Handyman Cost in Petersfield 2026 | Small Jobs, Furniture Assembly & Repair Prices

2026 price guide for professional handyman services in Petersfield, East Sussex. Covering small repair jobs, flat-pack furniture assembly, picture hanging, shelf fitting, and general maintenance for period homes, holiday lets, and modern flats. Includes hourly rates, fixed-price quotes, and how to find reliable, multi-skilled handymen in the area.

Price Summary

Standard Hourly Rate

£25–£45 per hour

Labour only. Min 2-hour call typical.

Flat-Pack Assembly (Wardrobe)

£60–£120

Medium size, incl. placement/levelling

Shelving Installation (Per shelf)

£25–£50

Bracket fitting, solid wall

Small Repair Job (Fixed Price)

£40–£80

e.g., tighten handles, fix sticking door

2026 Handyman Job Price Breakdown

Service in Petersfield Cost Local Notes
Hourly Rate (Labour only, minimum 2-hour call) £25–£45 Most common pricing. Covers travel, basic tools. Materials and parts extra.
Half-Day Rate (3-4 hours) £80–£160 Better value for multiple small tasks. Popular for holiday let 'snagging' visits.
Full-Day Rate (7-8 hours) £160–£320 For larger projects like decking, full garden shed assembly, or multiple rooms.
Flat-Pack Furniture Assembly (Small, e.g., bedside table) £25–£50 Simple item, under 1 hour. Often charged as a minimum job fee.
Flat-Pack Assembly (Medium, e.g., chest of drawers, bookcase) £40–£80 1-2 hour job. Includes basic levelling and placement.
Flat-Pack Assembly (Large, e.g., wardrobe, bed frame with storage) £60–£120+ 2-3+ hours. May require two people for lifting, adding to cost.
Picture/Mirror Hanging (Per item, standard wall) £15–£30 Includes finding studs/using correct fixings, levelling. Gallery walls priced as a job.
Shelf Installation (Floating shelf, per shelf) £30–£60 Requires precise levelling and strong fixings. Solid wall vs. plasterboard affects price.
Shelf Installation (Bracket shelf, per pair of brackets) £25–£50 Simpler but still requires accurate drilling and levelling.
Blind or Curtain Track/Rod Fitting (Per window) £25–£50 Measuring, drilling, fixing brackets, hanging. Bay windows are more complex.
TV Wall Mounting (Up to 42", on solid wall) £50–£100 Includes securing to wall, basic cable management. Larger TVs or plasterboard walls cost more.
Door Adjustment (Internal, sticking or catching) £40–£80 Planing edge, adjusting hinges, fixing latch. Common in period homes where doors swell.
Fitting New Door Handle/Lock (Internal) £20–£40 Simple replacement, drilling if required. UPVC door handles are more complex.
Dripping Tap Washer Replacement (If accessible) £40–£75 Basic plumbing task. Assumes easy access to isolation valve. Not for complex mixer taps.
Toilet Seat Replacement £25–£45 Simple job unless bolts are rusted/seized, which increases time.
Fitting a Letterbox, Cat Flap, or Dog Door £60–£120 Cutting through door material (timber/UPVC), fitting frame neatly, sealing.
Assemble Garden Shed (Small, 6x4ft) £120–£250 Foundation preparation not usually included. Time-consuming, precise work.
Put Up Garden Fence Panel (Replace existing, per panel) £40–£80 Removing old, concreting in new post if needed, fixing panel. Materials extra.
General 'Snagging' List (Multiple small tasks, half-day) £80–£160 Ideal for landlords/holiday let owners: tighten hinges, replace bulbs, fix cupboard doors, etc.

Common Handyman Packages & Job Bundles

Holiday Let Turnaround Tidy-Up

£80–£150

3-4 hours: Assemble new guest furniture, hang pictures/mirrors, fix wobbly toilet seat, tighten all cupboard handles.

New Home Setup Package

£200–£400

Full day: Assemble 3-4 flat-pack items (wardrobe, bed, drawers), mount TV, fit blinds in 2 rooms, hang 5 pictures.

Period Property Maintenance Visit

£120–£240

Half-day: Adjust 3-4 sticking doors, re-hang a sagging gate, fix draughty skirting, secure loose banister spindles.

Garden & Shed Starter Pack

£250–£500

Assemble 6x4 shed, put up 3-4 fence panels, build a small raised bed, hang a bird feeder bracket.

What Affects Handyman Prices in Petersfield?

  • Job Complexity & Skill Required: Simple shelf vs. assembling a complex ergonomic office chair.
  • Time & Materials: How long the job will take and cost of any brackets, fixings, or parts needed.
  • Access & Working Conditions: Easy ground-floor access vs. working in a cramped loft or at height on a ladder.
  • Property Type: Working on solid stone walls in period cottages requires different tools and time than plasterboard in new builds.
  • Volume of Work: A single small job costs proportionally more per hour than a half-day of multiple tasks.
  • Urgency: Needing a job done same-day or next-day may incur a premium, especially in peak holiday season.

Common Handyman Needs in Petersfield, East Sussex

Holiday Lets & Second Homes

  • Pre-Season Setup & Maintenance: Assembling new garden furniture, fixing wear-and-tear from guests.
  • Quick Fixes Between Lets: Tightening handles, re-hanging doors, un-sticking windows.
  • Keyholder Services: Being the local point of contact for small jobs when the owner is remote.

Period Cottages & Older Homes

  • Adjusting Original Features: Sash windows, old doors, and latches that stick with humidity changes.
  • Fitting into Historic Fabric: Skillfully installing shelves/blinds without damaging old plaster or beams.
  • General 'Keeping on Top of Things': Fixing loose floorboards, squeaky stairs, draughty skirting.

Busy Households & New Residents

  • Flat-Pack Furniture Assembly: For those lacking time, tools, or patience.
  • Home Styling & Organisation: Picture hanging, shelf fitting, curtain rail installation.
  • Small DIY Tasks: Jobs that are too small for a specialist tradesperson but need doing.

Choosing a Handyman in Petersfield

1

Check for Insurance, Trustworthiness & Local References

This is crucial as handymen often work in your home unsupervised. They should have public liability insurance (min £1m) to cover accidental damage. Ask for references from local clients, particularly those with similar property types (e.g., other holiday let owners). A reputable handyman will be happy to provide these and may have a profile on a trusted local community page.

2

Be Clear About the Scope of Work & Agree on Pricing Upfront

When describing the job, be as specific as possible (e.g., "assemble an IKEA PAX 2m wardrobe", not just "build a wardrobe"). Send photos if you can. Agree on the pricing method (hourly rate with an estimate of time, or a fixed price for the job). Get this in a text or email to avoid misunderstandings. Ask if the quote includes materials/fixings or if they will be extra.

3

Look for a Multi-Skilled Professional, Not a 'Jack of All Trades'

A good handyman has a wide but defined set of skills: carpentry, basic plumbing, assembly, and general repairs. They should know their limits and not attempt complex gas, electrical, or major structural work. Ask: "Is this a job you do regularly?" For period properties, experience working with old materials is a big plus. A professional will say no to jobs outside their expertise.

Local Petersfield, East Sussex Insight

The handyman trade in Petersfield thrives due to the unique local mix: time-poor holiday let owners needing remote property management, new residents furnishing second homes with flat-pack items, and owners of period properties needing ongoing minor maintenance. The best local handymen are often booked weeks in advance during the spring and summer. They understand the challenges of working in listed buildings (using specific fixings) and the need for durable repairs in high-turnover rentals. Many operate as one-person businesses with deep local knowledge and connections to other trades. For holiday let owners, a reliable, insured handyman who can act as a local keyholder is an invaluable asset, often performing pre-arrival checks and dealing with minor guest issues quickly.

FAQs

What's the difference between a handyman and a tradesperson?

A tradesperson (e.g., electrician, plumber) is highly skilled and qualified in one specific area for complex, regulated work. A handyman is multi-skilled for smaller, general repair and assembly jobs that don't require official certification. Use a handyman for shelves and assembly; use a qualified tradesperson for wiring, gas, or major plumbing.

Do I need to be home while the handyman works?

For a first visit, it's advisable. Once trust is established, many clients (especially holiday let owners) provide a key-safe code or leave a key with a neighbour. Ensure your handyman is fully insured before allowing unsupervised access. They should be comfortable with this arrangement if they work with rental properties regularly.

Fitting a Letterbox, Cat Flap, or Dog Door £60–£120 Cutting through door material (timber/UPVC), fitting frame neatly, sealing. Assemble Garden Shed (Small, 6x4ft) £120–£250 Foundation preparation not usually included. Time-consuming, precise work. Put Up Garden Fence Panel (Replace existing, per panel) £40–£80 Removing old, concreting in new post if needed, fixing panel. Materials extra. General 'Snagging' List (Multiple small tasks, half-day) £80–£160 Ideal for landlords/holiday let owners: tighten hinges, replace bulbs, fix cupboard doors, etc.

Common Handyman Packages & Job Bundles

Holiday Let Turnaround Tidy-Up

£80–£150

3-4 hours: Assemble new guest furniture, hang pictures/mirrors, fix wobbly toilet seat, tighten all cupboard handles.

New Home Setup Package

£200–£400

Full day: Assemble 3-4 flat-pack items (wardrobe, bed, drawers), mount TV, fit blinds in 2 rooms, hang 5 pictures.

Period Property Maintenance Visit

£120–£240

Half-day: Adjust 3-4 sticking doors, re-hang a sagging gate, fix draughty skirting, secure loose banister spindles.

Garden & Shed Starter Pack

£250–£500

Assemble 6x4 shed, put up 3-4 fence panels, build a small raised bed, hang a bird feeder bracket.

What Affects Handyman Prices in Petersfield?

  • Job Complexity & Skill Required: Simple shelf vs. assembling a complex ergonomic office chair.
  • Time & Materials: How long the job will take and cost of any brackets, fixings, or parts needed.
  • Access & Working Conditions: Easy ground-floor access vs. working in a cramped loft or at height on a ladder.
  • Property Type: Working on solid stone walls in period cottages requires different tools and time than plasterboard in new builds.
  • Volume of Work: A single small job costs proportionally more per hour than a half-day of multiple tasks.
  • Urgency: Needing a job done same-day or next-day may incur a premium, especially in peak holiday season.

Common Handyman Needs in Petersfield, East Sussex

Holiday Lets & Second Homes

  • Pre-Season Setup & Maintenance: Assembling new garden furniture, fixing wear-and-tear from guests.
  • Quick Fixes Between Lets: Tightening handles, re-hanging doors, un-sticking windows.
  • Keyholder Services: Being the local point of contact for small jobs when the owner is remote.

Period Cottages & Older Homes

  • Adjusting Original Features: Sash windows, old doors, and latches that stick with humidity changes.
  • Fitting into Historic Fabric: Skillfully installing shelves/blinds without damaging old plaster or beams.
  • General 'Keeping on Top of Things': Fixing loose floorboards, squeaky stairs, draughty skirting.

Busy Households & New Residents

  • Flat-Pack Furniture Assembly: For those lacking time, tools, or patience.
  • Home Styling & Organisation: Picture hanging, shelf fitting, curtain rail installation.
  • Small DIY Tasks: Jobs that are too small for a specialist tradesperson but need doing.

Choosing a Handyman in Petersfield

1

Check for Insurance, Trustworthiness & Local References

This is crucial as handymen often work in your home unsupervised. They should have public liability insurance (min £1m) to cover accidental damage. Ask for references from local clients, particularly those with similar property types (e.g., other holiday let owners). A reputable handyman will be happy to provide these and may have a profile on a trusted local community page.

2

Be Clear About the Scope of Work & Agree on Pricing Upfront

When describing the job, be as specific as possible (e.g., "assemble an IKEA PAX 2m wardrobe", not just "build a wardrobe"). Send photos if you can. Agree on the pricing method (hourly rate with an estimate of time, or a fixed price for the job). Get this in a text or email to avoid misunderstandings. Ask if the quote includes materials/fixings or if they will be extra.

3

Look for a Multi-Skilled Professional, Not a 'Jack of All Trades'

A good handyman has a wide but defined set of skills: carpentry, basic plumbing, assembly, and general repairs. They should know their limits and not attempt complex gas, electrical, or major structural work. Ask: "Is this a job you do regularly?" For period properties, experience working with old materials is a big plus. A professional will say no to jobs outside their expertise.

Local Petersfield, East Sussex Insight

The handyman trade in Petersfield thrives due to the unique local mix: time-poor holiday let owners needing remote property management, new residents furnishing second homes with flat-pack items, and owners of period properties needing ongoing minor maintenance. The best local handymen are often booked weeks in advance during the spring and summer. They understand the challenges of working in listed buildings (using specific fixings) and the need for durable repairs in high-turnover rentals. Many operate as one-person businesses with deep local knowledge and connections to other trades. For holiday let owners, a reliable, insured handyman who can act as a local keyholder is an invaluable asset, often performing pre-arrival checks and dealing with minor guest issues quickly.

FAQs

What's the difference between a handyman and a tradesperson?

A tradesperson (e.g., electrician, plumber) is highly skilled and qualified in one specific area for complex, regulated work. A handyman is multi-skilled for smaller, general repair and assembly jobs that don't require official certification. Use a handyman for shelves and assembly; use a qualified tradesperson for wiring, gas, or major plumbing.

Do I need to be home while the handyman works?

For a first visit, it's advisable. Once trust is established, many clients (especially holiday let owners) provide a key-safe code or leave a key with a neighbour. Ensure your handyman is fully insured before allowing unsupervised access. They should be comfortable with this arrangement if they work with rental properties regularly.

Can a handyman assemble any flat-pack furniture?

Most can assemble standard items from IKEA, Argos, Wayfair, etc. Show them the instructions beforehand for very complex items (e.g., modular kitchens, large gym equipment). They will advise if it's within their capability. Some may specialise in or avoid certain brands known for complexity.

Is it cheaper to hire a handyman hourly or get a fixed price?

For a single, well-defined task (e.g., assemble this specific wardrobe), a fixed price is best. For a list of multiple small, variable tasks (a 'snagging list'), an hourly or half-day rate is usually more cost-effective as the handyman can work efficiently through the list.

Conclusion

Handyman services in Petersfield cost £25–£45 per hour with a typical 2-hour minimum, and £60–£120 to assemble a medium-sized flat-pack wardrobe. Given the diverse needs of holiday let owners, second-home residents, and period property custodians, finding a reliable, insured, and communicative handyman is key. They provide an essential service for the many small jobs that keep a home functioning and looking its best, offering great value for time-poor homeowners and remote landlords alike.

Tip:

Before your handyman arrives, clear the work area and have all parts, instructions, and tools (if you're providing any) ready. For flat-pack assembly, open the boxes and check all parts are present. For a list of jobs, prioritise them. Good communication and preparation help the handyman work efficiently, saving you time and money.