| Project | Time | Typical cost | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard hourly rate (1-person crew) | per hour | $69 | $57 – $83 |
| TV mount install (drywall, fixed mount) | 60–90 min | $135 | $111 – $163 |
| Drywall patch (one fist-sized hole) | 2 hours + cure | $176 | $145 – $212 |
| Interior door rehang or hardware replace | 1–2 hours | $148 | $121 – $178 |
| Light fixture or ceiling-fan swap (existing wiring) | 1–2 hours | $129 | $106 – $155 |
| Flat-pack furniture assembly (avg piece) | 1.5–3 hours | $139 | $114 – $166 |
| Single room repaint (10×12, 2 coats) | 1 day | $693 | $568 – $832 |
| Driveway + walkway pressure wash | 2–4 hours | $239 | $196 – $287 |
| Whole-house caulk + seal refresh | 4–6 hours | $334 | $274 – $401 |
A handyman handles small to mid-size jobs that don't cross into licensed-trade territory: drywall repair and patching, painting, fixture replacement (where existing wiring is in place), light carpentry, furniture assembly, door rehang, weatherstripping, caulking, hardware installs, mounting heavy items into studs, pressure washing, and basic deck or fence repair. State rules vary on the dollar threshold above which a general contractor license is required — in California it's $500 (labor + materials per project), in Texas there is no statewide license but cities can require permits, and in Florida it's $1,000.
A "handyman" willing to do major plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work without a license — that's how houses end up with insurance-disqualifying defects.