This guide will discuss the main points to consider if you’re thinking of starting a career as a handyman (also known as a handyperson or building or property maintenance).
Becoming a handyman is an ideal choice for a new career at any time if you already have a keen interest in DIY and enjoy physical and practical work and problem-solving.
For the purposes of this article, we are using the term “handyman” instead of “handyperson” as it’s still a widely recognised term informally and, therefore, understood by most people using online searches. Broader professional terms to consider could be “building maintenance technician” or "building or property maintenance."
What does a handyman do?
A handyman will have a broad skill set as they are generally expected to be able to carry out a range of maintenance and repair work. The work is mainly on properties, so could be in a domestic setting or as part of site management in commercial or public buildings, schools or hospitals.
Common handyman responsibilities
Plumbing
A handyman with the relevant experience may find themselves doing plumbing work. This could include fixing a tap or a leaky pipe, unblocking a sink or toilet, or installing a new basin.
Tiling
A common tiling task is replacing cracked or loose tiles, and regrouting or re-silicone worn or damaged areas or even installing new tiled floors or kitchen splashbacks.
Painting & decorating
Basic painting and decorating work could include hanging wallpaper, painting a room, or woodwork on doors or windows, and also repairs to ripped wallpaper or damaged surfaces.
Plastering
Essential plastering tasks include patch repairs or plaster boarding and plastering a new wall. Routine plastering jobs may be part of wider decorating projects and ongoing property maintenance.
Bricklaying
Basic bricklaying jobs could include repairing garden walls or stepped areas, anywhere where small areas of new brickwork, blockwork or masonry repairs are needed.
Carpentry
From assembling furniture to fixing skirting boards, some carpentry and general construction tasks would fall under the responsibility of a handyman.
General repairs and maintenance
This covers a whole range of tasks, anything from putting up a shelf or a curtain pole, to fixing a door handle or rehanging a door.
What skills does a handyman need?
From the list of work responsibilities and tasks above, think about what skills you do already have and where might you need extra experience or training before you start your new career.
Specific task-related skills are essential, along with working knowledge of hand tools and power tools, and health and safety.
In addition to the practical skills, the work of a handyman is well suited to people who are conscientious problem-solvers, have high attention to detail and take pride in their work. Due to the nature of the work, good teamwork, communication and customer service skills are also essential.
What qualifications does a handyman need?
Qualifications aren’t a legal requirement. However, on-the-job experience and professional training will give you the relevant skills and experience.
A training course, such as a City & Guilds Handyman course or a Level 3 Certificate in Building Installation and Property Maintenance Skills are both industry-recognised qualifications.
What routes are available for starting work as a handyman?
Handymen can find work in an employed position or start working for themselves. Some employed roles of this nature are called ‘building maintenance technician’ or ‘maintenance worker’ and in some cases, electrical knowledge will also be required.
If you decide to work for yourself, then you’ll need to consider registering your business with HMRC, taking out the appropriate insurances and having an understanding of business skills so that you can manage and promote your business.
How much can a handyman earn?
According to Indeed’s latest current data, the average base salary for building maintenance is £40, 382.
For self-employed handymen, the average hourly rate according to Checkatrade is £30 per hour in the UK, though this may be affected by minimum call-out fees.
Read Sarah’s student story to find out how she completed a handyman course and went on to set up her own business.
If you are interested in a career as a handyman, Able Skills offers a range of course that will equip you with the relevant skills. From City & Guilds Handyman courses to Level 3 Certificates in Property Maintenance as well as trade-subject specific courses in plumbing, tiling, plastering, bricklaying, electrical, carpentry, plastering and decorating.
To find out more, visit the training centre anytime we’re open or call us on 01322 280 202.