Handyman questions answered

Handyman FAQ: what a handyman may do

A handyman covers small repairs, mounting and assembly, plus some simple plumbing. Plumbing beyond that and electrical wiring need licensed workers, as the answers below explain. In an HDB flat, HDB does not allow new wiring to be embedded in walls or plaster. Covering wiring with PVC trunking, or encasing surface wiring in metal or high impact PVC conduit, needs no HDB permit.

Which plumbing jobs are on PUB's list for handymen?

PUB lets handymen do its simple plumbing works, which include replacing a tap or mixer, a shower hose or a flexible hose, a washbasin or sink including the bottle trap, and clearing a blockage in a floor trap or toilet bowl. Concealed water pipes and changing a toilet bowl are PUB Licensed Plumber work. Compare a plumber or handyman.

Can a handyman install a light or a power point?

Not the wiring. EMA lists adding, extending or replacing power points such as socket-outlets, switches or lighting points as work for an LEW. EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. See whether you need an electrician or handyman.

Can a handyman mount a TV?

Yes. Mounting a TV is drilling and mounting work, a usual handyman job. The Consumer Product Safety Office advises mounting or strapping flat-screen TVs to the wall, or using a suitable stand as the manufacturer recommends. In an HDB flat, the drilling hours and shelter limits in the next section apply. More on TV mounting.

Costs and quotes

Price depends on the job and on what the handyman includes, so compare like with like before you agree to anything. Ask for a written quote that lists each task, so you can check it against the work when the handyman finishes. Two questions come up again and again.

Is it per hour or per job?

Both are published. Some handymen quote a fixed price per job, while others charge per hour, so the total depends on how long the work takes. Ask which applies before work starts, and whether there is a minimum charge. Our guide to an hourly rate or fixed price explains the trade-off, and handyman rates shows published prices.

How do I compare two quotes?

Compare what each quote covers, not only the total. Check that both list the same tasks and say whether the price is per job or per hour. Ask whether materials, transport and disposal are included, since HDB notes that separate transport charges may apply. Then try the quote comparison tool.

Rules and timing

In an HDB flat, the hours, the household shelter and the terms you agree all shape the job. HDB says flat owners are responsible for renovations in their flat and must make sure the contractor follows HDB guidelines. Some works need an HDB permit, and works that do not need one must still follow HDB's guidelines.

When may a handyman drill in an HDB flat?

HDB allows general renovation from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays, never on Sundays and public holidays. Noisy works such as heavy drilling: 9am to 5pm on weekdays only, not on public holidays or the eves of New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas Day. See HDB renovation hours.

Can a handyman drill into the household shelter?

Only within limits. HDB says the shelter's reinforced walls, floor slab, ceiling and steel door must not be tampered with. Drilling into its internal walls is limited to 50mm deep for non-metallic inserts and removable screws, and fixtures there must be removable within 48 hours when notified. Read more on drilling into the household shelter.

What if a handyman damages something?

Raise it with the handyman first. HDB says engaging a contractor is a private arrangement: you negotiate terms and charges, approve the work before paying, and HDB takes no responsibility for workmanship. Ask before work starts how damage is handled, and see our guide on a dispute with a contractor.

Where to go next

If you have several small jobs, sort them first, then read up on hiring and prepare your questions before you contact anyone. If a job turns out to need a licensed plumber or a Licensed Electrician, the comparison pages in the first section explain the difference. These pages go into more detail:

• The handyman job list, to sort your jobs before you ask for quotes.
• The handyman guide, for an overview of hiring a handyman.
• Our questions to ask before hiring a handyman, to take into each call.
• The directory of handyman companies, with their published prices, the areas they say they cover and their sources.

Questions