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A handyperson offers practical help with home repairs, maintenance and minor improvements. They cover a wide range of tasks that fall outside of large-scale renovations or specialist trades, and can often get things done faster and with less fuss than trying to DIY.

All handyperson services are different and the type of work offered can vary significantly. For example, some handypeople can complete electrical and plumbing tasks but others can’t.

Often a handyperson will have various tools and skills and provide a range of different services.

Common handyperson jobs include:

• Hanging pictures, mirrors, curtain rails or blinds
• Fitting door handles, locks or replacing hinges
• Flat-pack furniture assembly
• Basic painting and decorating (e.g. painting a wall)
• Mounting shelves or TVs
• Minor plumbing fixes (e.g. leaky taps, resealing baths)
• Minor electrical fixes (e.g. changing light fittings or switches)
• Repairing fencing or gates in the garden
• Basic carpentry work
• Hanging shelves
• Putting up and repairing garden fences

A handyperson is perfect for “small jobs” - the kind that don’t need a specialist but still need doing well. They’re a great option if you want to:

• Tackle your to-do list without calling in multiple trades
• Avoid spending weekends on DIY
• Get jobs done by someone with the right tools and know-how

For bigger jobs or anything involving gas, complex electrics, or structural changes, you’ll still need a specialised service.

Read our detailed handyperson guide to learn more about the services offered by these versatile tradespeople.

Handypeople typically have the skills and tools needed to perform minor household repair and maintenance tasks.

An experienced and qualified professional should be hired to complete more specialist work.

For safety reasons, many electrical, gas and plumbing tasks must only be performed by a tradesperson with the required registrations and qualifications.

A handyperson can usually do:

• Wall mounting and shelf fitting
• Flat-pack furniture assembly
• Small-scale decorating and touch-ups
• Minor repairs (e.g. handles, locks, fixtures)
• Simple plumbing (e.g. replacing taps)
• Minor electrics (e.g. changing switches or lights, if qualified)

Jobs that shouldn’t be completed by a handyperson include:

• Any work that involves changing old or damaged electrical wires
• Electrical work in places where water is also present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outside areas
• Installing new light fittings
• Moving plug sockets
• Installing electrics for an extension or conversion
• Structural modifications
• Complex plumbing tasks
• Gas appliance/boiler repairs

If in doubt, ask. Many handypeople working in Kirkwall will be happy to confirm whether the job falls within their skill set - and if not, they may even be able to point you in the right direction.

No formal qualifications are needed to become a handyperson in the UK. That being said, hiring a skilled and experienced handyperson is essential if you want high quality results.

We recommend asking the following questions to make sure a handyperson is the right person for the job:

• Do you have the tools needed to complete this task?
• Have you worked on similar jobs before?
• Do you have public liability insurance?
• Can I see examples of your previous work?
• Are you qualified to complete electrical repair work?

The majority of handymen and handywomen have their own set of tools and equipment. You may be expected to provide the materials needed for the job but often having your own toolkit is not necessary. You usually won’t need to worry about drills, saws, ladders, or specialist kit.

That said, materials – such as paint, screws, hinges, wood, or new fittings – are often not included unless you agree in advance.

Make sure to ask a handyperson about materials before hiring them for your job. If the tradesperson is supplying the materials, the cost will be added to your project quote.

If you want to help your handyperson get straight to work and finish faster, a bit of prep goes a long way. Here’s what you can do:

1. Clear the work area Move furniture, remove clutter, and ensure the space is clean and accessible. If the job is outdoors, make sure access is clear and there’s no risk of tripping hazards.

2. Provide materials (if needed) If you’ve agreed to supply parts or materials (like a curtain pole or paint), have everything ready and in one place before they arrive.

3. Be ready to talk through the job You might have discussed it over messages, but a quick run-through when they arrive will help. If you have photos, sketches or inspiration to show what you want, even better.

4. Know your schedule Make sure someone’s home to let the handyperson in and answer questions. Ask roughly how long the job will take, especially if they’re doing multiple tasks.

5. Keep kids and pets out of the way It helps the tradesperson work safely and without interruption.

Hiring someone to work in your home can feel like a big decision. That’s why we want to help you find a handyperson who’s been checked, reviewed, and rated by other customers. Follow our expert tips and you can hire a handyman service in Kirkwall with confidence.

• Ask friends and family for recommendations
• Read online customer reviews
• Ask questions about experience and qualifications before hiring
• Search the Checkatrade directory for vetted and approved handypeople near you

It is important to make sure a handyperson has the necessary skills and tools needed before hiring them for your job.

For instance, make sure a handyperson offering electrical maintenance and repair work is qualified to do so.

We check that all of our members consistently meet our high quality standards. Using Checkatrade helps you hire a handyperson in Kirkwall who can handle the job.

To avoid any misunderstandings or last-minute surprises, it helps to ask the right questions before you book a handyman service. This ensures your handyperson knows what’s expected and you’re confident in their ability to do the job.

Start with these:

• Have you done similar jobs before?
• Can I see reviews or photos of recent work?
• Do you bring your own tools and protective gear?
• Are materials included in the quote, or should I buy them?
• Are you insured for accidental damage?
• Are you qualified to do electrical or plumbing work, if relevant?

You can also check their Checkatrade profile for proof of insurance, past reviews, and the types of work they’ve completed.

Lastly, agree on:

• The total cost and payment terms
• A rough timeline for completion
• Whether any follow-up or snagging is included