Most homes have a list of small jobs waiting to be done. A loose handle gets ignored, a shelf stays in its box, or a dripping tap becomes something you keep meaning to sort out next weekend.
None of these jobs may seem urgent on its own. But once the list starts growing, getting several repairs and fittings completed during one handyman visit can make a noticeable difference to your home.
Here are 25 common small handyman jobs worth adding to your list.
Small Repairs and Fittings
1. Fix a Loose Door Handle
Door handles work hard and can gradually loosen. A handyman can check the handle, screws and fittings, then tighten or replace suitable parts where needed.
2. Adjust a Door That Sticks
An internal door that catches on the frame or doesn’t close properly can be frustrating. Minor adjustments to hinges, catches or the door itself may solve the problem.
3. Replace or Adjust Hinges
Loose or worn hinges can make doors and cupboards drop out of position. Suitable hinges can often be adjusted or replaced without changing the whole door.
4. Put Up Shelves
Shelves are useful in kitchens, bedrooms, home offices and utility areas. Correct positioning and suitable wall fixings matter, particularly when the shelf will carry heavier items.
5. Fit Pictures and Mirrors
Getting pictures and mirrors level isn’t always as easy as it looks. The right fixing also depends on the wall and the weight of the item being hung.
6. Fit Curtain Poles
A new curtain pole needs accurate measuring, level brackets and secure fixings. It’s a relatively small job that can be awkward without the right tools.
7. Install Blinds
Ready-made blinds still need careful measuring and fixing. A handyman can help fit suitable blinds securely and check that they open and close correctly.
Carpentry and Furniture Jobs
8. Repair Loose Skirting Boards
Sections of skirting can become loose or damaged over time. Smaller repairs may avoid the need to replace skirting throughout the room.
9. Repair Architraves and Timber Trim
Small areas of damaged or loose timber around doors can often be repaired as part of a general household maintenance visit.
10. Assemble a Wardrobe
Flat pack wardrobes can involve dozens of panels, fittings and fixings. If you’d rather not spend an evening working through the instructions, furniture assembly is an obvious job to hand over.
11. Assemble a Bed Frame
Bed frames need to be put together securely and checked before use. This can be particularly useful when moving home or replacing several pieces of bedroom furniture.
12. Build a Desk or Storage Unit
Desks, drawer units, shelving and storage furniture are all common flat pack jobs. Handy Peter’s furniture assembly service covers suitable ready-to-assemble household furniture.
Minor Plumbing and Household Jobs
13. Deal With a Dripping Tap
A tap that drips constantly is annoying and can waste water. Depending on the tap and the cause, a straightforward repair or replacement may be possible.
14. Replace a Tap
If an existing kitchen or bathroom tap is worn or you simply want a new one, replacing it can give the sink or basin a quick refresh.
15. Replace a Toilet Seat
It sounds easy until the old fixings won’t move or access is awkward. Replacing a loose, damaged or worn toilet seat is a typical small household job.
16. Fix a Waste or Trap
Accessible sink and basin wastes or traps may need adjustment or replacement if they’re leaking or no longer fitting correctly. More information is available on the Handy Peter plumbing page.
17. Connect a Washing Machine or Dishwasher
Where suitable existing connections are already available, connecting a washing machine or dishwasher can be included with other minor plumbing work.
Decorating and Finishing Jobs
18. Fill Small Holes and Cracks
Old picture fixings, minor dents and small surface cracks can make otherwise tidy walls look neglected. Filling and preparing these areas can improve the finish before painting.
19. Touch Up Paintwork
Scuffed walls, marked corners and chipped areas don’t always justify redecorating an entire room. Small paint touch-ups can tidy up areas that get regular wear.
20. Repaint a Door or Frame
Internal doors and frames can start to look tired before the rest of the room. Preparing and repainting the woodwork is a manageable way to freshen things up.
21. Refresh Skirting Boards
Skirting boards collect knocks, dust and marks. A fresh coat of paint can make a room look cleaner without changing the walls or flooring.
General Home and Garden Maintenance
22. Fit Hooks and Small Wall Fittings
Coat hooks, bathroom accessories, brackets and storage fittings are quick jobs individually. If you have several to fit, it makes sense to put them on the same list.
23. Assemble Garden Furniture
Outdoor tables, chairs, benches and storage boxes often arrive flat packed. Assembly can be included alongside suitable garden maintenance work.
24. Repair a Garden Gate
A gate that drags, won’t latch or has a loose hinge may only need a relatively small repair. Sorting it early can prevent further wear to the gate and fittings.
25. Complete a General Home Maintenance List
Sometimes the best handyman job isn’t one job at all. Make a list as you walk around your property. Loose fittings, minor repairs, shelves, furniture and small decorating jobs can often be discussed together.
If your list has been growing for a while, the house maintenance service gives an overview of the types of practical household jobs Handy Peter can help with across South West London.
Getting Several Small Jobs Done in One Visit
Before contacting a handyman, write down everything you want looked at. Don’t rely on remembering the list when someone arrives. Include the small jobs you’ve been ignoring as well as the obvious repair that prompted you to make the booking.
Photos are useful too. Take a close-up of the problem and another photo showing the surrounding area. For furniture assembly, keep the instructions and fittings together and make sure all boxes have arrived.
Some jobs may need a specialist tradesperson, particularly work that requires certification or specialist equipment. Providing clear details beforehand makes it easier to establish which jobs are suitable for a handyman visit.
Small Jobs Can Make a Big Difference
A home doesn’t need a major renovation to feel better maintained. Fixing the sticking door, hanging the shelf that’s been sitting on the floor, touching up damaged paintwork and dealing with a few loose fittings can make everyday spaces easier to use.
And once those little jobs are finally crossed off the list, you won’t have to keep telling yourself you’ll get around to them next weekend.