Handyman in London (71)

The average hourly rate for a handyman in London is around £30–£45. Rates can vary depending on your location, the complexity of the job, and whether materials are included. For example, someone in Central London may pay slightly more than someone in outer zones.

An experienced handyperson can complete various repair and maintenance tasks around the home. The average hourly rate of a handyperson in the UK is approximately £30.

Factors influencing the cost of hiring a handyperson in London include:

• Type of work needed
• Job complexity
• Handyperson’s experience
• Material supply prices

Here are the average costs for common handyperson jobs:

• Flat pack furniture assembly – £70
• Put up 8 basic shelves in living room – £200
• Paint woodwork (skirting boards and door in 4m x 4m room) – £95
• Picture & mirror hanging – £45
• Put up curtain rail – £45
• Minor electrical work – £60
• Minor plumbing work – £60

We recommend requesting project quotes from several handypeople working in London to find the best price for your job. You can also read our handyperson cost guide for a closer look at current prices.

A handyperson, or handyman, is someone who can carry out a wide range of repair, maintenance and improvement tasks around the home. This might include odd jobs like putting up blinds, touching up paintwork or fixing squeaky hinges.

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 tasks include:

• Basic carpentry work
• Hanging shelves
• Painting walls
• Putting up and repairing garden fences
• Furniture assembly
• Minor electrical work
• Minor plumbing tasks

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

Clear the workspace before a handyperson arrives at your home. Whatever the job may be, make sure your tradesperson has the space needed to complete their task with ease.

If you are supplying the materials, have them all out and ready so your handyperson can get started right away.

Ask your handyperson how long the job will take and if there are any specific preparations you need to do before they arrive.

How do I find a reliable handyperson in London?

Finding a reliable handyperson in London doesn’t need to be difficult. Follow our expert tips and you can hire a local handyman service 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 London who can handle the job.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

Start by searching online for a local handyperson near you. Checkatrade makes it easy to view verified reviews, see how long a tradesperson has been on the site, and check what work they specialise in. Ask for a quote, check their insurance, and make sure you're comfortable with their experience.