Handyman prices: what your quote includes
See the labour rates, how materials are calculated and which details help make a quote useful for your particular job.
Read the guideGuides and articles for your home.
Practical how-to guides, repair-or-replace decisions and advice on planning the work and its cost.
Looking for a quick answer?21 guides and articles
Planning a job.
Understand the price and get the room ready.
Doors, cupboards and drawers.
Find the fault before choosing the repair.
How to fix a loose door handle
Identify the part that moves, check the right fixing and distinguish a simple loose screw from a worn handle, damaged fixing or latch problem.
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How to adjust kitchen cupboard doors
Work out why a cupboard door catches or sits unevenly, identify the correct hinge adjustment, and follow a practical sequence for improving the fit without overlooking damaged fixings.
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How to fix a drawer that won't close
Work through a blocked, rubbing or uneven drawer without forcing its runners, and identify when refitting, adjustment or a proper repair is needed.
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How to fix a sticking internal door
Find the point of contact and distinguish a loose hinge, paint build-up or lost floor clearance before choosing a repair.
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How to stop a door squeaking
Find the source of the noise, check the hinge's care instructions and decide whether cleaning, lubrication or a repair is appropriate.
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Repair or replace kitchen cupboards?
Separate a worn fitting from a damaged cabinet, compare the complete cost and decide what is worth keeping before buying replacement doors.
Read the articleFitting things to your walls.
Check the position, support and fixing method.
How to put up a curtain pole
Work out the curtain position, choose fixings for the actual wall and fit the brackets level. Includes what to check when a curtain pole starts pulling away.
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How to put up a shelf
Choose the shelf, wall fixings and supports together, with fitting steps and checks for a floating shelf that starts to sag.
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How to hang a heavy mirror
Check the wall, mirror weight and hanging fittings before choosing fixings. This guide explains the main wall types, marking out, installation checks and when to ask for help.
Read the guidePreparing and decorating.
Make a sound start on walls and woodwork.
How to paint new plaster
Choose a first-coat system for new plaster, distinguish a fresh skim from repaired or painted walls, and plan preparation and finishing in the right order.
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How to paint skirting boards
Plan the preparation, floor protection and finish for interior skirting, including fitted carpet, glossy old paint and new primed boards.
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How to fill holes in walls before painting
A practical guide to small wall repairs, from choosing filler to preparing the finish, with a clear distinction between surface holes and damaged plasterboard.
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How to prepare walls for painting
A whole-room preparation sequence, with different approaches for sound paint, filled patches, bare plaster and walls uncovered after wallpaper removal.
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How to paint interior doors
Identify the door and existing finish, prepare the surface and plan panels, edges, hardware and drying before the first coat.
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Small repairs before decorating: what to fix first
Put repairs, wall fittings and decorating in a sensible order so a freshly painted room does not immediately need making good again.
Read the articlePaint finishes and problems.
Understand drying, coverage and a finish that is failing.
How long between coats of paint?
Plan the gap between coats on interior walls and woodwork, with named product examples, drying conditions to check, and the difference between a dry surface and a cured finish.
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Why is my paint patchy?
Work out whether uneven paint is a colour, sheen or surface problem, then choose between waiting, preparation, touching up and repainting.
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Why is paint peeling or bubbling on a wall?
Compare the signs of poor adhesion, contamination, moisture and a failing wall surface before choosing preparation, primer or another coat.
Read the guideWater filters.
Choose the arrangement and check its maintenance requirements.
No guides or articles match those filters.
Try a shorter phrase such as "hinge", "paint" or "price", or choose all topics.
Still unsure? Tell me about your job.
Just need one answer?
Browse questions about costs, repairs, wall fittings and decorating, with a link to the full guide when you need more detail.
Browse home maintenance FAQsSend me your postcode and job list.
Add photos, product links and access details. I will discuss the work, materials, price and appointment with you before booking.
A few useful answers.
Know what to send and what to expect before arranging your job.
Where should I start with a shelf or sticking door?
The shelf guide covers wall support, brackets and load before fitting. The internal-door guide starts with the contact point and hinge condition before considering any trimming.
Can I book a job from a guide?
The guides help you understand the job and prepare an enquiry. Use my contact options to tell me about the job; we need to agree the scope, price and visit arrangements before booking. The pricing guide explains the labour rates and materials charge.
What if my job is not covered by these guides?
Send me a short description and your postcode. The service overview may help identify the category, but you do not need to know the name of a broken part to ask.
Do the guides include a price list?
The pricing guide explains the confirmed labour rates, materials charge and example calculations. A job still needs its own agreed scope and estimate. The quote-planning advice covers materials, access and finishing to clarify before comparing prices.
Where is the advice about general repairs and assembly?
The home repairs page explains fault descriptions, parts and making good. The assembly preparation guide covers deliveries, room clearance, missing parts and required wall securing. The furniture assembly service page explains what to agree before booking.
Do you have a service page for my borough?
Yes. My local pages cover Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames and Merton. They explain the services and details to send me. I will discuss your specific postcode, work and appointment availability with you.