Hiring a handyman to do a job instead of doing it yourself is always beneficial. Hiring an experienced handyman in Vancouver will save you time and provide you with peace of mind. Instead of worrying if you have the right skills to complete a project, a handyman is well trained in a wide variety of odd jobs. They have the skills, tools, and knowledge to safely complete your home project to-do list. Hiring a handyman is often more affordable than hiring multiple specialists. Read on to learn how much you can expect to pay a handyman for your home improvement projects in Vancouver.
This cost guide is based on 9 verified Vancouver homeowner reviews on HomeStars. You can refer to the price estimates in this guide to create a budget for your next home improvement project or ask a handyman to provide you with a custom quote.
Costs to Hire a Handyman in Vancouver
| Average Cost* | Lowest Reported* | Highest Reported* |
|---|---|---|
| $973 | $150 | $3,700 |
Costs as of October 2020*
Common Handyman Jobs in Vancouver
| Mounting and hanging shelves and picture frames | Furniture assembly | Painting a room |
| Installing smart home services | Childproofing the house | Installing holiday lights |
| Cleaning gutters | Installing bathroom accessories | Basic woodwork and plumbing |
Factors Impacting Handyman Services Cost in Vancouver
Size of the Job
- Handyman jobs in Vancouver are divided into three categories: small, medium and large-sized jobs. Based on the complexity of your project, a local handyman will be able to tell you in which category your project fits in. They will charge you for the project accordingly.
- Small projects include tasks like mounting a TV, hanging a picture frame or childproofing the kitchen and washrooms of the house. These tasks can be done by a new handyman and are usually charged at an hourly rate.
- Medium projects include tasks that might take a handyman 2-4 hours to complete. You can hire a handyman to do multiple small projects or a medium-sized project which won’t take the whole day. These tasks include furniture assembly, installing a bathroom faucet or toilet, fixing the garbage disposal and installing window and door frames.
- Large handyman projects usually take a whole day or even a couple of days based on their complexity. We recommend you hire an experienced handyman to complete these types of projects. They might charge you a flat rate to complete one large project such as painting a room, smart home feature installation or building a fence.
- Discuss all your project details with the handyman before booking an appointment and ask them for a custom quote so you can better budget your project.
Experience
- An experienced handyman has the right skills and refined attention to detail which can be missed if you’re attempting a DIY project. Even a small missed step can cause damages and safety concerns.
- Hiring an experienced handyman may be more expensive than doing it yourself, but they can complete the project with precision and give you peace of mind that it’s done right.
Flat Rate Vs Hourly
- Based on the type and complexity of the job, a handyman can charge you a flat rate or an hourly rate for your project.
- For a small or medium size project, you can ask a handyman for their hourly charge. You only have to pay for the hours they work on the project including the time they take to buy new materials if required. You can create a list of different tasks you want to be completed which will make this whole process simple and efficient.
- If you’re planning multiple medium or large projects, we recommend you ask for a flat rate which is the rate per project. Regardless of how much time it takes, you will be paying only for the task assigned to the handyman. Keep in mind that if you add any new tasks to the list, you will have to pay separately for those on a cost per job rate.
- To make the right decision, you can ask your handyman to give you an estimate on both pricing methods and compare them.
Material Costs
- Buying specialty tools for a job can be expensive and a waste of money if they are not used regularly. That’s why hiring a handyman is a wise decision for such projects which require specialty tools. Handymen in Vancouver always carry regular and specialized tools to complete any home improvement project. These tolls include screws and hinges, drills, a saw and even a ladder. If you discuss the project details with the handymen before hiring them, they will bring these tools with them to save time and money.
- Based on the complexity of the job, you might be required to buy some new materials. Handymen can buy these for you at an extra cost. They can also suggest the brand and product type when you plan on buying basic material for a project like doors, windows or childproofing supplies.
- The cost to buy this extra material is added to your final invoice. We recommend you discuss the requirements of additional materials with your handyman before they start the job.
Steps to Hire a Handyman in Vancouver
Step 1: Create a to-do list of all of the home improvement tasks around your home.
- Step 2: Submit a quote request on HomeStars or browse through a list of different handymen in your area.
- Step 3: HomeStars will match you with three service providers as per your requirements. You can discuss the project details with them and share your to-do list with them to ask for a budget estimate. Clarify the flat rate or hourly costs of the job along with any extra material requirements.
- Step 4: Check the Star Score, verification badge and verified homeowner reviews of your chosen service provider to make a confident hiring decision.
- Step 5: Confirm pricing and hire the handyman of your choice.
- Step 6: Book an appointment and let the experienced handyman complete your project.
- Step 7: Write a review on HomeStars of your experience with the handyman to help other homeowners make a more informed hiring decision.
Handyman Vs Contractor
Based on the type and complexity of the job you can hire a handyman or a licensed contractor in Vancouver for any home improvement project. A licensed contractor has all the necessary licenses and certifications to work on major projects and renovations. Licensed contractors typically have a team of professional service providers working under them. A contractor can also help you apply for a permit if required for your project. A handyman usually works independently or for a handyman company. Handymen are known as the jack of all trades and have skills to complete a wide range of residential tasks.
Once you decide on the project or tasks you want to be done, you can hire a handyman or a licensed contractor accordingly. Refer to this chart to make the right decision:
| Handyman Jobs | Contractor Jobs |
|---|---|
| Simple carpentry and plumbing projects | Electrical fixture installation or wiring |
| Building a deck | Major renovations such as kitchen and bathrooms |
| Replacing doors and windows | HVAC maintenance and cleaning |
| Small paint jobs | Repairing a leaky roof |
| Yardwork | Replacing old light fixtures |
If you find it difficult to decide whether you want a handyman or a specialized contractor for a job, you can always ask the opinion of a trusted local handyman. Make a list of tasks and hire a handyman in Vancouver best suited to your needs.