10 Projects You Need a Handyman to Do For You

Published : 07/09/2010 | Author: Sheryl Owen

Inside all of us there is a great sense of accomplishment that comes from doing our own home repairs. It’s generally fun and always feels good to finish the project and realize that you are capable of far more than you give yourself credit for (or others give you credit for). However, there are some projects that you really need a handyman or certified professional to do for you. Not because you can’t necessarily do the work yourself (nice double negative), but that it generally isn’t a good idea for you to do it. Please keep in mind that this information is coming from someone that uses a handyman on a regular basis so there is some bias infused. It’s particularly a good idea to use a handyman for these if you have several small projects that need to get done.

Without further ado, here are 10 projects you need a handyman to do for you:

Installing a new shower/tub (including small plumbing repairs)

If you are looking to add a shower to an existing tub or even put up a shower, you can use a handyman to make sure the job gets done right. Any type of work that involves plumbing or electrical wiring are generally things that I recommend that only the most avid and skilled people attempt DIY. I have had a handyman build out multiple showers in the past and it was much less expensive than a traditional contractor in all cases (and the job was done right the first time, every time).

Common DIY problems: broken water pipes, damage to the water pipes, drainage issues, etc.

Adding electrical outlets to a room

As mentioned above, I am a big believer of not messing with electricity unless you really know what you are doing as you can easily overload a circuit if you aren’t careful which is dangerous on multiple levels. So it’s not just the possibility risk of electrocution (which shouldn’t happen), but it’s also risk of fires and other problems down the road. I use a handyman over an electrician for these types of tasks because I generally have additional work for them to do at the same time.

Common DIY problems: blown circuits, electrical fires, improper voltage for the intended use, etc.

Built-in cabinet work

I also have used a handyman to build out multiple custom cabinets for me. In some cases just converting an open closet or cubby into a cabinet and in other cases building out a vanity in the bathroom or kitchen cabinet replacements/repairs. You would be surprised the good ideas that a skilled handyman can come up with to maximize storage space.

Common DIY problems: cabinet doors don’t line up, cabinet breaks easily, cabinet cannot sustain the weight or is not anchored properly.

Small roofing repairs

Working on the roof can be dangerous as it is relatively easy to fall especially if you have a steep incline. In addition, it’s really important to make sure you know how to properly apply the shingles in order to have a good seal and to protect your home from water damage and the elements in general. You can easily use a handyman service to fully re-shingle a roof as well.

Common DIY problems: leaky roofs, injuries from trying to repair the roof, inability to re-shingle after an improper repair.

Building a deck or repairing a deck

If you have bad steps on your deck or portions of the wood has rotted, then a handyman is perfect for making a safe repair to the deck (making sure that the deck will still be able to bear the load placed on it, etc.).

Common DIY problems: collapsed decks due to improper load, posts not anchored deep enough, etc.

Garage door repair or replacement

If you have ever tried to replace a garage door yourself you will almost immediately appreciate having a handyman do this task for you the next time. Especially in the case that you are both installing a door and a garage door opener.

Common DIY Problems:garage door is not calibrated to stay open if something or someone is under it, garage opener fails to work, etc.

Washer or Dryer installation

Installing a washer or dryer can be a very simple task if the proper hookups are already in place. If they are then you should definitely do it yourself. But if for any other reason the hookups are wrong, then a handyman is a good idea. You also need to make sure the venting is adequate, not obstructed, and done properly.

Common DIY Problems: wrong connections, improper venting (fire hazard), and damaging the washer/dryer due to improper connections.

Sprinkler system repairs

This has a similar problem as doing any interior plumbing work (no surprise there). It’s really easy to have leaks in sprinkler systems and improper drainage if repairs are not done properly (in fact this is usually why they need to be repaired). We aren’t talking about changing sprinkler heads you can and should do that yourself. We are talking about a break in the PVC pipe or some other more significant issue.

Common DIY Problems: no backflow preventer, leaks persist or get worse, etc.

Gas line work (gas fireplaces, stove lines, other gas lines)

This is a lot like electrical and plumbing work, it’s not something that the average DIY person should tackle. It’s really easy to end up with gas leaks that could be devastating and are just not worth the risk.

Common DIY Problems:improper seals causing gas leaks, improper and unsafe connections, improper placement of gas lines, etc.

Mold removal and cleaning services

If you have mold problems with interior or exterior of your home you should have a handyman or other professional take care of the problem. One of the biggest reasons this is important is that mold can be dangerous and you also need to identify the source of the mold to take preventative measures.

Common DIY Problems: improper handling of mold and repeat problems due to just covering up the mold.