tools, materials, tips, and techniques to help the homeowner get the job done right. Do-it-yourself tasks can include a wide range of projects and skills. A homeowner house helper may attempt minor plumbing or electrical work on their own, but leave bigger jobs to professional paid contractors. Fix-up jobs are a very common type of do-it-yourself project and often include room renovations with wall painting, decorating, furniture assembly, or simple cabinet installation.

Currently one of the most popular areas for handyman homeowners are do-it-yourself projects that increase home efficiency and save money on water, heating or cooling bills. Tasks such as sealing attic air leaks or improving attic ventilation, installing electric heaters, fixing leaky faucets, maintaining furnace function, glazing windows, weather-stripping doors and installing high-efficiency replacement windows can all go a long way to reducing home bills. Investing a little time and money up front reduces energy consumption and keeps those payments low.

Outdoor projects that can be completed over a weekend are also very popular with homeowners interested in maximizing their living space and value of their home. Many families like to spend quality time outside and having a safe and attractive yard improves the appeal of eating or entertaining outdoors. Simple house helper tasks may include sharpening garden tools, installing outdoor lighting, reviving existing deck or patio space, improving yard drainage, building a fence or privacy screen, adding stone a stone path to the garden, or adding inexpensive landscaping.

Other than homeowners, there are also many individuals and companies hired to maintain homes, apartments, or commercial buildings. This type of handyman may be hired on a per-job or per-building basis. Per-job contractors are often professionals in a particular area brought in to complete a specific job within an allotted period of time. These jobs are usually too complex for homeowners to adequately and safely complete on their own and require a certain level of experience and skill. Alternatively, a handyman may be hired to take care of an entire building and make themselves available if or when problems arise. One common example of this is an apartment complex with numerous tenants. Apartment renters are not usually expected to maintain the intricate workings of their housing and a maintenance person is usually available on a per-need basis. This cost is often included in their rental fees.