Your Complete Guide to Finding Reliable Pros for Every Home Task
When something breaks, wobbles, leaks, or just looks outdated, a reliable handyman can save your day—and your budget. In Malaysia’s fast‑growing marketplace ecosystem, homeowners, tenants, landlords, and SMEs increasingly turn to handyman services for quick, affordable fixes without the hassle of sourcing multiple specialists. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: the full list of handyman jobs, how to choose the right professional, expected price ranges, and the best practices to get quality results the first time.
What Is a Handyman?
A handyman is a multi‑skilled professional who handles small to medium repair, maintenance, and installation tasks across plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, and general fixes. Unlike a specialist contractor (e.g., licensed electrician for major rewiring), a handyman is ideal for minor works, patch repairs, upgrades, and assembly—exactly the tasks most households and offices need on a recurring basis.
Comprehensive List of Handyman Work
Use this as a checklist when posting your job on a Malaysian marketplace platform.
1) Plumbing (Minor)
- Fixing leaking taps, mixers, and flexible hoses
- Replacing sink traps (P-trap, S-trap) and angle valves
- Unclogging sinks and floor traps
- Replacing shower heads, bidet sprays, hoses, and faucets
- Installing/repairing water filters and basic water pressure issues
- Re-sealing silicone around sinks, basins, and bathtubs
2) Electrical (Minor, Non‑Licensed Scope)
- Replacing light bulbs, LED tubes, and drivers
- Installing light fixtures, ceiling fans, wall fans
- Replacing or adding power sockets and switches
- Troubleshooting tripped breakers (basic)
- Mounting and wiring doorbells and basic CCTV power supplies
Note: For major rewiring, distribution boards, or high‑load circuits, hire a licensed electrician.
3) Carpentry & Woodwork
- Repairing doors, frames, and hinges
- Installing door locks, latches, and handles
- Fixing drawers, cabinet doors, runners, and shelves
- Custom-fit simple shelves and plywood panels
- Adjusting soft-close hinges and realigning wardrobe doors
- Minor timber repairs and skirting replacements
4) Painting & Patching
- Touch‑up wall painting and stain blocking
- Full room repainting (interior)
- Plastering, putty, and crack repairs
- Repainting door frames, grills, and gates (minor metal works)
- Waterproof patch repairs (non-structural)
5) Tiling & Flooring (Minor)
- Replacing cracked tiles (small area)
- Regrouting and re-sealing bathrooms and kitchens
- Repairing loose or hollow tiles (spot fixes)
- Vinyl plank/laminate piece replacement (limited areas)
6) Installation & Mounting
- TV wall mounting and cable trunking
- Curtain rods, blinds, and tracks
- Mirrors, picture frames, shelves, and wall décor
- Whiteboard, notice board, and office fixtures
- Clotheslines and bathroom accessories (towel bar, soap holder)
- Baby gates, safety locks, and childproofing items
7) Doors, Windows & Glass (Minor)
- Replacing door closers and stoppers
- Aligning sliding doors and windows; roller replacements
- Weatherstripping and draft‑proofing
- Repairing window latches and mosquito nets
Note: For tempered glass replacement or large glazing, use a specialist.
8) Appliances (Light Scope)
- Installing washing machines and dishwashers (water in/out)
- Mounting cooker hoods (non-ducted) and basic filters
- Replacing oven bulbs and minor fittings
Note: Gas works and sealed appliances require certified techs.
9) Grilles, Gates & Metalwork (Light)
- Lubricating, aligning, and tightening hinges
- Replacing padlock hasps and simple weld touch-ups
- Painting anti‑rust coatings on small areas
10) Outdoor & General
- Assembling outdoor furniture, gazebos, and storage sheds
- Minor fence repairs and mailbox installation
- High‑pressure cleaning for small patios and drains
- Silicone/expansion joint re-sealing
11) Furniture Assembly & Repair
- Flat‑pack assembly (IKEA, DIY kits)
- Tightening wobbly tables and chairs, adding brackets
- Bedframe assembly and slat repairs
12) Caulking, Sealing & Weatherproofing
- Bathroom silicone, kitchen countertop sealing
- Window and door frame sealant application
- Roof edge touch-ups (non-structural, accessible areas)
Typical Handyman Pricing in Malaysia (Guide Only)
Actual rates vary by city (Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Bahru, Sabah/Sarawak), job complexity, materials, and urgency.
- Call‑out/Inspection Fee: Often waived if work proceeds; otherwise RM30–RM80
- Hourly Rate (Labour Only): RM70–RM150 per hour
- Half‑day Packages: RM180–RM350
- Common Fixed Jobs:
- Ceiling fan installation: RM60–RM150 each (excluding wiring)
- TV mounting: RM80–RM200 (bracket not included)
- Faucet replacement: RM60–RM120 (faucet not included)
- Door lockset replacement: RM50–RM120 (lockset not included)
For transparency, ask for: labour cost + itemized materials + transport/parking if applicable.
How to Choose the Right Handyman
- Check Identity & Experience: Prefer verified profiles and marketplace ratings with photo proof of past jobs.
- Clarify Scope in Writing: Share photos, measurements, model numbers, and clearly state what success looks like (e.g., “no more leaks for 48 hours”).
- Ask About Warranty: Many good handymen offer 7–30 days for workmanship on minor jobs.
- Materials Strategy: Decide if you’ll supply parts (e.g., faucets, lights) or want the handyman to procure. If they supply, request receipts or a fixed price including materials.
- Timing & Access: For condos and offices, pre‑arrange management office permits, visitor passes, and working hours (some buildings restrict drilling).
- Safety & Clean‑Up: Ask them to protect floors and furniture, use proper PPE, and remove debris after the job.
- Payment Terms: Agree on cashless options where possible, and avoid paying 100% upfront for multi‑visit jobs.
Tips for Posting Your Job on a Marketplace
When you create a listing or request on a Malaysia marketplace site, use clear, keyword‑rich descriptions to attract the right pros fast:
- Primary keyword: handyman
- Supporting keywords: handyman Malaysia, home repair, plumbing repair, electrical repair, furniture assembly, TV mounting, painting service, door repair, leaky tap fix, regrouting, ceiling fan installation, condo handyman, emergency handyman
- Example request:
“Looking for an experienced handyman in Cyberjaya to replace a leaking kitchen faucet, re-seal silicone, and install a ceiling fan. Please include labour rate, availability, and warranty. Photos attached.”
This helps the platform’s search and matching algorithm surface your job to the most relevant providers.
Pre‑Visit Checklist (So the Job Finishes in One Trip)
- Photos and videos of the issue (close‑up + wide shots)
- Measurements (width/height/depth, pipe sizes, screw spacing)
- Model numbers of fixtures or appliances
- Access requirements (lift booking, guardhouse registration)
- Materials on site if you’re supplying: brackets, bulbs, faucets, silicone, paint
- Power and water access, parking details, and no‑drill restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Should I hire a handyman or a specialist?
Hire a handyman for small to medium tasks (replace tap, mount TV, patch wall). For structural works, major electrical, gas, roofing, or waterproofing beyond patch repairs, use a licensed specialist.
Q2: Do handymen provide receipts and warranty?
Reputable providers do. Ask upfront for itemized quotes and a workmanship warranty for peace of mind.
Q3: Can a handyman work in condos with strict rules?
Yes—just ensure management approval, work hours, and drilling permissions are arranged in advance.
Q4: How can I avoid surprise costs?
Provide clear scope with photos, request a fixed quote where possible, and pre‑approve material brands or SKUs.
Q5: Is emergency handyman service available?
Many offer after‑hours call‑outs for leaks or electrical issues; expect higher rates for urgent visits.
Final Take
For Malaysian households and businesses, a dependable handyman is the most cost‑effective way to keep spaces safe, functional, and good‑looking—without hiring multiple contractors. By defining your scope, sharing details, and choosing verified pros, you’ll get faster turnarounds, cleaner finishes, and better value. Use the comprehensive task list above to match your needs, and you’ll be well on your way to a smoother, stress‑free repair or installation experience.