How much does a handyman cost in the UK?
General maintenance and handyman services cover a wide range of smaller property tasks. Here are typical costs for 2025–2026.
Typical handyman and general maintenance costs (2025–2026)
| Job type | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate (general handyman) | £25 – £45 per hour |
| Half-day call-out (4 hours) | £100 – £200 |
| Full-day call-out (8 hours) | £180 – £350 |
| Door hanging or re-alignment | £50 – £120 |
| Door lock replacement | £50 – £120 (excl. hardware) |
| Shelf / cupboard installation | £60 – £180 |
| Furniture assembly (flat-pack) | £30 – £80 per item |
| Gutter clearing and inspection | £60 – £150 |
| Fence panel repair/replacement (per panel) | £60 – £150 |
| TV wall mounting | £60 – £150 |
| Small flat-roof/balcony repair | £150 – £450 |
| Pest control (residential) | £80 – £200 |
What affects the price?
- Task complexity and materials. A handyman quoting an hourly rate will charge for the actual time taken plus any materials. Complex jobs that turn out to need specialist skills (tiling, electrical, gas work) should be handed to a trade-specific pro.
- Minimum call-out. Most handymen have a minimum call-out of 2–3 hours. It makes sense to batch multiple small tasks into a single visit to maximise value.
- Materials included or excluded. Confirm whether materials (screws, wall plugs, sealant) are included or whether you need to provide them. Most handymen carry basic consumables but charge for larger materials.
- Location. London and the South East rates are typically higher than the rest of the country. Rural areas may include a travel fee.
- Task specialisation. A skilled general handyman is not a licensed tradesperson. For anything requiring an EICR, Gas Safe sign-off, or structural work, you need the relevant qualified trade.
Handyman vs. specialist trade
A skilled handyman is excellent value for minor repairs, assembly, and maintenance tasks — door adjustments, painting touch-ups, shelf installation, gutter clearing, and similar jobs. However, work on gas appliances must legally be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and notifiable electrical work should go through a competent person scheme. Mixing up the two can result in insurance claims being denied and certificates being invalid. Use a qualified, registered tradesperson for anything touching gas or mains electrics, even if it looks minor.
Tips for getting a fair price
- List all the tasks you need done before the handyman arrives — this allows them to quote accurately and come prepared with the right tools.
- For larger task lists, agree on a daily rate rather than an hourly rate — it's often better value and clearer for both parties.
- Ask whether materials are additional and get an estimate upfront for anything that isn't a standard consumable.
- Avoid paying upfront for the full job. TruePro's payment protection holds your payment securely until you've confirmed all the tasks are complete.