Handyman vs Licensed Tradie: What's the Difference in New Zealand?

What is a handyman?

A handyman is a general maintenance and repair person who handles the practical jobs around a residential property that do not require a licensed trade. Think loose hinges, sticking doors, flat pack assembly, TV mounting, fence repairs, gutter cleaning, deck maintenance, and minor wall repairs. No licence is required for this work, and it covers a wide range of the jobs most homeowners need done regularly.

What is a licensed tradesperson?

A licensed tradesperson in New Zealand holds a formal qualification and, in most cases, a statutory licence to perform specific categories of work. The main licensed trades relevant to residential homes are:

• Electricians — registered under the Electricity Act; all electrical installation, repair or alteration requires a registered electrician
• Plumbers — licensed under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act; all plumbing installation and repair
• Gasfitters — same Act as plumbers; all work on gas appliances and fittings
• Drainlayers — same Act; all work on drains and sewage connections
• Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) — required for restricted building work including structural work, weathertightness, and certain other building activities under the Building Act

When do you need a licensed tradesperson?

Any time the work touches:

• Electrical wiring, switchboards, fittings or fixtures
• Water supply pipes, taps, toilets or drainage (beyond very minor maintenance)
• Gas appliances or connections
• Structural elements of the building
• Weathertightness components such as roof flashings or exterior wall cladding

If the job is on that list, NZ law requires a licensed person. Getting unlicensed work done in these categories can void your home insurance and create issues when you sell.

When is a handyman the right choice?

For the everyday jobs around the house that do not touch licensed-work territory, a handyman is usually faster, more flexible, and more practical than calling a trade business.

Good handyman territory: loose handles and hinges, door adjustments, TV mounting, flat pack assembly, fence and gate repairs, deck board replacement, gutter cleaning, minor wall repairs, and general property maintenance.

How Shore Home Repairs handles this

When you send us a job inquiry, we will tell you immediately if it is something that needs an appropriately licensed tradesperson rather than a handyman. We do not take on work that is outside the proper scope — it is not good for you and it is not how we operate.