What does a handyman charge in London?

I've got a list of small jobs around the house and want to get a handyman in for a day. What's a typical daily rate in London and what should I expect to be included? Do I have to supply tools?

Asked by caroline on 19th May 2026
Expert Trade Answers
"Hi, you do not need to supply tools, as every handyman has it's own tool set. As per daily rate, everyone charges slightly different, so you'll have to get a few quotes and go with the one that you're happy with.
Hope that helps"
Answered on 20th May 2026 - Member since Jun 2020 - report
"Typical handyman rates in London can range anywhere from £150–£300 per day depending on experience, qualifications and the type of work involved.

Most professional tradespeople will bring their own tools and basic equipment, so homeowners generally wouldn’t need to supply anything unless specific materials or products have already been purchased.

For electrical works, it’s always recommended to use a qualified and insured electrician to ensure all work is completed safely and in line with current regulations."
Answered on 20th May 2026 - Member since Mar 2021 - report
"For a good handyman, the daily rate could be anywhere between £125 and £225 including travel and depending on skill profile. No you should not have to supply tools."
Answered on 20th May 2026 - Member since Oct 2025 - report
"You should never have to supply tools, any one who is a handyman by trade will have their own.
As to cost it is a bit more changeable, the reason being that there are a lot of different factors influencing cost.
It depends on if you'd like the contractor to supply materials, their level of skill, qualifications and experience.
The scope of the jobs that you need completing ( for example if you wanted to replace your fencing around your garden, the works involved with digging out and setting the fence posts in concrete depending on the type of soil you have in your garden can take anywhere from half a day to 72 hours depending on the ground, size of fence and type of material you would like used)
I'd advise that you're always realistic on timescales for completion of work, double check that your handyman has liability insurance ( sometimes accidents happen , it protects you and them )
As a general guideline I'd start with between £20-£30/hour for labour excluding the cost of materials, and bear in mind that some contractors may request a security deposit which is taken off of your final invoice amount."
Answered on 25th May 2026 - Member since May 2026 - report
"I'm a Carpenter / Handyman working in the Oxford area, I charge £40.00 per hour and only charge the hours I work, I would think you could add 25% to what I charge .

If a Tradesmen/Handyman has not got the tools t do the work he/she is offering to do I would not i any way employ them."
Answered on 19th May 2026 - Member since Feb 2025 - report
"Hi Caroline,
Normally they do charge £200-£250.
They should be the one having the tools for the work.
But you should just state the jobs you have and the you will get a quote depending on that it might be less."
Answered on 19th May 2026 - Member since Jun 2025 - report
"about £250 a day because that includes expenses, tool wear and"
Answered on 19th May 2026 - Member since Apr 2025 - report
"Normal charge is between £250 -£300 for a days work that includes everything except materials ie paint etc"
Answered on 19th May 2026 - Member since Jul 2020 - report
"It’s min £250 a day. A professional will have tools"
Answered on 25th May 2026 - Member since Jan 2026 - report
"No, you do not need to provide tools. A professional handyman will arrive with a van packed with standard trade tools: cordless drills, saws, wall detectors, ladders, levels, and general hand tools.
​However, the rule of thumb for materials is split into two categories:
​What they supply: Standard consumables. This includes a basic selection of wall plugs (Rawlplugs), standard screws, wood glue, and basic sealant.
​What you supply: Anything specific to your home's aesthetics or exact dimensions. You should buy the actual brackets, curtain poles, blinds, flat-pack furniture, light fixtures, or specific paint colours before they arrive.
​Tip: If you need specialized heavy equipment (like a massive pressure washer for a large driveway), mention it when booking to ensure they have it in their van.
​3. What is Included (and Excluded)?
​A day rate simply buys you the handyman’s time and general labor. Within those 8 hours, they will cross off as many tasks as safely possible.
​What they can easily cover:
​Carpentry & Fixtures: Hanging mirrors, mounting TVs, putting up shelves, fitting curtain rails, or easing a door that sticks on the carpet.
​Flat-pack: Assembling IKEA wardrobes, beds, or desks.
​Minor Plumbing: Changing a basin tap, replacing old silicone sealant around a bath, or unblocking a sink.
​Minor Electrical: Swapping an existing light fixture or faceplate for a new one (where wires don't need re-routing).
​What is usually excluded:
​A standard handyman cannot legally or safely do major trade work. For example:
​Gas work: Completely illegal unless they are Gas Safe registered.
​Major Electrical: Wiring new circuits or replacing a consumer unit (requires a certified electrician).
​Complex Plumbing: Rerouting central heating or replacing a boiler.
​How to Get the Most Out of Your Day
​To get your full money's worth out of an 8-hour day, don't leave them waiting. Group your tasks by room, make sure all your deliveries (like the flat-pack or blinds) have arrived ahead of time, and clear the workspaces before they knock on the door."
Answered on 23rd May 2026 - Member since Apr 2026 - report
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