Every home has a list of small jobs that never seem to get done. Maybe it’s that shelf you bought months ago, the dripping tap you’ve been ignoring, or the loose door handle you keep meaning to fix. Individually, these jobs seem minor, but together, they can make your home feel unfinished, less safe, or less comfortable.
This is where a handyman comes in. Unlike a specialist tradesperson who focuses on one area (like plumbing or electrics), a handyman is skilled in a wide range of small household repairs and improvements. Hiring one saves you time, reduces stress, and often costs less than bringing in multiple contractors.
Here are the top 10 handyman jobs UK homeowners often book, plus tips on why each one matters and how Sort a Home helps you find trusted professionals nearby.
1. Furniture Assembly
Flat-pack furniture is designed to be simple, but anyone who has ever wrestled with missing screws, unclear instructions, or wobbly fittings knows it can be a nightmare.
-
Common items: beds, wardrobes, desks, dining tables, bookcases, children’s furniture.
-
Why hire a handyman:
-
They bring the right tools (electric screwdrivers, Allen key sets, brackets).
-
They ensure the furniture is safe, sturdy, and aligned properly.
-
They can often assemble multiple items in one visit, saving time.
-
👉 Book Sort a Home Handyman Services for quick, professional furniture assembly.
2. TV Wall Mounting & Media Setup
Wall-mounted TVs look sleek and save space, but mounting them incorrectly can damage your wall or even your television.
-
Tasks a handyman handles:
-
Securing heavy TVs to plasterboard, brick, or stud walls.
-
Choosing the right brackets (fixed, tilting, or swivel).
-
Hiding cables for a clean finish.
-
Mounting soundbars or speakers alongside the TV.
-
3. Hanging Shelves, Mirrors, and Artwork
Getting shelves level and mirrors secure is harder than it looks.
-
Common jobs: floating shelves, gallery walls, bathroom mirrors, large wall art.
-
Why hire a handyman:
-
They use the correct wall plugs and fixings for your wall type.
-
They ensure heavy items are mounted safely.
-
You avoid lopsided shelves or unnecessary wall damage.
-
4. Minor Plumbing Repairs
Not all plumbing issues require a plumber. Many small leaks and fixes are well within a handyman’s skill set.
-
Typical handyman plumbing tasks:
-
Fixing dripping taps.
-
Replacing worn washers.
-
Unblocking sinks or toilets.
-
Installing new taps.
-
Re-sealing around baths and sinks.
-
💡 Tip: For major jobs like boiler servicing or pipe replacement, you’ll still need a qualified plumber.
5. Painting, Decorating, and Touch-Ups
A fresh coat of paint can transform a room, but small jobs often get delayed because they don’t feel “worth” hiring a decorator for.
-
Jobs a handyman covers:
-
Painting a single room, feature wall, or ceiling.
-
Repainting skirting boards, doors, or window frames.
-
Touch-ups for scuffed walls or scratched paintwork.
-
Outdoor touch-ups for fences, gates, or sheds.
6. Small Electrical Jobs
For safety reasons, handymen usually handle only minor electrical tasks, not full rewiring.
-
Examples of what they can do:
-
Replacing light fittings, sockets, or switches.
-
Installing ceiling fans.
-
Fitting outdoor lights.
-
Changing smoke detector batteries.
-
⚠️ Important: For complex wiring or consumer unit work, you’ll need a qualified electrician.
7. Door and Lock Repairs
Faulty doors and locks are both annoying and a security risk.
-
Handyman services include:
-
Fixing squeaky or stiff hinges.
-
Re-aligning doors that don’t close properly.
-
Replacing internal or external door locks.
-
Adjusting handles and latches.
-
8. Curtain and Blind Installation
Hanging curtains or blinds might sound simple, but uneven fittings can ruin the look of a room.
-
Tasks a handyman handles:
-
Installing curtain rails securely.
-
Fitting roller, Venetian, or Roman blinds.
-
Cutting blinds to size.
-
Ensuring perfect alignment.
-
9. Outdoor & Garden Maintenance Tasks
A handyman isn’t just for indoors — they can handle small outdoor jobs too.
-
Examples include:
-
Fixing fences or gates.
-
Repairing sheds or outdoor furniture.
-
Painting decking or fencing.
-
Clearing gutters at low heights.
-
For larger landscaping projects, you’d want a dedicated gardener, but for quick outdoor fixes, a handyman is ideal.
10. General Household Fixes
These are the small but important jobs that improve your home’s safety and comfort.
-
Filling cracks in walls.
-
Replacing loose tiles.
-
Re-sealing bathroom or kitchen surfaces.
-
Installing skirting boards.
-
Assembling or repairing flat-pack storage units.
Why Hire a Handyman Instead of Doing It Yourself?
-
Saves time: No wasted weekends on unfinished DIY.
-
Cost-effective: One handyman can do multiple jobs in a single visit.
-
Prepared: They bring the right tools and equipment.
-
Safe: Avoid injuries or accidental damage from DIY mistakes.
-
Professional results: A handyman ensures the job looks neat and lasts longer.
How Sort a Home Makes It Easy
With Sort a Home, booking a handyman is simple:
-
Find trusted handymen near you.
-
Book instantly online with clear pricing.
-
Compare ratings and reviews before choosing.
-
Covering cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and more.
Customer Experiences Across the UK
-
“Our handyman in Leeds mounted our TV, put up shelves, and fixed a lock all in one visit. Saved us so much time.” – Charlotte
-
“Booked a London handyman for flat-pack assembly. Everything was done perfectly in under an hour.” – Omar
-
“In Birmingham, a handyman repainted our doors and repaired the fence. Really affordable.” – Megan
Final Thoughts: Handymen Handle the Jobs That Add Up
It’s often the little jobs that make the biggest difference to how your home looks and feels. Whether it’s hanging shelves, fixing leaks, or refreshing a room, a handyman can handle multiple tasks quickly and cost-effectively.
Book Handyman Services Today
👉 Visit Sort a Home Handyman Services to find trusted local handymen for your home repairs, installations, and improvements.