Home repairs are an inevitable part of homeownership, but knowing when to handle them yourself and when to call a professional handyman can save you time, money, and frustration. Handymen are skilled in a variety of repair tasks, and they can handle many small to medium-sized home repairs efficiently. But how do you know when it’s time to pick up the phone and hire one? Here’s a guide on when to call a handyman for home repairs, along with real-life examples of common situations.
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examples
1. Multiple Minor Repairs
If your home has accumulated several small issues like a dripping faucet, loose cabinet doors, or scuffed walls, a handyman is the perfect solution. Rather than hiring different specialists for each job, you can call a handyman to tackle them all in one go.
Example: You’ve noticed that a few light switches aren’t working properly, a door handle is loose, and the caulking around the bathtub is starting to peel. Instead of addressing these repairs one at a time or attempting to fix them yourself, a handyman can handle all these minor issues in one visit, saving you time and hassle.
2. Basic Plumbing and Electrical Issues
While more complex plumbing or electrical work may require a licensed specialist, many minor plumbing and electrical repairs are well within a handyman’s capabilities. Tasks like fixing a leaky faucet, installing new light fixtures, or replacing an outlet can be easily handled by a skilled handyman.
Example: Your kitchen faucet has been leaking, and you also want to replace the light fixture in your dining room. A handyman can take care of both tasks without the need to call a plumber and an electrician separately.
3. Drywall Repair
If you have small holes, cracks, or dents in your walls, a handyman can patch, sand, and repaint the affected areas. Larger drywall projects might need a contractor, but for smaller patches and touch-ups, a handyman is more than qualified.
Example: A moving mishap left a hole in the wall, and there are also cracks near the window frame. A handyman can patch the drywall, make it seamless, and touch up the paint for a quick and affordable fix.
4. Furniture Assembly or Installation
Assembling furniture from flat packs or installing items like curtain rods, shelves, and mirrors can be tricky and time-consuming. A handyman can help with furniture assembly, hanging heavy items, and even installing wall-mounted TVs.
Example: You’ve just purchased a new wardrobe that needs assembling, and you also want to hang several heavy mirrors throughout your home. A handyman can come in with the right tools and get everything installed safely and correctly.
5. Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your gutters clean is important for home maintenance, but it can be a tough and potentially dangerous task to handle yourself. Handymen are often equipped to clean and maintain gutters, ensuring that your drainage system remains functional.
Example: You notice that water isn’t draining properly from your roof, and leaves have clogged the gutters. A handyman can clear out the debris and check for any repairs needed to ensure your gutters function properly.
6. Exterior Home Maintenance
Whether it’s painting a fence, repairing outdoor furniture, or power washing your driveway, handymen often handle light exterior maintenance tasks. These projects may not require a full contractor, but they still need a professional touch to ensure the job is done correctly.
Example: Your wooden fence is starting to show signs of wear and tear, and your deck could use a fresh coat of paint. A handyman can sand and repaint the surfaces, making them look as good as new.
7. Seasonal Maintenance Tasks
Preparing your home for seasonal changes, like winterizing your outdoor faucets, installing storm windows, or weather-stripping doors, is important. A handyman can help with these tasks to ensure your home is prepared for the upcoming weather conditions.
Example: Winter is coming, and you need to install storm doors, seal windows, and ensure that the outdoor plumbing is winterized. A handyman can complete these tasks efficiently, helping protect your home from the elements.
8. Preventive Home Maintenance
Handymen can help with regular maintenance tasks to prevent future damage or costly repairs. These may include checking for leaks, tightening loose hardware, inspecting seals, or performing other small maintenance tasks to keep your home in top shape.
Example: You’ve noticed some loose shingles on your roof, and your door hinges are starting to creak. A handyman can come in and perform preventive repairs, extending the life of your home’s key elements.
Conclusion
Knowing when to call a handyman can make your life much easier and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Handymen are versatile, able to tackle a wide range of repairs, and are perfect for handling multiple tasks in one visit. The next time you’re faced with a to-do list of home repairs, consider hiring a handyman to save time, effort, and stress.