When something breaks or needs fixing in your home, the first question is: who should you call — a handyman or a specialist?

For small jobs, a handyman is often the quicker and cheaper option. But for complex or regulated tasks, you’ll need a qualified specialist such as a plumber, electrician, or gas engineer. Knowing the difference saves you money and ensures the job is done safely.

Here’s a breakdown of when to choose a handyman vs specialist for your home repairs, and how Sort a Home makes booking the right person simple.

What Does a Handyman Do?

A handyman is a multi-skilled professional who can tackle a wide range of small to medium household tasks.

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• Common handyman jobs include:

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  • Furniture assembly.

  • TV wall mounting.

  • Hanging shelves, mirrors, and curtains.

  • Minor plumbing jobs (e.g. fixing dripping taps).

  • Small electrical tasks (e.g. replacing light fittings).

  • Painting and decorating touch-ups.

  • Door and lock repairs.

  • Garden maintenance and small outdoor jobs.

💡 Think of a handyman as your “go-to” for jobs that don’t require specialist certification.

What Does a Specialist Do?

Specialists are trained and certified in specific trades. Their work often requires advanced skills, safety checks, or compliance with regulations.

• Common specialist jobs include:

  • Plumbers – pipe replacement, boiler servicing, bathroom installations.

  • Electricians – rewiring, consumer unit upgrades, installing new circuits.

  • Gas engineers – boiler repairs, central heating installations, gas safety checks.

  • Roofers – roof repairs, gutter replacement, chimney work.

  • Builders – extensions, structural work, bricklaying.

Handyman vs Specialist: Key Differences

When to Call a Handyman

• Jobs that take less than a few hours.

• Repairs that don’t require certification.

• Minor maintenance that keeps your home running smoothly.

• Multiple small jobs you want done in a single visit.

When to Call a Specialist

• Work involving gas, electrics, or plumbing systems beyond basic repairs.

• Jobs covered by building regulations (e.g. extensions, rewiring).

• Safety-critical tasks (e.g. gas boiler servicing, roof work).

• Large-scale renovations or structural changes.

How to Decide Quickly

Ask yourself:

1. Does this job require a license or certification?

2. Is it a safety risk if done incorrectly?

3. Is it a small fix or a major project?

If the answer is “no” to the first two and “small” to the last — call a handyman. Otherwise, book a specialist.

How Sort a Home Helps You Choose

With Sort a Home, you don’t need to waste time guessing:

• Handymen – available for everyday jobs like assembly, mounting, and repairs.

• Specialists – plumbers, electricians, and builders for advanced tasks.

• Instant booking with clear categories makes it easy to choose the right professional.

• Compare reviews before hiring.

👉 Visit Sort a Home Handyman Services or Sort a Home Plumbing Services depending on your needs.

Customer Experiences Across the UK

• “I thought I needed a plumber in Bristol, but Sort a Home matched me with a handyman who fixed my dripping tap quickly.” – Jack

• “An electrician in London rewired our sockets safely. It was clearly a specialist job.” – Priya

• “Our handyman in Manchester assembled furniture, mounted the TV, and repaired doors in one visit. Perfect.” – Samira

Final Thoughts: Handyman or Specialist?

• Handyman = small, affordable, multi-skilled jobs.

• Specialist = complex, technical, safety-critical work.

Knowing the difference saves money and ensures your home is in safe hands.

Book the Right Professional Today

👉 Visit Sort a Home to book either a handyman for everyday fixes or a specialist for technical repairs.