Hiring a skilled handyman to work on small home projects is an affordable solution. Handymen have a variety of skills which makes them experts in completing various odd jobs around your house. A handyman can help you with repairing leaky or squeaky stuff, assembling furniture, painting walls, handling basic carpentry or planting shrubs. A handyman can do different odd jobs at cheaper costs compared to a specialist contractor.
HomeStars can help you hire a trusted and experienced handyman in Ottawa. You can ask a handyman for cost estimates for your project by chatting with them or refer to this cost guide to build your estimate. We have created this cost guide by compiling 9 verified Ottawa homeowner reviews for handyman services.
Cost to Hire a Handyman in Ottawa
| Average Cost\ ¹ | Lowest Reported\ ¹ | Highest Reported\ ¹ |
|---|---|---|
| $4,991 | $468 | $35,000 |
Costs as of October 2020*
Common Handyman Jobs in Ottawa
The below chart shows common handyman jobs in Ottawa and the estimated time to complete them:
| Task | Length of Time |
|---|---|
| Replace thermostat | |
| Hang a heavy picture | |
| Repair leaking pipe | |
| Replace a torn screen | 1-2 hours |
| Drywall repair (small section) | |
| Mount Shelves | 2-3 hours |
| Replace window | |
| Hang a new door | |
| Woodwork repair | 3-4 hours |
| Repair a wall | |
| Install heating and air registers | |
| Install carpet (small room) | 4+ hours |
Factors Impacting Handyman Services Costs in Ottawa
Experience
- An experienced handyman can complete a task with precision and within a short period of time. Their skill level will greatly impact the overall cost to hire them.
Cost Per Hour vs Cost Per Job
- Based on the type of job, a handyman may charge you based on cost per hour or the cost per job.
- Usually, the cost per job is given as a flat rate by handymen when there is only one task involved and the handymen have expertise in completing this task.
- Many times hiring a handyman by hour proves to be cost effective when you have multiple small projects.
- Handymen decide the type of cost based on the details you provide them before hiring. They can provide you with a custom quote per hour or a custom flat rate once they know the number of tasks involved. You will also have to consider the extra material and travel time on these costs.
The Complexity of the Job
- Based on the complexity of the job, it will take a handyman more time and therefore cost you more money.
- Keep in mind that if the job has critical aspects attached to it, such as wiring, you’ll need a licensed technician for it, not a handyman.
- As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to discuss the job specifications with the handyman before hiring them. Be sure to check with them if the job requires a licensed contractor. If you realize it after you hire the handyman, you may end up paying both the handyman and the contractor to complete a simple job.
- A handyman in Ottawa can provide you with cost estimates based on the complexity of the job.
Material Costs
- Handymen usually travel with their toolbox that includes some universal supplies like nails, screws, nuts and bolts. They also carry some basic pieces of equipment like a drill, saw, ladder, different hand tools and plumbing supplies. If the handyman does not have the appropriate tools to complete your assigned task, they might have to purchase the material from a local store. The cost of the material and the time to purchase it will be added to your final invoice.
- To avoid any delays in the work and save yourself from extra costs, we suggest that you discuss the extra material details with the handyman before hiring them. You can send them a to-do list for handyman jobs at your home along with some pictures. They can help you determine if any extra material is needed. You can purchase this material yourself or ask them to purchase on your behalf before they arrive at your home to do the job.
Handyman Vs Contractor
A licensed contractor is a specialized pro who has all the necessary licenses and permits required by law to complete a specific project, such as electrical work. A handyman is a trained professional who can be trusted to do different odd jobs or small projects in your house. For the safety of your house and your family, you must understand the type of work you are getting done and hire an appropriate professional accordingly. An experienced handyman will be able to tell you whether or not you need a licensed contractor to complete the task.
This comparison chart will help you to decide whether to hire a contractor or a handyman for your project:
| Hire a Handyman | Hire a Contractor |
|---|---|
| Example project: Mounting shelves and repairing woodwork | Example project: Installing appliances and wirework |
| Requires less than 10 hours to complete the task | Requires a minimum of two days of work to complete the project |
| The task doesn’t require a license or permit by law | The task requires licenses and permits by law |
| Can be done by one or two people | Requires a team of experts |
By using HomeStars, you can make a confident handyman hiring decision by checking their Star Score, verification badge and reviews from past clients. You can either browse through this list of handymen in Ottawa or submit a quote request to get matched with up to 3 local pros near you.