Have you been putting off some small, yet important home improvement projects because you don't have the time, skills or tools to do them yourself? If so, maybe it's time you got in touch with a local handyman. What jobs can a handyman do? You may be surprised to learn just how valuable having a handyman to turn to when you need one can be.

What is a Handyman?

A handyman is someone who is "handy". Dictionary definitions of the word include "skillful with the use of one's hands" and "convenient, nearby or easily reached." Both of these definitions describe a handyman perfectly. When you have a job or jobs that require the services of someone who has a multitude of manual skills and who is available on short notice, you need a handyman.

What Jobs Can a Handyman Do?

The list of jobs a handyman cannot do is much shorter than the list of jobs a handyman cannot do. A handyman cannot do the following jobs unless he or she has the requisite legal trade qualifications and licenses:

• Plumbing: Most plumbing jobs must be done by a licensed plumber.
  
  
• Electricity: Electrical wiring and other specialist electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician.
  
  
• Gasfitting: A licensed plumber/gas fitter must do your gasfitting work for you.

This does not mean that a handyman cannot do related jobs for you, though. For example, if you just bought a new home theatre system and you want to have your new flat screen TV mounted on your wall, a handyman can install the mounting, the TV and even thread the cable through the wall cavity for you.

As a general rule, you call on a handyman to do all those "little" jobs around the house you can't do yourself. Just a few of them include:

• Painting: If you want to paint a room but don't feel it's a large enough job for a professional painter, many handymen are skillful painters.
  
  
• Wall hangings: Hanging paintings, mirrors, TVs and other heavy objects can be tricky and even dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. A handyman knows which kind of hardware is needed to make sure object being mounted will stay mounted.
  
  
• Cleaning: There are many cleaning jobs that require a handyman's services. For example, if your driveway, pathway or patio floor needs cleaning, a handyman may be able to use a pressure hose to remove mould, dirt and grime and make it look like new again.
  
  
• Gardening: While you want to call a professional gardener for some jobs, a handyman comes in "handy" for a multitude of gardening jobs.
  
  
• Carpentry: Do you need to hang some shelves or have a new door fitted? A handyman can do these and many other small carpentry and carpentry-related jobs for you. While a licensed builder is required for larger structures, a handyman can even erect a shed, cubby house or other small structure for you.
  
  
• Kit and flatpack installation: Carports, kitchen cabinets, furniture and many other things often come in kit or flatpack form. A handyman will have the tools and skills to install these for you.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, but it gives you an idea of just how useful a handyman can be.