A busy household requires a home that can keep up with it. When you need help with your ever-growing to-do list, a handyman can help you with projects big and small. Hiring a handyman is cheaper compared to hiring a licensed contractor to do basic plumbing, installation and carpentry jobs in Calgary. In this cost guide, we have detailed the factors impacting the costs of handyman services in Calgary and how to choose the right handyman. The costs in this guide are based on 11 Calgary based homeowner reviews on HomeStars.
Cost to Hire a Handyman in Calgary
| Average Cost\ ¹ | Lowest Reported\ ¹ | Highest Reported\ ¹ |
|---|---|---|
| $1,499 | $120 | $6,000 |
Costs as of October 2020*
Common Handyman Jobs in Calgary
| Furniture assembly | Carpentry | Electrical work | | Countertop installation | Home maintenance | Painting | | Plumbing | Repairs | Safety & mobility upgrades |
Factors Impacting Handyman Services Cost in Calgary
Size of the Job
Handyman jobs can be divided into three categories: small, medium and large. Based on the size of your job, a handyman will charge for it accordingly.
- A small handyman job takes about 1-2 hours and is usually charged per hour. It can be done by an independent or new handyman.
- A medium handyman job requires more skills, tools and time. It may take a handyman 2-4 hours to complete such a job.
- A large handyman job requires the most experienced, knowledgeable and trusted handyman in Calgary. Based on the job description it may take a handyman between 6-8 hours or 2 days to complete the task. A handyman usually charges a flat rate for large jobs.
Before hiring a handyman, you must discuss the job details with them. They will be able to tell you whether the task at hand is a small, medium or large job.
Examples of Handyman Job Sizes:
| Small Handyman Jobs | Hanging a picture, planting shrubs, repairing loose window and doors | | Medium Handyman Jobs | Installing window and door frames, installing kitchen cabinets, furniture assembly | | Large Handyman Jobs | Painting a room, building a small deck, repairing drywall |
Experience
- Experience is one of the key factors that impact a handyman’s fees. As an experienced handyman knows the details of a job even before starting the work, it surely takes them less time to complete it compared to a new handyman.
- They may charge you more for a simple task but they will likely be able to avoid any mistakes during the job.
Flat Rate Vs Hourly
- Handymen in Calgary offer flexible options of payment like a flat rate or an hourly rate. You can discuss and negotiate the rates with the handymen before hiring them.
- A flat rate is best suited for a single medium or large job. An hourly rate is the best choice if you have multiple small and medium jobs on your to-do list.
- Before choosing either one of these options we recommend you compare both the costs considering any potential additional tasks. An experienced handyman will be able to provide you with both quote options.
Material Costs
- Handymen usually carry basic tools and supplies which will help them complete any type of home project. These supplies commonly include a toolbox, drill, screws and hinges, a ladder and a saw. If there are any other materials required to complete a job, the handyman can buy it on your behalf. The charges for additional materials are later included in the final invoice.
- This additional material can include tiles, window frames, paint and special screws and hinges. We recommend discussing all the project details with the handyman before they start the work and ask for an estimate to buy the additional materials.
Tips to Keep Handyman Costs Down
Following these simple steps can help you be more efficient when hiring handyman services in Calgary:
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Make a to-do list of all the tasks that need to be done around your home.
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Provide sufficient details of the tasks before you hire. These details include the to-do list, additional materials needed, your estimated budget and timeframe.
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Consider combining multiple small jobs for the handyman to do at once instead of calling them out for just one small job.
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Compare costs with multiple handymen to make the right hiring decision.
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Clear out some space in your house where the handyman will primarily be working to help save time so they can get to work.
Handyman Vs Contractor
Based on the complexity of your job, you can hire a handyman or a licensed contractor in Calgary. A licensed contractor has expertise working in a particular area and has the licenses and formal education to complete a job successfully. They can also help you with your permit applications to the city and usually have a team of professionals working for them. A handyman usually works independently and can complete different odd jobs at your home. They do not require a special license to do small jobs like furniture assembly, woodwork or home maintenance.
This chart will help you decide whether you need a handyman or a licensed contractor to complete your home project:
| Handyman Jobs | Contractor Jobs |
|---|---|
| Installing a new roof | Electrical installation |
| Building a deck | Major renovations such as kitchen and bathrooms |
| Building a deck | Major renovations |
| Replacing doors and windows | HVAC maintenance |
| Small paint jobs, carpentry and plumbing | Repairing a leaky roof |
| Yardwork | Replacing old light fixtures |
With HomeStars you can hire a trusted handyman in Calgary by submitting a quote request or by browsing through a list of local service providers. You can check their company profiles for Star Score, verification badge and other homeowner reviews before booking an appointment. You can chat with these pros about your project details or to-do list. You can also refer to the Ultimate Hiring Guide by HomeStars to make an informed hiring decision for a handyman.