A handyman is often regarded as the go-to person for tackling a wide range of home repair and maintenance tasks. While a handyman can handle many projects, it's essential to know where their expertise lies and what tasks fall outside their scope. This guide will help you understand the most common services a handyman offers and highlight when it's best to call in a specialized professional.
Home Repairs and Installations
One of the primary services a handyman offers is basic home repair and installation tasks. These services can include minor plumbing work, such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing showerheads, or repairing toilets. Handymen can also take on light electrical work like changing out light fixtures or installing ceiling fans, provided the job does not require a licensed electrician.
Additionally, a handyman can handle drywall repairs, paint touch-ups, and carpentry tasks, such as building shelves or installing cabinets. While they can often install and repair
aluminium windows, it’s crucial to check with the handyman beforehand. Large-scale or highly technical installations may require a specialized contractor to ensure the project is done up to code.
Outdoor Maintenance and Repairs
When it comes to outdoor tasks, many homeowners rely on handymen for yard work and maintenance. Handymen can help with garden cleanup, hedge trimming, and other basic landscaping services. They can also fix broken gates or fences, clean gutters, and seal decks to prevent weather-related damage.
Another common outdoor service is paving. Whether you need to patch up a walkway or repair cracked concrete, a handyman can typically handle these tasks. However, if you’re planning a large-scale paving project or need intricate designs, it's best to consult a professional paving company to ensure quality results and durability.
Maintenance for Aluminium Doors
Handymen are often called upon to handle repairs for doors, particularly aluminium doors, as these are prone to wear and tear over time. From fixing alignment issues to replacing door handles or locks, a handyman can quickly restore the functionality of your doors. Minor repairs like oiling squeaky hinges or adjusting door frames are well within their skillset.
However, if the job involves installing or replacing multiple doors, or if the structure of the door is compromised, you may need to hire a contractor who specializes in doors. This is especially important for large aluminium windows and doors that require precise measurements and careful handling.
Specialized Pool Services
While a handyman can assist with many repair and maintenance tasks around the house, there are certain areas where specialized professionals are a better fit. Pool services fall into this category. Although a handyman can help with general pool cleaning, such as skimming debris or brushing down surfaces, more complicated pool services like chemical balancing, pump repairs, and filter replacement are better handled by certified pool technicians.
A well-maintained pool requires regular care to keep the water safe and the equipment functioning properly. A pool service provider has the expertise to ensure that all aspects of pool maintenance are managed correctly, leaving no room for potential damage or costly repairs down the line.
When to Call in a Specialist
While handymen are known for their versatility, they are not equipped to handle every task. For complex jobs such as major electrical work, gas line repairs, or large construction projects, it's essential to hire a licensed specialist who has the required expertise and certification. Similarly, jobs that involve working on the structure of the house, like roof repairs or foundation issues, are best left to professionals with experience in those areas.
For example, while a handyman can fix minor issues with aluminium windows, a professional contractor would be better suited for replacing or installing multiple windows. Their knowledge and tools are specifically tailored for such large-scale projects, ensuring a more seamless and professional result.
Handymen are invaluable when it comes to taking care of minor home repairs and maintenance tasks. They can help with everything from fixing aluminium doors to performing small-scale paving repairs. However, it’s important to recognize the limitations of a handyman’s services. Jobs that require in-depth knowledge, specialized equipment, or licensing, such as complex pool services or large installations involving aluminium windows and doors, should be handled by professionals in those fields. By understanding what services a handyman offers and when to hire a specialist, you can ensure your home receives the care it deserves, while avoiding costly mistakes.