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What does a Handyman do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A handyman is a person who is skilled at a wide range of repairs, typically around the home. These tasks include trade skills, repair work, maintenance work, are both interior and exterior, and are often described as "odd jobs" or "fix-up tasks". A handyman may also be called a "handyperson", "handyworker", or simply a "worker". They may also do some small remodeling work such as painting or drywall repair.

Handyman job duties include:

  • Cleaning up debris and rubbish
  • Repairing and maintaining equipment
  • Assembling new equipment
  • Carrying out minor repairs to buildings, fixtures and fittings
  • Fixing leaks
  • Replacing light bulbs and fuses
  • Hanging pictures and mirrors
  • Adjusting door hinges and locks
  • Unblocking sinks, toilets and drains

Handyman Job Requirements

There is no formal education required to be a Handyman, although some may have a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification is not required, but experience is always helpful. A Handyman should be able to perform various maintenance and repair tasks around the home or office. They should be familiar with a variety of tools and how to use them safely. They should also have good problem-solving skills to be able to figure out how to fix things that are broken.

Handyman Skills

  • Carpentry
  • Drywall
  • Electrical
  • Flooring
  • Painting
  • Plumbing
  • Tile work
  • Gutter repair/installation
  • Fence repair/installation
  • Siding repair/installation
  • Roofing repair/installation

Related: Top Handyman Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Handyman

There are many reasons why someone might want to become a Handyman. Perhaps they enjoy working with their hands and take pride in a job well done. Maybe they like the satisfaction of being able to fix things around the house or office, or they simply enjoy helping others. Whatever the reason, there are a few things that anyone interested in becoming a Handyman should know.

First, it is important to have a basic understanding of carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and other common repair skills. While you may not need to be an expert in all of these areas, it is helpful to have at least a working knowledge of each. Many handymen start out as generalists and then develop more specialized skills as they gain experience.

Second, it is essential to be organized and efficient. Handymen often have to juggle multiple jobs at once, so it is important to be able to prioritize and keep track of what needs to be done when. This can be difficult when working in someone's home or office, so good time management and communication skills are essential.

Third, it is important to be honest and reliable. Handymen are often called upon to do last-minute jobs or emergency repairs, so it is crucial that those who hire you can trust that you will show up on time and do the job right. Building a good reputation is essential for any business, but especially for one that relies heavily on word-of-mouth referrals.

Finally, it is important to have a positive attitude and be willing to work hard. Handyman work can be challenging, dirty, and sometimes frustrating, but it is also rewarding. Those who are successful in this field are usually those who approach each job with a smile and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done right.

If you have an interest in becoming a Handyman, there are many resources available to help you get started. There are online courses which can teach you the basics of repair work, as well as books and videos which can provide more specific instruction. You may also want to consider shadowing or apprenticing with an experienced Handyman in order to learn the ropes firsthand. No matter what route you choose, remember that becoming a successful Handyman takes time, patience, and practice.

Related: Handyman Resume Example

Related: Handyman Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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