Hiring a skilled and experienced handyman to work on multiple small projects around your home can be cost-effective and time-saving. You can simply create a to-do list of all the tasks you need done and hire a local handyman in Oshawa to complete them for you. For multiple small projects, hiring a handyman is often cheaper compared to hiring a licensed contractor.

Handymen in Oshawa charge for jobs based on their experience and how complex your request is. In this cost guide, you’ll learn about factors that influence handyman costs in Oshawa. The cost guide is based on 2 verified Oshawa homeowner reviews.

Cost to Hire a Handyman in Oshawa

Average Cost*Lowest Reported*Highest Reported*
$1,100$400$1,800

Costs as of October 2020*

Common Handyman Jobs in Oshawa

Replace thermostatHang a heavy pictureRepair leaking pipe
Drywall repair (small section)Replace a torn screenMount shelves
Replace thermostatHang a heavy pictureRepair leaking pipe
Replace windowHang a new doorWoodwork repair
Repair a wallInstall heating and air registersInstall carpet (small room)
Install sporting equipment and fixturesInstall kitchen cabinetsBasic carpentry work
Assemble furnitureClear rubbish and junkPerform general maintenance
Painting wallsDemolishing old closetsPlant shrubs

Factors Impacting Handyman Services Cost in Oshawa

Size of the Job

  • Small: A small handyman job requires basic tools like a screwdriver, wire cutter, measuring tape and a toolbox. Based on the type of task, it may take a handyman 1-2 hours to complete a small job. Hanging a picture, replacing a small window or installing carpet in a small room can be considered a small handyman job.
  • Medium: A medium handyman job requires an experienced handyman who can finish the tasks in 2-4 hours. This type of job requires more expertise and knowledge in the field. As per the job requirements, the handyman can bring additional tools like a ladder or drilling machine to complete the job. Common tasks in this category include painting a wall and assembling furniture.
  • Large: Any large handyman job such as painting, woodwork repair or big installations require expert handymen. Such experienced handymen can complete the job in time and with precision. Based on the type of job it may take them 4-6 hours to complete. For some larger jobs, you can also hire a contractor, but getting it done by a handyman can be cheaper.

Experience

  • Experience brings precision and expertise to the work of a handyman. An experienced handyman can charge more compared to a novice for the same job. The benefit of hiring a more experienced contractor is that they will likely be able to complete the job in a shorter amount of time.

Charging Methods

  • Cost per hour: If you have a small list of tasks and you hire an experienced handyman, you can ask for a cost per hour billing. No job is too small for a handyman so this is the perfect way to complete multiple tasks in a shorter amount of time.
  • Cost per job: Medium and large-sized jobs are usually charged on a cost per job basis. Based on the type of job handymen can provide you with a flat rate to complete the task. In addition to that, if you want some other tasks to be completed, the handyman will charge for each task separately. That’s why we suggest you make a list of tasks and then consult the charging methods with the handyman.

Before choosing a charging method make sure that you compare costs from both the methods.

Material Costs

  • An expert handyman always has an all-inclusive toolbox, full of different types of screws and hinges along with some other necessary supplies to complete any small job around your house. But some jobs may require additional materials which you or the handyman will have to purchase at an added cost.
  • These extra materials can be a new set of hinges or paint buckets for your painting project. Based on the type of job, the cost for the extra material will differ. A handyman can help you buy the right supplies from a local store. Before hiring, ask them for the estimate of any extra material you may require.

Travel Costs

  • Even if you hire a local handyman, you may still have to consider the travel cost if there is extra material or labour involved.
  • Some jobs may require extra labour. In addition to paying the labour fees, you may also have to pay for their transport costs.
  • Before inviting the handyman to your house to complete the tasks, talk to them about the extra material purchase. If the handyman goes to purchase the material in the middle of the job, you will have to pay for excess travel costs and it will also waste your time. That’s why we suggest you ask the handyman to purchase the extra material before coming to your house. This will save you time and money.

Handyman Vs Contractor

To complete a project successfully, it’s important to hire the right service provider for the job. Based on the complexity of the job you can hire a licensed contractor or a handyman in Oshawa. A contractor has a license to complete any major renovations and electrical or plumbing work in Oshawa and can also assist you with any time of permit application process. Whereas a handyman is a trained professional who can complete small projects and odd residential jobs.

To hire the right service provider, you can make a list of tasks you want to complete at home and ask yourself the following questions comparing the list:

If you answer yes to these questions, then hire a contractor:

  • Do I need a permit to complete this job?

  • Will this job take more than a day to complete?
  • Does this job involve major modifications or renovations?

If you answer yes to these questions, then hire a handyman:

  • Could I do this job myself if I had the knowledge and ability?
  • Can this task be done by a single person?
  • I have planned 4-5 small odd jobs at home. Can these be done within a day?

If you still find it difficult to make a decision, talk to a handyman in Oshawa. An expert handyman can help you decide whether you need a licensed contractor for the job or if they can complete it for you.

Steps to Hire a Handyman in Oshawa:

  • Step 1: Fill out a quote request on HomeStars
  • Step 2: Chat with the top 3 local handymen in your area matched by HomeStars
  • Step 3: Check their Star Score, verification badge and verified homeowner reviews to make a confident hiring decision
  • Step 4: Discuss pricing and hire the handyman
  • Step 5: Get the desired work done by your choice of handyman
  • Step 6: Write a review on HomeStars of your experience with the handyman

Hiring a handyman in Oshawa can be cheaper compared to hiring a licensed contractor to do small odd jobs. Once you have a to-do list of your jobs ready, you can browse through a list of handymen in Oshawa to make the right hiring decision.