Overview of the Handyman Role
It is the job of a Handyman to perform basic repair and maintenance tasks, using their skills and knowledge of different trades to investigate a problem, perform checks and visual assessments and come up with a solution that they can then carry out for the customer.
A Handyman should have basic skills in plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, appliance installation, painting, gardening and masonry repairs. They also need to have the correct tools for a job and relevant experience using said tools.
A Handyman must have good communication, multitasking and problem-solving skills to perform their job efficiently and to a high standard.
If you’re looking for a role in other facilities-related jobs, you can find more here.
Dress Code
A Handyman should wear clothes that are comfortable, practical and professional. Wear clothes that allow you to move around easily, such as sturdy work pants or overalls and non-slip shoes. Make sure to wear safety clothes, such as gloves and a hard hat when necessary.
Handyman Job Responsibilities
A Handyman has many responsibilities, including repair work and installations. It is important to have some skill in plumbing to fix overflows or plumbing leaks and electrical skills for fixing light sockets or replacing fuses. They are also responsible for installing things like curtain rails and sometimes lighting fixtures or safety equipment.
Handyman Tips
Your focus should be on developing a diverse set of basic repair skills across different trades. You should know how to perform tasks in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting and basic construction.
While learning these skills, try to acquire the necessary tools and practise with them. Gain experience through DIY projects and consider getting relevant certification.
Qualifications and Ideal Handyman Skills
Though a Handyman does not need formal qualifications, it is important to have a good understanding and experience with repairs and maintenance, basic plumbing and electrical skills, and the ability to problem-solve and multitask.
Repairs & Maintenance Knowledge
It is a Handyman’s job to be able to assess a problem using their maintenance knowledge and repair the problem using the correct equipment. This is why it is important to have a good understanding of basic repairs within a variety of trades so that you can communicate the problem to the customer and let them know if you can complete the job or if it requires a dedicated tradesman.
If it is within their skill set, then it is then the job of the Handyman to fix the issue using their knowledge and experience to complete the task accurately. You will need to use the correct tools and perform the correct safety checks before starting the repair.
Problem-Solving & Multitasking
Sometimes, a customer will not know exactly what the issue is. It is, therefore, the job of the Handman to find the problem. This can require some problem-solving skills to identify the issue once it has been discovered. You should then communicate with the customer clearly to clarify any details and start the work when they agree to the solution.
A Handyman needs to be able to multitask when performing maintenance or a repair, as they will need to perform safety checks, find the correct tools and parts, check for any damages that may hinder the quality of the repair, and perform the maintenance while communicating with team members if they are not working alone.
Basic Knowledge of Plumbing & Electrical Work
It is normal for a Handyman to be called out for basic plumbing and electrical work. These professions usually require much more training, but it is within a Handyman’s capabilities to perform fixes such as minor leak repairs, drain clearing, toilet repairs, light fixture replacements, switch replacements and basic fuse box issues.
Understand your knowledge and limits and make informed decisions as to whether the problem needs a dedicated tradesman.
Handyman Job Duties
It is the responsibility of a Handyman to perform minor repairs in homes and buildings, such as fixing leaking taps and unblocking sinks. They also need to conduct routine maintenance checks and troubleshoot any issues.
Performing Minor Repairs
There is a variety of minor repairs that a Handyman can perform within their skill set as long as they have the correct tools and experience. These jobs will be small-scale repairs, and they will be spread across different trades such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting and exterior maintenance.
Tasks will include fixing leaky taps and performing toilet repairs, changing light fixtures and switches or fuses, repairing cabinet doors, installing trim or replacing doorknobs. A Handyman might also be called to clean out guttering or make minor fence repairs.
You will always need to assess the issues, collect the correct tools, and perform the repair to a high standard.
Conducting Routine Maintenance
Sometimes, you will be called to conduct routine maintenance to reduce the risk of more major issues arising. These tasks require making several checks and inspections such as checking electrical cords, testing smoke detectors, checking for leaks, tightening connections on pipes and fixtures, or cleaning appliances such as refrigerator coils.
It is necessary to conduct regular inspections to identify key areas for potential problems before any issues arise. Be sure to discuss routine maintenance with clients to establish a schedule for regular check-ups.
Assessing & Troubleshooting Issues
When called to a job, it is up to the Handyman to assess the severity of the problem and find a solution. Carefully examine the problem area, look for damage or signs of malfunction, and then find a practical solution using your knowledge.
It is important to find the correct fix for the issue to avoid future problems. Gather information from the customer, inspect the area, perform basic checks and use your experience to politely inform the customer what the issue is, how you can fix it, and what the estimate for the work will be.
Handyman Career Progression and Advancement
Handymen can progress into fields such as Property Management or Maintenance Supervision roles with enough knowledge of large-scale maintenance. It’s also possible to specialise in a trade.
Property Management or Maintenance Supervisor Roles
To progress into a role such as Property Management, it is important to learn about the day-to-day operations of a Property Manager. This includes collecting rent, lease renewals and property maintenance. You may need to seek entry-level employment with a property management company to gain the relevant experience you need to work in this field.
Specialising in a Trade
Performing Handyman work and gaining experience in basic repairs can help you specialise in a certain trade. If you are interested in becoming an Electrician, focus on performing more tasks in that area, working with experienced Electricians to gain a better understanding of the trade, and apply that to your work.
It can also help if you Apprentice for another trade specialist to fully focus on the trade of your choice and gain the qualifications you need as you work.
FAQs on Becoming a Handyman
Is Being a Handyman a Flexible Career Option?
Being a Handyman can be flexible work if you’re self-employed or work with a company that offers part-time work. To work on a flexible basis, you will need to limit the number of clients you take on at one time.
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Do I Need Formal Training to Become a Handyman?
No, you do not legally need formal training to become a handyman, but having some form of certification or training can be beneficial for attracting clients.
What Tools Do I Need to Be a Handyman?
A Handyman’s tools will depend on the job they need to do, but it is worth having a hammer, Pliers, screwdrivers, a tape measure, a utility knife and a spirit level as a basic set of tools.
What Does a Handyman Do?
A Handyman performs a variety of repairs and maintenance tasks in homes and buildings. This can include plumbing, appliance installation and carpentry.
