What Type of Work Do You Offer as a Handyman Service
20 Common Tasks That Homeowners Can’t (or Won’t) Do Themselves in the UK (2025)
According to recent industry analysis, these 20 services generate 85% of handyman call-outs across the UK, representing a £2.8 billion market opportunity for skilled tradespeople.
£35
Average UK hourly rate
2.5 hours
Average job duration
15%
YoY market growth
Executive Summary: The UK Handyman Services Landscape
Research from the Federation of Master Builders indicates that UK homeowners spend an average of £3,200 annually on property maintenance, yet 73% avoid attempting these tasks themselves due to lack of skills, tools, or time.
Key Market Insights:
- 85% of handyman calls involve these 20 core services
- Average job value: £87 (up 12% from 2024)
- London rates 35% higher than national average
- Repeat customer rate: 68% for quality providers
Service Demand Trends:
- Electrical work: 34% increase in demand
- Flat-pack assembly: 28% year-on-year growth
- Smart home installations: 156% surge
- Outdoor maintenance: 22% seasonal increase
UK Regional Pricing Overview
Complete Service Directory
Industry Expert Insight
“The handyman sector has evolved dramatically post-2020. Homeowners increasingly value skilled professionals who can tackle multiple jobs in one visit, reducing disruption and maximising value. These 20 core services represent the foundation of any successful handyman business in today’s market.”
The Complete Service Breakdown
1. Leaky Taps and Burst Pipes
Homeowners panic when they hear dripping at 2am or discover water spreading across their kitchen floor, but you’ve got the wrench and know-how to sort it quickly.
Common Issues
- • Worn tap washers
- • Loose compression fittings
- • Failed ceramic disc cartridges
- • Corroded stop valves
Tools Required
- • Adjustable spanners
- • Pipe wrenches
- • Plumber’s grips
- • PTFE tape
Time & Profit
- • Duration: 30-90 mins
- • Materials: £8-25
- • Profit margin: 65-75%
- • Repeat rate: High
UK Market Note: With water rates averaging £396 annually per household, customers value quick leak fixes. Many jobs lead to additional plumbing work, making this an excellent gateway service.
2. Clogged Gutters
Filthy, dangerous work up a ladder that no homeowner wants to tackle themselves, especially with Britain’s unpredictable weather making regular clearance essential.
Seasonal Demand
- • Autumn: Peak season (leaves)
- • Spring: High demand
- • Post-storm: Emergency rates
- • Summer: Maintenance checks
Equipment Needed
- • Extension ladders
- • Gutter scoop/vacuum
- • Safety harness
- • Hose for flushing
Business Benefits
- • Recurring annual work
- • High hourly rate
- • Often leads to repairs
- • Low material costs
Insurance Note: Ensure your public liability covers working at height. Many customers book annual maintenance contracts after initial service, providing guaranteed recurring income.
3. Flatpack Furniture Assembly
What takes a homeowner an entire weekend of swearing and relationship-testing arguments, you can knock out in 15-60 minutes with the right tools and experience.
Popular Retailers
- • IKEA (70% of requests)
- • Argos Home
- • Wayfair deliveries
- • Next Home
Essential Kit
- • Power drill/driver
- • Full bit set
- • Rubber mallet
- • Level and tape measure
Pricing Strategy
- • Wardrobes: £60-120
- • Beds: £40-80
- • Office furniture: £30-60
- • Kitchen units: £150-400
Pro Tip: Many customers order multiple items. Offer package deals for same-day assembly of multiple pieces. Average job value increases to £150 when bundling services.
4. Wall Mounting TVs or Shelves
Drilling into walls terrifies most homeowners, especially with expensive tellies or precious belongings at stake. Your expertise in finding studs and choosing proper fixings is invaluable.
Wall Types
- • Plasterboard on studs
- • Solid brick (Victorian)
- • Cavity walls
- • Concrete block
Essential Equipment
- • Stud finder
- • SDS drill
- • Spirit level
- • Various wall plugs
Add-on Services
- • Cable management: +£25
- • Sky/Virgin setup: +£40
- • Sound bar mounting: +£35
- • Gaming console shelf: +£30
Market Growth: TV mounting requests increased 43% since 2023, driven by larger screens and open-plan living trends. Always offer cable management as an add-on service.
5. Broken Door Handles or Locks
A tiny mechanical problem that creates massive daily frustration. Customers are incredibly grateful when you solve something they interact with dozens of times daily.
Common Failures
- • Worn door handles
- • Failed lock mechanisms
- • Broken UPVC handles
- • Sticking mortice locks
Stock to Carry
- • Standard Yale locks
- • UPVC handle sets
- • Door handles (brass/chrome)
- • 3-point lock mechanisms
Quick Wins
- • 15-30 minute fixes
- • High customer satisfaction
- • Often reveals security needs
- • Leads to more door work
Security Opportunity: 60% of door handle jobs reveal additional security concerns. Always offer security upgrades – average additional sale: £180.
6. Squeaky or Misaligned Doors
That daily creak they hear every single time drives them mad, but you can eliminate it in minutes. One adjustment fixes a problem that’s annoyed them for months.
Common Issues
- • Squeaky hinges
- • Doors not closing properly
- • Gaps around frame
- • Sticking or catching
Quick Fixes
- • 3-in-1 oil application
- • Hinge pin adjustment
- • Frame realignment
- • Weather strip replacement
Tools Required
- • Lubricating oils
- • Screwdrivers
- • Small plane
- • Hinge adjustment tools
Efficiency Tip: These jobs often come in multiples – once you fix one door, customers want all doors checked. Average 3.2 doors per visit when offering “while I’m here” pricing.
7. Electrical Odd Jobs (Switches, Sockets, Light Fittings)
Anything involving wires is an absolute no-go zone for most homeowners. Your electrical knowledge transforms their fear into relief, commanding premium rates.
Part P Compliance
- • Minor works certificate
- • Competent person scheme
- • Installation testing
- • Building control notification
Common Requests
- • Additional sockets: £65-85
- • Light switch replacement: £35-55
- • Pendant light fitting: £45-75
- • Outside lights: £80-150
Testing Equipment
- • Multifunction tester
- • Socket tester
- • Voltage indicator
- • Loop impedance tester
Certification Required: Ensure you’re qualified for electrical work in your area. NAPIT or NICEIC membership adds credibility and allows self-certification, increasing profit margins by 25-30%.
8. Hanging Pictures or Mirrors
Sounds dead simple, but getting multiple frames perfectly level and evenly spaced is genuinely an art form that most people can’t master.
Wall Considerations
- • Plasterboard: Use proper fixings
- • Brick walls: Masonry bits needed
- • Picture rails: Traditional hanging
- • Artex walls: Special care required
Essential Kit
- • Laser level
- • Variety of wall plugs
- • Picture hanging wire
- • Different sized hooks
Typical Pricing
- • Single picture: £15-25
- • Gallery wall: £60-120
- • Heavy mirrors: £25-45
- • Multiple rooms: Package deals
Upsell Opportunity: Customers often want additional pictures hung once they see your expertise. Carry a selection of quality fixings and offer “while I’m here” rates for additional pieces.
9. Blocked Sinks or Drains
Absolutely gross and massively inconvenient for homeowners. You have the proper tools and strong stomach they lack, making this a valued service.
Common Blockages
- • Kitchen fat/grease buildup
- • Hair in bathroom drains
- • Food waste accumulation
- • Foreign objects
Professional Tools
- • Drain snake/auger
- • High-pressure jetter
- • Plungers (various sizes)
- • Chemical drain cleaners
Service Approach
- • Assess before quoting
- • Explain prevention tips
- • Check other drains
- • Offer maintenance contracts
Recurring Revenue: Offer quarterly drain maintenance visits at £35 per property. Many customers sign up immediately after experiencing a blockage – average 40% conversion rate.
10. Fixing Fences or Garden Gates
Essential after windstorms or when wooden components naturally deteriorate. Customers need security and privacy restored quickly, especially regarding neighbours.
Common Repairs
- • Broken fence panels
- • Loose or broken posts
- • Sagging gates
- • Damaged hinges/latches
Materials to Stock
- • Fence panels (6ft standard)
- • Concrete fence posts
- • Gate hinges/hardware
- • Wood preservative
Seasonal Demand
- • Post-winter: High demand
- • After storms: Premium rates
- • Spring: Maintenance season
- • Summer: New installations
Boundary Disputes: Always check property boundaries and discuss with both neighbours when possible. 35% of fence jobs lead to additional garden work averaging £280 in extra revenue.
11. Painting and Touch-ups
Messy, time-consuming, and frankly boring work that the average homeowner dreads. Your efficiency and clean finish makes their space look professionally renewed.
Service Types
- • Touch-up work: £25-45/hour
- • Single room: £180-320
- • Exterior woodwork: £220-400
- • Interior doors/frames: £150-280
Essential Equipment
- • Quality brushes/rollers
- • Drop sheets/masking
- • Paint sprayer option
- • Colour matching tools
Popular Requests
- • Scuff mark touch-ups
- • Ceiling crack repairs
- • Window frame painting
- • Feature wall creation
Paint Matching: Invest in a colour matching device or maintain relationships with local paint suppliers. Customers pay premium rates for exact colour matches, especially on older properties.
12. Curtain Rail Installation
Fussy work requiring precise measuring and proper wall fixings. One mistake ruins expensive curtains, so homeowners gladly pay for professional installation.
Rail Types
- • Standard curtain tracks
- • Decorative poles
- • Electric/motorised systems
- • Bay window specialist tracks
Key Skills
- • Precise measurement
- • Level installation
- • Wall fixing selection
- • Bracket alignment
Common Add-ons
- • Tiebacks installation: +£15
- • Blind fitting: +£25
- • Curtain hanging: +£20
- • Multiple windows: Discounts
Measuring Accuracy: Always double-check measurements and ask customers about curtain overhang preferences. Mistakes are costly – invest in quality measuring tools and take photos for reference.
13. Patching Holes in Drywall
Even a small hole in the wall can drive someone absolutely mental. Your ability to make it disappear completely feels like magic to most homeowners.
Repair Types
- • Small nail holes: £15-25
- • Medium holes: £35-55
- • Large damage: £55-95
- • Cracks: £25-45
Materials Needed
- • Polyfilla/filler compound
- • Mesh repair patches
- • Plasterboard offcuts
- • Paint for touching up
Process Steps
- • Clean hole edges
- • Apply backing/mesh
- • Multiple filler coats
- • Sand and paint match
Paint Matching Critical: Always bring paint samples or ask for leftover paint tins. The repair is only successful if the colour match is perfect – customers notice immediately if it’s wrong.
14. Flat Tyres on Wheelbarrows, Trolleys, etc.
They’ll leave their wheelbarrow unused for months rather than deal with a puncture. You can sort it in minutes with the right tools and spare inner tubes.
Common Items
- • Wheelbarrows (most common)
- • Garden trolleys
- • Pressure washers
- • Lawnmower wheels
Stock to Carry
- • Common size inner tubes
- • Puncture repair kits
- • Tyre levers
- • Portable pump
Service Approach
- • Quick on-site repairs
- • Check other equipment
- • Offer maintenance tips
- • Bundle with other services
Efficiency Tip: These are perfect “while I’m here” add-ons. Always ask about other garden equipment – many customers have multiple items needing attention, average additional revenue: £65.
15. Replacing Toilet Seats or Cistern Internals
Surprisingly tricky work that’s definitely unpleasant for homeowners. Your plumbing knowledge makes quick work of what intimidates them completely.
Common Issues
- • Broken toilet seat hinges
- • Constantly running cistern
- • Failed flush mechanisms
- • Worn toilet seat
Parts to Stock
- • Universal toilet seats
- • Flush valve assemblies
- • Fill valve mechanisms
- • Flapper/syphon units
Service Benefits
- • High customer relief
- • Often leads to more work
- • Quick 30-45 min jobs
- • Good profit margins
Water Efficiency: Always mention water saving benefits when replacing cistern parts. Modern mechanisms can save customers £50+ annually on water bills – great selling point.
16. Jet-washing Patios or Driveways
Satisfying transformation work that’s messy and equipment-heavy for homeowners. The dramatic before/after results create extremely happy customers who recommend you to neighbours.
Pricing Structure
- • Small patio: £85-120
- • Large patio: £150-220
- • Single driveway: £120-180
- • Double driveway: £180-280
Equipment Investment
- • Professional pressure washer
- • Surface cleaner attachment
- • Various nozzles
- • Water recovery system
Add-on Services
- • Resealing: +£150-250
- • Moss treatment: +£45
- • Gutter cleaning: +£65
- • External walls: +£120
Seasonal Strategy: Spring demand is highest (65% of annual jobs). Offer winter discounts to smooth workload. Average customer books annually after first service – excellent recurring revenue.
17. Replacing Broken Tiles or Regrouting
Precision work that homeowners absolutely dread attempting. You tackle it without blinking while they worry about making expensive mistakes on their bathroom or kitchen.
Service Types
- • Single tile replacement: £35-65
- • Multiple tiles: £65-120
- • Regrouting bathroom: £150-280
- • Kitchen splashback: £85-150
Essential Tools
- • Tile cutter/scorer
- • Grout removal tool
- • Adhesive spreader
- • Spirit level
Matching Challenges
- • Discontinued tile patterns
- • Colour fading over time
- • Size variations
- • Grout colour matching
Tile Matching Service: Build relationships with tile suppliers and keep samples of common patterns. Customers pay premium rates for exact matches – often 40-50% more than standard rates.
18. Fixing Squeaky Floorboards
Stealth ninja work that most homeowners can’t figure out. Finding and eliminating the exact source of squeaks requires experience and proper techniques they simply don’t possess.
Common Causes
- • Loose floorboard nails
- • Gaps between boards/joists
- • Seasonal wood movement
- • Worn subflooring
Repair Methods
- • Strategic screw placement
- • Wood shim insertion
- • Lubrication techniques
- • Board realignment
Specialized Tools
- • Counter-bore drill bits
- • Wood screws (various lengths)
- • Construction adhesive
- • Pry bars
Victorian Properties: Older UK homes present unique challenges with original floorboards. Develop expertise in period property repairs – premium rates of £55-75/hour are standard for heritage work.
19. Smoke Alarm Battery Changes in High Ceilings
People avoid ladders like the plague, especially for routine maintenance in high-ceilinged rooms. Your ladder confidence and safety knowledge provides peace of mind.
Safety Requirements
- • Proper ladder technique
- • Safety harness if needed
- • Non-slip ladder feet
- • Clear working area
Service Add-ons
- • Test all alarms: +£15
- • Clean detectors: +£10 each
- • Check expiry dates: Free
- • Install new units: £45-75
Maintenance Contracts
- • Annual safety checks
- • Battery replacement service
- • Compliance documentation
- • Landlord services
Landlord Market: Property landlords are required to maintain working smoke alarms. Offer annual inspection contracts at £15-25 per property – high volume, predictable income stream.
20. TV/Internet Cable Management
Complete chaos for homeowners who just want their entertainment system to work and look tidy. Your systematic cable routing turns their mess into a clean, professional installation.
Common Services
- • TV wall mounting + cables
- • Router repositioning
- • Gaming setup optimization
- • Multi-room installations
Tools & Materials
- • Cable trunking/conduit
- • Wall-mount brackets
- • HDMI/ethernet cables
- • Cable management clips
Pricing Breakdown
- • Basic tidy-up: £35-55
- • Wall mounting + cables: £85-120
- • Multi-room setup: £150-280
- • Smart home integration: £180-350
Growing Market: Smart home adoption increased 67% in 2024. Position yourself as the “smart home handyman” – average job value 85% higher than traditional cable management work.
UK Handyman Market Analysis 2025
Regional Demand Patterns
Industry Growth Drivers
-
Aging Population: 28% of UK homeowners over 65 prefer professional help for routine maintenance
-
Time Poverty: Average working professional has 4.2 hours per week for home maintenance
-
Property Investment: £47bn annual spend on home improvements drives handyman demand
-
Skill Shortages: 73% of homeowners lack confidence in basic DIY tasks
Market Expert Analysis
“The UK handyman sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by demographic shifts and changing lifestyle priorities. Successful operators focus on reliability, professional presentation, and solving problems customers genuinely can’t tackle themselves. The key is positioning yourself as the trustworthy expert who makes their life easier.”
How to Build Your Handyman Service Around These 20 Tasks
Phase 1: Foundation Services (Months 1-3)
Phase 2: Skill Expansion (Months 4-8)
Phase 3: Business Optimization (Months 9-12)
Service Bundling
Create packages combining complementary services to increase average job value by 40-60%
Recurring Revenue
Develop maintenance contracts for gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and safety checks
Premium Positioning
Specialize in time-sensitive or technical services that command 25-35% price premiums
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to offer these handyman services in the UK?
For basic services like flat-pack assembly, painting, and general repairs, no specific qualifications are required. However, electrical work requires Part P certification or membership with a competent person scheme like NAPIT or NICEIC. Gas work requires Gas Safe registration. Always carry public liability insurance (minimum £2 million) and consider relevant NVQ qualifications to enhance credibility.
How much can I realistically earn offering these 20 services?
According to industry data, handymen focusing on these core services earn £25,000-45,000 annually working part-time, with full-time operators achieving £35,000-65,000. London and South East rates are 25-35% higher. Success depends on service quality, reliability, and building a strong local reputation. Many successful handymen report earning £200-400 per day once established.
What’s the most cost-effective way to get started with these services?
Start with services requiring minimal tool investment: flat-pack assembly, picture hanging, and basic repairs. Initial tool investment of £600-1000 covers 70% of common requests. Focus on building reputation through excellent service on simpler jobs before investing in expensive equipment like pressure washers or professional electrical tools. Many successful handymen started part-time while building their customer base.
Which of these services are most in demand throughout the year?
Flat-pack assembly, TV mounting, and electrical work maintain steady demand year-round. Seasonal peaks include gutter cleaning (autumn), pressure washing (spring), and outdoor repairs (post-winter). Smart handymen use quiet periods for tool maintenance, marketing, and skill development. Many operators report that indoor services like painting and repairs actually increase during winter months.
How do I price these services competitively while remaining profitable?
Research local rates through websites like Rated People and Checkatrade. Generally, charge £25-45 per hour for basic services, £35-55 for skilled work, and £45-75 for technical services requiring certification. Factor in travel time, materials markup (typically 15-25%), and business expenses. Many successful handymen charge project rates rather than hourly to improve profitability on efficient work.
What insurance and legal requirements apply to handyman services?
Public liability insurance (£2 million minimum) is essential and often required by customers. Professional indemnity insurance is recommended for advisory services. Register as self-employed with HMRC within three months of starting. Consider tool insurance for expensive equipment. For electrical work, ensure proper certification. Always provide written quotes and maintain proper invoicing records for tax purposes.
Your Next Steps to Handyman Success
These 20 services represent the foundation of a successful UK handyman business, generating consistent demand from homeowners who lack the time, tools, or confidence to tackle these tasks themselves. The key to success lies in focusing on reliability, professional presentation, and solving genuine customer problems.
Week 1-2
Research local market rates, identify your target area, and begin building your essential tool kit starting with high-demand, low-investment services.
Month 1-3
Master core services through practice and training, establish pricing structure, and begin marketing to build your initial customer base.
Month 6+
Expand service offerings, develop recurring revenue streams, and optimize pricing based on experience and customer feedback.
Key Success Factors for 2025:
- Professional reliability and punctuality
- Clear communication and fair pricing
- Quality work that exceeds expectations
- Strong online presence and reviews
- Appropriate insurance and certifications
- Continuous skill development and adaptation
About the Author
This comprehensive guide draws on extensive industry research and market analysis. For more insights on business development and market opportunities, connect with me on LinkedIn.
Published: January 2025 | Updated: Regular market analysis updates