What can't a handyman legally do?

Gas appliances, consumer-unit and full rewiring work, and structural alterations all need a certified specialist. Your FleckUP pro will tell you upfront if a job falls outside their remit.

Is there a minimum charge?

Yes — most handyman bookings start with a one-hour minimum, then bill in half-hour blocks. You see the price before confirming.

Do handymen supply materials?

They bring tools and common fixings. Paint, brackets and replacement parts are usually charged separately or supplied by you.

Can several small jobs be done in one visit?

Yes, and it's the cheapest way to book. List everything when you book so enough time is allocated.

All guides

What can a handyman actually do?

The jobs worth booking by the hour, what needs a certified trade, and what each typically costs in London.

Home guide · 5 min read

Home services — What can a handyman actually do?

The short answer

A handyman covers flat-pack, mounting, small repairs, minor plumbing and decorating by the hour. Gas work, full rewires and structural changes need a certified specialist instead.

Home services options compared
Option	Typical job	Time on site	Typical London price
Flat-pack assembly	One-off	1–4 hrs	£45–£65 per hour
TV and shelf mounting	One-off	1–2 hrs	£60–£150
Small plumbing and repairs	One-off	1–3 hrs	£60–£180
Painting and decorating	1–3 days	Per room	£180–£450 per room

Flat-pack assembly

Wardrobes, beds, desks and units built and safely anchored.

Pros

Built right first time
Anti-tip anchoring included
Packaging cleared away

Cons

Large wardrobes take longer
Parts must be on site
Damaged parts stall the job

Best for: Moving-in weeks and anything with more than 40 screws.

TV and shelf mounting

Wall-fixed televisions, shelving, mirrors and blinds, with cables tidied.

Pros

Correct fixings for your wall type
Cables concealed
Levelled properly

Cons

Plasterboard limits weight
Bracket usually supplied by you
Chasing cables costs extra

Best for: Renters and new homes with bare walls.

Small plumbing and repairs

Dripping taps, silicone, toilet parts, waste traps and radiator bleeding.

Pros

Fast fixes for everyday leaks
Stops small damage becoming big
Parts sourced for you

Cons

No gas or boiler work
Old pipework can escalate
Water may need isolating

Best for: Leaky taps, running toilets and tired bathroom sealant.

Painting and decorating

Filling, sanding and repainting rooms, doors and woodwork.

Pros

Biggest visual change per pound
Surfaces prepped properly
Rooms protected and cleaned up

Cons

Rooms out of action
Paint usually charged separately
Multiple coats need drying time

Best for: End-of-tenancy refreshes and tired hallways.

Common questions

What can't a handyman legally do?: Gas appliances, consumer-unit and full rewiring work, and structural alterations all need a certified specialist. Your FleckUP pro will tell you upfront if a job falls outside their remit.
Is there a minimum charge?: Yes — most handyman bookings start with a one-hour minimum, then bill in half-hour blocks. You see the price before confirming.
Do handymen supply materials?: They bring tools and common fixings. Paint, brackets and replacement parts are usually charged separately or supplied by you.
Can several small jobs be done in one visit?: Yes, and it's the cheapest way to book. List everything when you book so enough time is allocated.

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