New Homeowner Punch List: what a handyman does
Within the first month, walk every room, test every door, window, switch and faucet, and write down what you find with photos. Send the small repairs to a handyman in one batch, and send plumbing, electrical, roofing and heating problems to licensed independent contractors. Do alarms and water shutoffs first.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries or old units
- Replace or re-key door locks and fix deadbolts that do not line up
- Adjust sticking doors, loose knobs and latches that do not catch
- Re-caulk tubs, showers, sinks and windows where it has failed
- Patch nail holes, dings and small drywall cracks and touch up paint
- Mount TVs, shelves, mirrors and curtain rods
- Anchor tall furniture and add childproofing hardware
- Assemble beds, desks and storage
- Tighten loose railings and re-hang sagging cabinet doors and gutters
Signs it is time to call
- A door, window or drawer that sticks, rubs or will not latch
- Caulk or grout that is cracked or missing at a tub or sink
- Stains, soft spots or a musty smell that may point to moisture
- Alarms with no battery, an unknown age, or none near the bedrooms
- Peeling paint in a home built before 1978, which needs lead-safe handling
What is not a handyman job
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors. That includes leaks, tripping breakers, dead outlets and roof damage. Furnace and water heater service go to an HVAC or plumbing company, and chimney inspection goes to a chimney professional. In a home built before 1978, the EPA requires lead-safe certification for paid work that disturbs paint.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- Bring your numbered list and photos. We confirm what is a handyman job and what is not.
- Small items are grouped by room so one visit covers as many as possible.
- We ask the age of the house before any sanding or scraping of paint.
- Items for a licensed trade stay on your list with a note on who to call.
Common questions
What should I check first in a new house?
Safety items. Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, find the main water shutoff, and change the locks or have them re-keyed. The Illinois State Fire Marshal says CO alarms belong within 15 feet of rooms used for sleeping in homes with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.
Who do I call for which problem?
Call a handyman for doors, caulk, drywall patches, paint touch-ups, mounting and assembly. Call a licensed plumber for leaks and drains, a licensed electrician for outlets, panels and wiring, a roofer for roof leaks, and an HVAC company for the furnace. Moisture over 10 square feet needs a professional.
Should I repaint right away if the house is old?
Check the build year first. The EPA says about three-quarters of U.S. homes built before 1978 still contain some lead-based paint, and that disturbing it creates dust. Homeowners doing their own work are generally outside the rule, but the EPA still recommends lead-safe practices.
Can I use my inspection report as the list?
Yes, it is a good starting point. Add what you find walking the house once it is empty. Label each item as handyman or licensed trade, and put safety and water issues first so the quick fixes are not waiting behind the bigger ones.