Although handymen may not have the education and training of a professional in a specific trade, they offer versatility that many other home professionals cannot. For this reason, they are frequently hired to perform work that specialized tradespeople do not cover.
For example, a drywall job might be considered too hazardous for a contractor to handle. However, a handyman with ladder experience can safely take care of this task. Contact Handyman Naperville now!
The drip-drip-drip of a leaking tap isn’t just irritating; it can cause water wastage and lead to increased bills and even structural damage. Persistent leaking also creates an ideal breeding ground for mildew and mould, which can compromise indoor air quality and pose health risks.
Handymen often have the skills and tools needed to fix basic plumbing issues like clogged toilets or drains, as well as dripping faucets. They can also install new shower heads, which can help reduce household water consumption and improve home comfort. In addition, professional plumbers are familiar with local plumbing regulations and standards, so homeowners can trust that repairs will be done correctly.
While a high school diploma is typically required for most handymen, some have vocational training in construction, electrical work, welding or small appliance repair. Some are self employed, while others work through home warranty companies or for local governments or community organizations.
Before starting to fix a leaky tap, it’s important to turn off the water supply to the fixture. Look for a valve underneath the sink or in your house’s basement and turn it clockwise. Next, remove the tap handle and unscrew the cartridge (the component that controls water flow). Once you’ve removed the tap components, clean them and put them back together. If the leak persists, you may need to replace the cartridge or, in some cases, the entire tap.
Installing a new kitchen appliance
A handyman is the perfect professional to hire for small home improvement projects that don’t require a specialty trade like plumbing or electrical. However, if you’re considering doing some major renovations or construction work, you’ll need to consider hiring a contractor. Contractors are specialists who oversee larger projects that can take several months and cost thousands of dollars. They have a team of employees and subcontractors, and they are licensed and insured for their work.
A licensed handyman is an experienced professional who has a specific skill set and can perform advanced repairs or installations. They are also insured and have passed background checks. If you’re looking for a professional to install a new appliance in your kitchen, check the star score, verified badge, and homeowner reviews on HomeStars before booking. Before the pro arrives, make sure to shut off any water or gas valves and electrical power sources to prevent a potential mess.
In addition to the skills listed above, a handyman is also capable of repairing or installing many different types of home appliances. This versatility makes them a great choice for those who have a long to-do list of home repair and maintenance tasks. They can turn your mountain of to-dos into a molehill of accomplishments.
Installing a new floor
When your floors look old and tired, a handyman can help you restore them. Using their skills, they can repair or replace damaged tiles and even refinish your floors. If the flooring is very worn, they may recommend a more specialized professional for an extensive job.
A handyman can also refresh your home’s interior with painting and picture-hanging services. These services can make your home look new again, and improve its curb appeal. They can even do drywall repair and installation.
One of the most common issues with homeowners is a broken HVAC system. A handyman can quickly diagnose and fix problems with the heating or cooling, saving you the expense of replacing a whole unit. Handymen can also do regular tune-ups, ensuring your home is comfortable throughout the year.
Furniture assembly is another service that many people forget about when looking for a local handyman. Whether it’s a bed, table, or bookcase, following incomprehensible instructions to put together a new piece of furniture is not a hobby most people enjoy. A handyman can save you the time and frustration of putting together your own furniture, and can also provide other services like drywall repair and installation, kitchen cabinet installation, and painting.
It’s important to note that handymen and contractors have different licensing requirements. A licensed contractor can take on larger projects that require a permit and hire subcontractors for specific parts of the construction work. A licensed contractor also needs to carry insurance and bonding.
Hanging doors and cabinets
Many homeowners hire a handyman to handle all sorts of jobs that they either cannot or do not want to do themselves. They are typically called upon to fix electrical problems, paint houses, repair furniture and appliances, install light fixtures and even hang cabinet doors. Handymen are often self employed, though they may also work for construction companies and home warranty service providers. They may also work for local governments or community organizations.
Many popular movies and television shows feature sexy handymen who charm bored housewives while performing small repairs and fixes. These handymen are usually well versed in all aspects of home maintenance and repairs. Some have formal training in specific trades, while others hone their skills through on-the-job experience. Some handymen begin their careers as apprentices to more experienced professionals. Some have gone on to specialise in certain areas, such as plumbing and electrical repairs.
Drywall installation is one of the most common handyman tasks. It is also a great way to add insulation to homes, and some handymen even choose to focus on this area of their business. Handymen are also able to perform basic roofing repairs, including repairing leaks and replacing damaged gutters.
However, most handymen will not undertake more complicated projects such as tearing out and rebuilding a shower floor, redoing the joists and subfloor, installing new cabinets, or painting entire rooms. In such cases, they will likely refer the customer to a licensed professional.
Repairing a broken window
The sound of a broken window is an ominous one that can cause homeowners stress. This stress is often exacerbated by the fear of losing belongings and other property. The good news is that a handyman can help ease your concerns.
Handymen are able to help you make a temporary fix until a new window can be installed. If the window frame is still intact, you can place some packing tape over the cracks to hold it in place. This will also prevent further damage from occurring.
Before applying the tape, make sure to remove any sharp pieces of glass from the area. You may want to wear gloves for protection against any shards that could fall on you. Then, measure the width and height of the window frame. Take note of these measurements so that you can order the right size replacement.
When choosing a contractor, it is important to find one that has the proper licensing and insurance. Contractors should have a general contractor license or a specialty trade license depending on their skills. It is also a good idea for contractors to carry a general liability insurance policy. This type of insurance will cover third-party claims for property damage and bodily injury. This is the smartest way to protect your business and keep clients safe. It is not required by all states, but it is a great way to stay on the right side of the law.
Installing a new light fixture
Installing a new light fixture can be an easy DIY project for most homeowners. However, it’s important to follow basic safety precautions and understand how electricity works before you get started. For example, always shut off power to the area you’re working on before beginning any electrical work. It’s also a good idea to have an extra set of hands around if you need to climb a ladder to install the fixture.
Before you start, be sure to read the instructions that came with your new fixture. You should also observe how the old fixture is wired, which can make installing your new one much easier. You’ll need to connect the new fixture to the same wires as the previous one, so it’s important that you know which ones are hot and which are neutral.
A handyman can handle a wide variety of projects. Some may even have specialty trade skills, such as plumbing or roofing, which can save you money. However, if your project requires specialized skills, you should consider hiring a contractor.
The main difference between a contractor and a handyman is that contractors usually need to be licensed. This typically means that they have a certain amount of education and experience, as well as insurance and bonds. On the other hand, handymen do small jobs that don’t require a license or permit. They often charge by the hour or by the day, which is convenient for customers who need help with a few minor projects.