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Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How much does a handyman charge?

Minimum rates for handyman jobs typically range from $60-$100. Pricing will depend on skill and experience required for the job, as well as regional labor rates. Here are a few examples of average handyman flat rates:

  • Attic ladder replacement: $150.
  • Toilet replacement: $75.
  • Ceiling fan and light fixtures: $75.
  • Faucet replacement: $125.
  • Garbage disposal: $75.

A handyman performs general maintenance and repairs for residential and commercial properties. A handyman may charge a flat fee for standard services that take a predictable amount of time, such as installing a new appliance, as well as an hourly rate for larger projects such as digging out and replacing a rotted fence post. A cost-saving strategy when hiring a handyman is to bundle all the tasks you want them to do into one visit to make the most of any minimum service fees.

Is it worth it to hire a professional to mow your lawn?

Although hiring a lawn care company is more expensive than doing it yourself, it can be well worth the money. For starters, it saves you time and equipment maintenance, which may be justifiable financially. It also creates a more professional appearance. Plus, a pro can spot problems before they occur. This can save you money on expensive reseeding, aeration and other types of lawn repair down the road.

Contact the best lawn mowing professionals near you to start getting free estimates.

What is house sitting?

A house sitter watches your house while you are away for work or vacation, or if you have to be away for an extended period. House sitters can also provide pet-sitting services, staying in your home and caring for your pet while you are away. The house sitter can say overnight in your home while you’re gone, or stop by once a day to ensure everything is in order if your pet doesn’t need overnight supervision. Reptiles and most cats are just fine with daily visits and feeding.

House sitting provides major advantages to the homeowner. A regular presence in your house deters break-ins and theft. Home safety issues such as water leaks get noticed and dealt with right away, so you don’t come home to big problems. A house sitter can bring in your mail daily, care for your houseplants, and provide home safety and peace of mind.

What do handymen charge per hour?

On average, you can expect to pay a handy person around $55 per hour. However, this cost can range between $35 and $80 per hour, depending on a number of factors. For instance, a handyman may charge a minimum fee of $50-$100 for small jobs that won’t take much of their time. The complexity of the job will affect the price as well. Your final price will also depend upon where you live, as certain regions have higher labor rates than others. 

Get in touch with a few handy people near you, and ask for free cost estimates.

What does a handyman do?

A handyman is a skilled laborer who provides basic home repairs. Anyone can call themselves a handyman, although most who do so are skilled with repairs and home projects. Reading reviews is a good way to determine their fitness for your job. The tasks a handyman can perform include assembling furniture, painting interiors and exteriors, repairing fences, repairing broken doors or replacing trim, hanging lights, hooking up appliances, and much more. Handymen may have flat fees for certain services, or charge an hourly rate. Handyman rates are often lower than those of a contractor, as they don’t have the same specialization. Some states have no limit on the work a handyman can perform, while others do. For example, California’s Building and Professions Code section 7048 (small operations) permits handymen to provide work similar to that of a contractor (floor installation, painting, etc.) provided the total cost of labor and materials does not exceed $500. A handyman is a great resource for minor home repairs at a lower cost than a licensed contractor, but for more complex projects, it pays to hire a specialized contractor. Fore more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

Is it worth it to hire a handyman?

It’s worth it to hire a handyman in many cases. For example, you should hire a handyman when the project’s size and scope make it challenging to complete by yourself. These projects may include major home remodels or additions, foundation work or electrical/plumbing/HVAC-related tasks. However, make sure the handyman has the proper credentials or license to perform the necessary work.

You might also want to hire a handyman if a contractor’s price is too high. Handymen often charge less than general contractors, but contractors typically have the required license to perform certain tasks.

And, lastly, think about the complexity of the job and the cost of future repairs. It’s worth it to hire a handyman when the project is complex. Doing something incorrectly can wind up costing more than hiring the pro in the first place.

Can a handyman do plumbing?

In some states, a handyman can provide plumbing services, but it may be in your best interest to call a plumber, particularly for issues more major than unclogging a drain or attaching a new sink. Hiring a plumber is important because mishandling your water and gas lines has the potential to do great damage to your home, your family’s health, or even the safety of your neighborhood. A handyman is not legally required to have any training or licensing in plumbing matters, while a licensed plumber has undergone years of education and on-the-job training. In some cases, homeowners insurance won’t cover damage caused by plumbing repair done by an unlicensed handyman.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most plumbers learn their trade through a four- or five-year apprenticeship with 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. They also receive classroom education including “safety, local plumbing codes and regulations, and blueprint reading. They also study mathematics, applied physics, and chemistry. After completing an apprenticeship program, plumbers … are considered to be journey workers, qualifying them to perform duties on their own,” according to the DOL. Licensed plumbers should do continuing education to keep abreast of safety and technology changes. Poor plumbing can lead to sewage backups, a flooded home or even natural gas leaks, so it’s best to leave it in the hands of a specialized professional.

How much does it cost to have your lawn mowed?

Regular lawn maintenance can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. Professional lawn care prices will vary based on the regional cost to do business and regional cost of labor, the size of your lawn, and any additional services you may desire such as edging or mulching. The national average for lawn mowing costs is $30-$50. Pros may charge an hourly rate, a flat rate or by the square foot (an acre contains 43,560 square feet). Square footage rates factor in the professional’s time, the use of their equipment, and the gas to operate the mower. Distance may also affect cost: If you live outside the company’s standard service range, you may pay an additional travel fee. Here are some examples of average prices for mowing and lawn maintenance:

  • Up to 8,000-square-foot property: $30 per week/$120 per month.
    • Bimonthly: $40 per service/$80 per month.
    • One time only: $45 per service.
      • Prices include mowing all turf grass areas; trimming grass away from fences, structures, trees, and lawn edges; and clearing or blowing all grass trimmings from driveways, sidewalks, curbs, etc.
  • Hourly rate: $25 per hour (including travel, equipment costs and labor).
  • Lot size:
    • Smaller lots in subdivisions: $35.
    • Half-acre lot: $50.
    • One-acre lot: $100.

How do I find a reliable house sitter?

House sitting can help keep your home safe and well cared for so you can be worry-free while you’re away for work or play. There are several steps you can take to make sure you hire a trustworthy house sitter and do your part to be a responsible host. One of the best ways to ensure a safe home is to hire a professional house sitter. Here are some key points to look for when hiring a house sitter:

  • Reviews and referrals: When searching for a house sitter, always read reviews. Previous experiences will indicate how the house sitter will care for your home while you’re away.
  • Contract: Sign a clearly written contract outlining services to be provided (e.g., mail in each day by 5 p.m.), the daily rate you are paying, and how long the services will be provided. You can also include any agreed-upon house rules in the written contract.
  • Your part: Leave important phone numbers (vet, emergency contact, etc.) and information on where to find emergency items like the circuit breaker and the fire extinguisher, and have a credit card on file with the veterinarian in case of emergencies if the house sitter is watching your pets.

For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

How do you find a good handyman?

Finding a good handyman can change your life. Within days, the endless list of insurmountable tasks that were either out of your skill range or impossible to fit into your busy schedule can be completed. If you know you want help but aren’t sure how to hire the right pro, ask these questions to find the right fit:

  • What is your work experience? If you are putting in a tile backsplash, you want someone experienced with the task, not someone who generally does painting and junk removal.
  • How much do you charge? Handymen often charge hourly rates that vary based on the complexity of the task they’re hired to do, as well as flat rates for standard jobs. Be clear about what they’ll charge before you hire them.
    • On that note, discuss payment details. It’s wise not to pay all the money up front, especially for larger projects. You may be able to pay a deposit for materials and pay the remainder upon project completion.
  • How long will the job take you to complete? If the handyman is as busy as you are and a fence repair is going to take months, you should probably find another qualified handyman for the job.

Read client reviews and follow up with references to make sure you’re choosing the right handyman for your projects. For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

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Why you should hire a home improvement professional

Remodeling your bathroom, kitchen or any other area in your house is a great way to upgrade your home. However, like any home improvement project, the task can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, hiring the right professional can ensure a hassle-free, low-stress project, preventing your home remodel from becoming a DIY nightmare. Search for a local contractor or remodeling company to assist you with your project. Compare the top-rated home improvement professionals near you below to find the perfect fit, and schedule an appointment or consultation.

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