DIY Or Hire A Handyman?
Plenty of home repairs are well within reach of a confident homeowner, and some are not worth the risk. In Wilmington the answer often depends on the house: about 43 percent of homes were built in 1939 or earlier, so a job that is simple on new drywall can be tricky on old plaster, and paint in homes built before 1978 may contain lead. This guide sorts common jobs into three groups. For anything you would rather hand over, call (302) 600-1343 today for a quote. Our team is fully committed to reliable handyman service in Wilmington.
Jobs most homeowners can do
- Filling small nail holes and touching up paint on drywall.
- Tightening loose cabinet hinges, knobs and towel bars.
- Replacing a door stop, a switch plate cover or a toilet seat.
- Changing furnace filters and testing smoke alarms.
- Assembling a simple bookcase or side table.
- Replacing weatherstripping on a standard door.
These jobs need basic tools and little risk. Take your time, protect the floor and read the instructions that came with the hardware. If a small job turns into a bigger one, our team is ready to help.
Jobs worth handing over
- Larger drywall holes and any plaster repair, where a patch has to blend into the wall.
- Mounting a TV, especially on plaster or brick, where the wrong anchor can fail.
- Hanging heavy mirrors, shelves and closet systems.
- Planing and rehanging sticking doors and replacing storm doors.
- Replacing rotted deck boards, stair treads, fence posts and railings.
- Assembling large wardrobes, beds, cribs and play sets.
- Painting trim and whole rooms, or any paint work in a pre-1978 home, where the EPA's lead-safe rule applies to paid work.
These are jobs where the right tools and a careful hand make the difference. A wrong anchor in old plaster, a door planed too far or a deck board laid over a soft joist can turn a small job into a bigger one. We will ensure that your handyman repairs in Wilmington are handled by professionals.
Jobs that need a licensed trade
Delaware has no state handyman licence, but plumbing and electrical work is licensed by the Division of Professional Regulation. Any work on pipes, faucets, drains or water heaters belongs with a licensed plumber, and any electrical repair or replacement, from outlets and switches to light fixtures, circuits and panels, belongs with a licensed electrician. You can look up any plumber's or electrician's licence at dpr.delaware.gov. A handyman does not take that work on, but our team can handle the patching and painting once the licensed trade is done. For any other job on your list, call (302) 600-1343 today for a quote, or read our seasonal maintenance checklist. When you need a handyman in Wilmington, our team is ready to help.