A homeowner's guide to hiring a handyman in Vancouver. What they do, what they cost, licensing requirements, and how to find a reliable pro in Metro Vancouver.
Everyone has a list of small home repairs they have been putting off — the dripping faucet, the TV that needs mounting, the shelves that have been leaning against the wall for months. A good handyman can knock out that entire list in a single visit. Here is everything you need to know about hiring one in Vancouver.
What Can a Handyman Do?
A handyman handles small-to-medium repairs and installations that do not require a licensed tradesperson or building permit. Common tasks include:
- Furniture assembly — IKEA, Wayfair, flat-pack
- TV and monitor wall mounting with cable management
- Drywall patching — holes, cracks, dents
- Painting touch-ups — accent walls, trim, baseboards
- Minor plumbing — leaky faucets, running toilets, slow drains
- Minor electrical — light fixtures, outlets, switches, dimmers
- Door and window repairs — sticking doors, broken latches, weatherstripping
- Shelving, curtain rods, mirrors, and art hanging
- Deck and fence repairs — loose boards, re-staining
- Caulking — bathrooms, windows, exterior gaps
- Gutter cleaning and downspout flushing
What Requires a Licensed Tradesperson?
In BC, any work involving gas fitting, major electrical (new circuits, panel upgrades), or major plumbing (new rough-ins, sewer lines) must be done by a licensed tradesperson and may require a permit. A handyman should never do this work.
| Task | Handyman | Licensed Trade |
| Replace light fixture | Yes | No |
| Install new circuit/panel | No | Electrician required |
| Fix leaky faucet | Yes | No |
| Rough-in new plumbing | No | Plumber required |
| Patch drywall | Yes | No |
| Structural wall changes | No | Contractor + permit |
| Gas appliance install | No | Gas fitter required |
Handyman Pricing in Vancouver (2026)
| Hourly rate | $65 – $95/hr (2-hour minimum typical) |
| Furniture assembly | $80 – $200 (depends on complexity) |
| TV mounting | $100 – $150 (includes cable management) |
| Drywall patching | $75 – $200 (per patch) |
| Painting touch-ups | $120 – $300 (per room) |
| Faucet replacement | $90 – $180 (parts extra) |
| Light fixture install | $85 – $150 (per fixture) |
| Gutter cleaning | $120 – $250 (full home) |
| General repairs | $65 – $95/hr |
How to Find a Reliable Handyman
- 1Check reviews — look for specific, detailed reviews from real homeowners
- 2Verify insurance — ask to see their CGL insurance certificate
- 3Get a written quote — never accept a verbal-only estimate
- 4Ask about their experience — how long have they been doing this work?
- 5Confirm they have a business licence for your municipality
- 6Use a platform like SpruceUp — we vet handymen before they can bid on jobs
Post a handyman job — get 3 quotes free
Get started — it's freeFrequently asked questions
How much does a handyman charge in Vancouver?
Most handymen in Vancouver charge $65–$95 per hour, with a typical minimum of 2 hours. Flat-rate pricing is common for specific tasks like TV mounting ($100–$150) or furniture assembly ($80–$200). Always get a quote before work begins.
Do handymen in Vancouver need a licence?
A municipal business licence is required. Handymen performing minor plumbing or electrical work do not need a trade licence in BC, but major plumbing, electrical, and gas work must be done by licensed tradespeople.
What is the difference between a handyman and a contractor?
A handyman handles small repairs and installations — things that take a few hours and do not require permits. A contractor handles larger projects (renovations, structural work) that require permits, engineering, and licensed trades.
Should a handyman have insurance?
Yes. A professional handyman should carry at least $2 million in Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance. This protects you if they damage your property or are injured on site. Always ask to see proof of insurance.