• +1(605) 799-2955
  • info@matthewhandymansiouxfalls.com
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube
Get a Free Estimate
FAQs

Handyman Services FAQ Comprehensive Answers to Your Top Questions

Yes, hiring a handyman is generally worth it, especially for homeowners with a busy schedule or those who lack the specific skills or tools for a task . The value proposition of a handyman is rooted in their versatility and cost-effectiveness for small to medium-sized jobs that do not require a specialized, licensed contractor (like a master electrician or plumber) .
Key benefits include:
•Time Savings: A handyman can complete tasks much faster than a novice homeowner, freeing up the client's time .
•Cost-Effectiveness: For a wide variety of small repairs and maintenance tasks, a handyman is typically less expensive than hiring a specialized contractor .
•Expertise and Efficiency: They are a "jack-of-all-trades," possessing a broad range of skills to handle diverse home maintenance issues efficiently .

Handymen are known by several names, often depending on their specific role, the context of their work, or a preference for more inclusive language.

Common alternative terms include:
•Handyperson: This is the most common gender-neutral term .
•Jack-of-all-trades: A classic term emphasizing their versatility .
•Repairman or Repairer: Terms that focus on the restoration aspect of their work .
•Renovator or Tinkerer: Terms that describe their ability to improve or fix things .
•Property Maintenance Specialist or Home Improvement Specialist: More professional titles often used in business contexts.

The practice varies, but many handymen do offer free estimates or quotes for a job . However, it is common for handymen to charge a "trip fee" or a minimum service charge that covers their time and travel to assess the job, especially if the client decides not to proceed with the work .

•Free Estimate: Often provided for larger, more clearly defined projects, or as a competitive offering to attract new clients.
•Trip Fee/Minimum Charge: More common for smaller, ambiguous jobs, or when the handyman's time is valuable. This fee is sometimes waived or applied toward the final bill if the client hires them.

The most requested handyman services are typically those that are common, recurring, or require a general set of skills rather than a specialized trade license.

Highly requested services often include:
•Drywall Repair: Patching holes, fixing cracks, and general maintenance .
•Interior and Exterior Painting: Touch-ups, single-room painting, or fence/deck staining .
•Minor Plumbing: Fixing leaky faucets, running toilets, or simple drain clogs .
•Minor Electrical: Replacing light fixtures, ceiling fans, or outlets .
•Furniture Assembly: Putting together flat-pack furniture .
•Carpentry: Simple trim work, shelving installation, or minor wood repairs .

The most appropriate and widely accepted term for a female handyman is handywoman or the gender-neutral term handyperson .

•Handywoman: This term is recognized by major dictionaries and is used to describe a woman who is competent in a variety of small skills or does odd jobs for pay .
•Handyperson: This is the preferred gender-neutral term and is increasingly used in professional contexts to be inclusive of all genders .

Handyman rates often include travel time, but the way it is calculated varies significantly .

•Included in Hourly Rate: Some handymen factor a reasonable amount of travel time into their standard hourly rate, especially for local jobs.
•Separate Trip Fee: As mentioned, a separate, non-refundable trip fee or service call fee is common to cover the cost of gas, vehicle wear, and time spent traveling to the site .
•Reduced Rate: Some businesses charge their full hourly rate for on-site work but a reduced rate (e.g., half the hourly rate) for travel time and material runs .

It is essential for the client to clarify the handyman's policy on travel time before booking.

It is almost always cheaper to DIY (Do It Yourself) in terms of direct monetary cost, but hiring a handyman is often more cost-effective when considering the total value of time, quality, and risk.

•DIY is Cheaper (Direct Cost): You only pay for materials and tools.
•Handyman is More Cost-Effective (Total Value):
•Time: The handyman completes the job faster, saving the client's personal time.
•Quality: A professional's work is typically higher quality, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or the need for re-work.
•Tools: You avoid the expense of buying specialized tools you may only use once.
For complex or safety-critical tasks (like electrical or plumbing), hiring a professional is not only better but often legally required.

Both payment methods have pros and cons, and the "better" option depends on the nature of the job and the client's priority .

Payment Method
Best For
Client Advantage
Handyman Advantage
By the Hour (Hourly Rate)
Small, simple, or vaguely defined jobs (e.g., "honey-do" lists, troubleshooting) .
You only pay for the exact time worked.
Rewards efficiency and covers unexpected complications.
By the Job (Flat Rate)
Large, well-defined projects with a clear scope (e.g., installing a fence, building a deck) .
Provides cost certainty and budget control.
Rewards experience and speed; allows for better profit margin if the job is completed quickly.

 

What makes you a handyman?

A person is considered a handyman by virtue of their versatility, practical skills, and ability to perform a wide variety of small to medium-sized repairs and maintenance tasks .
Key attributes that define a handyman:
•Broad Skill Set: They possess a foundational knowledge across multiple trades, including basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and drywall .
•Problem-Solving: They are adept at diagnosing and fixing common household issues without needing to specialize in a single trade.
•Focus on Small Jobs: Their work typically involves tasks that take less than a day or two and do not require a specific trade license for large-scale construction.

 

A person is considered a handyman by virtue of their versatility, practical skills, and ability to perform a wide variety of small to medium-sized repairs and maintenance tasks .

Key attributes that define a handyman:
•Broad Skill Set: They possess a foundational knowledge across multiple trades, including basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and drywall .
•Problem-Solving: They are adept at diagnosing and fixing common household issues without needing to specialize in a single trade.
•Focus on Small Jobs: Their work typically involves tasks that take less than a day or two and do not require a specific trade license for large-scale construction.

Tipping a handyman is not mandatory or universally expected, but it is a common and appreciated gesture of gratitude for excellent service .

•When to Tip: Tipping is most appropriate when the handyman goes above and beyond, performs exceptional work, completes the job faster than expected, or handles a particularly unpleasant or difficult task .
•Suggested Amounts: For a small job, a flat tip of $10 to $20 is common. For a larger, multi-day job, a tip of 10% to 15% of the labor cost or $20 to $50 per person is a generous guideline .
•Alternatives to Tipping: If you prefer not to tip, other forms of appreciation are highly valued, such as offering a positive online review, providing a cold drink or coffee, or referring them to friends and neighbors .

From minor fixes to major renovations, our handyman service is the go-to handyman near me for small jobs handyman near me in Sioux Falls. Whether you need a handyman helper or Sioux Falls handyman services, we’re licensed, bonded, and ready to assist with all your small job handyman needs. 

Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube

Useful Link 

About Us

Services

Contact Us

FAQ

Blog

Get a Free Estimate

Services

Drywall Repair Sioux Falls

Deck Builders Sioux Salls

Fencing Sioux Falls

Window Replacement Sioux Falls

Handyman Plumbing Sioux Falls

Kitchen Remodel Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Home Builders

Bathroom Remodel Sioux Falls

Contact

info@matthewhandymansiouxfalls.com

(605) 799-2955

1421 N Dakota Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

© 2025 Privacy Policies

Scroll to Top