What Jobs Can a Handyman Do Around the Home?
A handyman handles the practical maintenance and repair jobs around a residential property that do not require a licensed trade. Here is a clear picture of what that covers — and what it does not.
Indoor jobs
- Loose or stiff door hinges, handles, and latches
- TV wall mounting — bracket installation, cable management, wall-type assessment
- Flat pack furniture assembly — shelves, wardrobes, beds, desks, cabinets, outdoor furniture
- Curtain rail and blind installation
- Mirror and picture hanging
- Small wall repairs — filling holes, minor plasterboard damage, surface preparation
- Shelf and storage installation
- Minor fixture replacements (towel rails, toilet roll holders, coat hooks)
- Door lock and handle replacement (non-electrical)
Outdoor and property maintenance jobs
Outdoor maintenance is where a lot of the practical value of a handyman comes in, particularly on the North Shore where coastal conditions accelerate wear.
- Fence and gate repairs — loose palings, sagging gates, hinge and latch replacement
- Deck repairs and board replacement
- Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
- Minor timber maintenance and re-fixing
- Shed and outbuilding maintenance
- Removing minor debris after storms
Rental property maintenance
Landlords and property managers often use a handyman for between-tenancy repair lists — minor repairs, touch-ups, and maintenance jobs that need to be done before new tenants move in. See our rental property maintenance service.
What a handyman cannot do in New Zealand
Under New Zealand law, certain work can only be carried out by an appropriately licensed tradesperson. A handyman cannot legally perform:
- Electrical work — any wiring, fitting or alteration must be done by a registered electrician
- Plumbing — installing, altering or repairing pipes and fittings requires a licensed plumber
- Gasfitting — all gas work requires a licensed gasfitter
- Drainlaying — a licensed drainlayer is required
- Restricted building work — structural, weathertightness and certain building work requires a licensed building practitioner
If your job falls into any of these categories, we will tell you upfront and can help point you in the right direction.
Not sure if your job fits?
Send us the details. We will be straight with you about whether it is something a handyman can handle or whether it needs an appropriately licensed tradesperson.
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