A good handyman list saves time and money. It helps the handyman quote accurately, bring the right parts and tools, and finish more jobs in one visit. Here is how to prepare one.

Walk through the home room by room

Start at the front door and walk through every room, then outside. Write down everything that needs doing, even small items. A loose towel rail, a squeaky door and a missing door stop are all quick jobs when they are on the list from the start.

Describe each job clearly

Instead of “fix door”, write “laundry door sticks at the top and will not latch”. Clear descriptions help the handyman understand what is wrong and what may be needed.

Take photos

Take a photo of each job, from a distance and close up. Include something for scale. For hardware, photograph the existing part so a matching one can be found.

Measure

Measurements help with quotes and materials:

• TV size and wall width for TV mounting
• Shelf lengths and the wall they go on
• Length of fence that needs repair
• Size of mirrors or artwork
• Flyscreen dimensions

Decide who supplies parts

If you have chosen a specific handle, fixture, shelf or towel rail, buy it before the visit or ask the handyman to source it. Make this clear on the list.

Note what is behind the wall

Tell us about wall types if you know them: plasterboard, brick or render. Mention if there may be pipes or cables behind a wall where something is being fixed.

Prioritise

Mark the urgent jobs, such as a door that will not lock, and the nice-to-have jobs. If time runs short, the important jobs are done first.

Give access details

Include parking, stairs, gates, pets, alarm codes if needed and whether someone will be home.

Know what is not handyman work

Licensed electrical, gas and plumbing work, structural work and asbestos removal need specialist trades. Put them on a separate list.

Send it in

When your list is ready, send it through our free quote form. We will reply with a written scope.