Maintaining a home involves ongoing attention to everything from creaky doors and chipped paint to faulty wiring and plumbing leaks. But when these issues arise, most Australian homeowners face the same challenge:

Should I hire a handyman or call a licensed specialist?

It’s an important distinction—one that can impact your safety, your budget, and even your compliance with building codes. At All About Home Maintenance, we’ve helped countless clients navigate this choice, and in this guide, we’ll help you do the same.

Understanding the Difference: Handyman vs Specialist

Before you can decide who to hire, it’s important to understand the difference between the two.

A handyman is a multi-skilled worker who handles general maintenance and minor repairs. These are the kinds of jobs that don’t require special certifications or licensing—perfect for general upkeep and non-technical fixes.

A specialist, often referred to as a licensed tradie (like a plumber, electrician, or builder), is trained and legally certified to handle specific tasks that are more technical, regulated, or structural in nature. These professionals carry insurance, follow compliance standards, and are necessary for jobs that could impact the safety or structure of your home.

Why Does This Matter in Australia?

In Australia, regulations around electrical, plumbing, and gas work are strict—and for good reason. Improper handling of these systems can cause serious hazards and leave you liable for fines, damage, or voided insurance.

Hiring the wrong person for the job might cost less upfront, but can lead to expensive repairs or legal problems down the track. That’s why it’s so important to understand the scope of the job and the qualifications needed.

Common Jobs: Who Does What?

Here’s a breakdown of typical household tasks and who should handle them:

Service Category	Handled by Handyman	Specialist Required For
Home Maintenance	Door adjustments, wall patching	Full inspections, major structural repairs
Plumbing Services	Fixing a dripping tap	Hot water system replacement, pipe installation
Electrical Services	Replacing light fittings	Installing outlets, rewiring
Kitchen Renovations	Cabinet repairs, handle replacement	Plumbing and electrical fit-out
Bathroom Renovations	Mirror hanging, silicone resealing	Waterproofing, drainage systems
Carpentry Services	Repairing skirting boards	Framing, custom joinery
Painting & Plastering	Wall touch-ups, crack repairs	Full repainting or ceiling plastering
Pergola & Alfresco	Minor timber repairs	Full build or structural modification
Decks & Fences	Replacing boards, painting	New construction or boundary compliance
Windows & Doors	Lock and hinge adjustments	Full replacements or double glazing
Heating & Cooling	Cleaning filters	Ducted system or split system installation
Flooring Services	Scratch repair, gap filling	Full flooring installation or subfloor levelling

When to Hire a Handyman

A handyman is the right choice when the job is:

• Non-technical
  
• Doesn’t require licensing
  
• Involves general repairs, furniture assembly, or cosmetic improvements
  

You can think of a handyman as your “fix-it-all” person. At All About Home Maintenance, our handymen are commonly called out for:

• Hanging shelves or TV brackets
  
• Repairing or replacing door hardware
  
• Patching small holes or cracks in plaster
  
• Repainting small areas
  
• Minor tile repairs
  
• Gutter cleaning
  

These jobs are typically completed in one visit and often don’t require parts, permits, or special tools. For homeowners looking to refresh or tidy up their space, a handyman is an affordable and efficient option.

When You Need a Specialist

There are situations where using a handyman just isn’t enough—and may even be illegal. If your task involves the home’s infrastructure, utilities, or compliance regulations, you’ll need a specialist.

Here are examples where a licensed tradesperson is essential:

• Installing a new hot water system
  
• Electrical rewiring or installing new circuits
  
• Waterproofing in wet areas like bathrooms
  
• Upgrading a switchboard
  
• Gas appliance installations
  
• Roofing or structural changes
  
• HVAC ducted system installation
  

Only licensed trades can provide certification and compliance documentation, which is often required if you plan to sell your home or submit warranty claims. It’s also a matter of safety—electrical and plumbing work done improperly can pose serious risks.

Combining Services: A Smart Approach

In many Australian homes, especially during renovations or larger maintenance projects, it’s common to need both a handyman or a specialist.

For example:

• During a bathroom renovation, a handyman might remove old fixtures and patch the walls, while a plumber installs the new fittings.
  
• For a deck refresh, a handyman can re-stain and replace surface boards, but a carpenter is required for substructure repair.
  
• If you’re preparing a property for sale, a handyman can handle minor fixes and aesthetic upgrades, while an electrician ensures compliance with lighting and power points.
  

This collaborative approach ensures each task is handled by the right expert, keeping your home safe, compliant, and looking great.

How to Choose the Right Person for the Job

If you’re unsure, here’s a simple way to decide:

• Is the job cosmetic or general maintenance? → Handyman
  
• Does the task involve power, water, gas, or structure? → Specialist
  
• Does it require a licence or compliance documentation? → Specialist
  
• Can it be completed in 1-2 hours without special equipment? → Handyman
  
• Will it impact your insurance or home resale? → Always hire licensed
  

Still uncertain? At All About Home Maintenance, we can advise you on the best professional for the task, so you’re never left guessing.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s fixing a fence, hanging a door, or upgrading your bathroom, choosing the right professional is key to getting the job done right. A handyman is perfect for simple, everyday tasks, while licensed specialists are necessary for jobs that impact safety, compliance, or your home’s core systems.

Understanding the difference protects your investment and ensures your property meets Australian standards.

Why Choose All About Home Maintenance?

We proudly serve homeowners across Australia with both general handyman services and access to fully licensed trades. From minor repairs to major renovations, we ensure every task is handled professionally and efficiently—by the right person for the job.

Our team covers all core areas:

• Plumbing
  
• Electrical
  
• Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations
  
• Carpentry, Flooring, and Painting
  
• Heating, Cooling, Windows, and Doors
  

If you’re looking for a reliable, all-in-one home services provider, we’re ready to help.

We proudly serve homeowners across Australia with both general handyman services and access to fully licensed trades. From minor repairs to major renovations, we ensure every task is handled professionally and efficiently—by the right person for the job.

Our team covers all core areas:

• Plumbing
  
• Electrical
  
• Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations
  
• Carpentry, Flooring, and Painting
  
• Heating, Cooling, Windows, and Doors
  

If you’re looking for a reliable, all-in-one home services provider, we’re ready to help.

FAQs

1. What Are the Most Common Jobs a Handyman Can Do in Australia?

A handyman can handle a variety of general home maintenance tasks that do not require a licence. Common jobs include fixing door handles, hanging shelves, patching plaster, assembling furniture, and performing minor paint touch-ups. These tasks are ideal for routine upkeep and small repairs around the home.

2. When Should I Hire a Licensed Tradesperson Instead of a Handyman?

You should hire a licensed specialist when the job involves electricity, plumbing, gas, or structural changes. In Australia, these areas are strictly regulated, and only certified trades can legally and safely perform such work. For example, installing a power outlet, hot water system, or waterproofing a bathroom all require proper licensing.

3. Is It Safe to Let a Handyman Work on Electrical or Plumbing Fixtures?

No, it is not safe or legal to let a handyman perform licensed electrical or plumbing work. While a handyman can tighten fittings or replace a showerhead, anything beyond that—such as rewiring, pipe fitting, or drainage work—must be handled by a licensed electrician or plumber to comply with Australian building codes and safety standards.

4. Can I Hire Both a Handyman and a Specialist for One Project?

Yes, and it’s often the most efficient approach. For example, during a bathroom refresh, a handyman can remove old hardware, patch walls, and paint, while a licensed plumber installs the new fittings. This way, you’re getting expert help for each part of the job—without overpaying or compromising on quality.

5. What If I’m Not Sure Who I Need—Handyman or Specialist?

If you’re unsure, the best option is to contact a professional service provider like All About Home Maintenance. Our team assesses your needs and sends the right expert for the job. We offer both handyman services in Australia and licensed trades across Australia, so you can trust that every task is handled safely and legally.er like All About Home Maintenance. Our team assesses your needs and sends the right expert for the job. We offer both handyman services and licensed trades across Australia, so you can trust that every task is handled safely and legally.