How Much Does a Handyman Cost in the UK?
A realistic guide to handyman prices in the UK, covering hourly rates, day rates, fixed prices for common jobs and what pushes a quote up or down.
Handyman pricing in the UK is not set by any official scale, so two quotes for the same job can look very different. Understanding how handymen build a price makes it much easier to tell a fair quote from a padded one, and to avoid paying for time you did not need.
The three common ways handymen charge
Most handymen use one of three models, and some mix them.
- Hourly rate. Typically somewhere around £25 to £50 an hour outside London, and often £40 to £65 or more in London and the South East. Good for open-ended or uncertain work.
- Day rate. Typically around £150 to £300 a day depending on region and skill. Better value if you have a long list. See our guide to the handyman day rate in the UK.
- Fixed price per job. Common for well-defined tasks such as mounting a TV or assembling a wardrobe. You know the cost up front, which is often the least stressful option.
These figures are broad ranges. They move with your area, the complexity of the work, the handyman's experience and how busy they are.
What typical jobs tend to cost
The following are rough, typical ranges for a single straightforward job, excluding materials unless stated. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Hang a few pictures or a mirror | £30 to £70 |
| Put up a shelf | £35 to £80 |
| Assemble a flat-pack wardrobe | £60 to £150 |
| Mount a TV on a wall | £60 to £140 |
| Replace a tap washer | £40 to £80 |
| Reseal a bath or shower | £70 to £150 |
| Fix a sticking door | £40 to £90 |
| Patch a small plasterboard hole | £50 to £120 |
Many handymen also set a minimum charge for a visit. See handyman minimum call-out charges for how that works.
What pushes the price up
Several factors move a quote above the range you expected:
- Location. London and the South East usually cost more than the North or Scotland, partly because of travel time and parking.
- Access. Third-floor flats with no lift, awkward loft hatches or tight spaces add time.
- Condition. Rotten timber behind a loose shelf, crumbling plaster or old fixings turn a quick job into a repair.
- Materials. Fixings, sealant, plasterboard, timber and replacement parts are usually extra. Read who pays for materials before agreeing anything.
- Urgency. Same-day and weekend work often carries a premium.
- Specialist skill. Tiling, carpentry and decorating-level finishing can cost more than general odd jobs.
What can bring the price down
You have more control than you might think.
- Batch jobs together. Ten small tasks in one visit cost far less than ten visits. Our guide on saving money by batching handyman jobs goes through how.
- Prepare the space. Clear furniture, have the flat-pack boxes opened or at least accessible, and make sure the parking is sorted.
- Buy the right materials. Having the correct bracket, fixings or replacement part on site avoids a second trip.
- Be flexible on timing. Midweek slots are often easier to fill than Saturdays.
- Write a clear list. Vague briefs are padded with contingency. A written job list helps a handyman quote tightly; see how to write a job list.
Quotes versus estimates
An estimate is a rough guide and can change. A quote is a price for defined work. For small jobs, ask for a fixed price in writing (a message is fine) that states what is included, what is not, and whether materials are on top. If the scope changes on the day, agree the new price before extra work starts.
A word on suspiciously cheap quotes
A price far below the others is worth a question rather than a celebration. It may be missing materials, assume the job is easier than it is, or come from someone who plans to add charges later. Compare like with like, ideally using the checklist in how to compare handyman quotes.
Getting prices through Compito
If you want to compare, you can enter your postcode on Compito, browse ID-verified local providers and send a request describing the job. You receive an offer, can message the provider with questions, and pay online when you accept. Reviews are left after completed bookings, which helps you judge quality as well as price.
Frequently asked questions
Is a handyman cheaper than a specialist tradesperson?
For small, general jobs a handyman is usually cheaper because they can do many tasks in one visit. For larger or regulated work, such as rewiring or boiler repairs, you need a registered specialist and a handyman is not the right choice.
Do handymen charge for travel time?
Some do, particularly for longer journeys or small jobs, while others build it into the hourly rate or a minimum charge. Ask when you request the quote so it does not come as a surprise.
Should I pay by the hour or a fixed price?
A fixed price suits clearly defined jobs with little risk of surprises. Hourly or day rates suit long mixed lists or work where the problem is unknown until it is opened up.