Handyman Services in Exeter: What You Can Get Done (2025 Guide)

If you're searching for handyman services in Exeter, you're probably wondering what exactly a handyman can help with, how much it'll cost, and how to find someone reliable.

I've been running Hembury Contracting in Exeter for years, so let me give you the full picture.

What Can a Handyman in Exeter Actually Do?

Short answer: quite a lot. A good handyman is a generalist who can tackle most household jobs that don't require specialist qualifications.

Here's what we typically get called out for in Exeter:

Indoor Jobs

Service	What's Involved	Typical Time
Flat-pack assembly	IKEA, Argos, Wayfair furniture	1-4 hours
TV wall mounting	Brackets, cable hiding, setup	1-2 hours
Picture & mirror hanging	Heavy mirrors, gallery walls	30 mins - 2 hours
Shelf installation	Floating shelves, brackets	30 mins - 1 hour
Basic plumbing	Dripping taps, toilet repairs, new taps	1-2 hours
Painting & decorating	Touch-ups, single rooms, refresh	2-8 hours
Door repairs	Sticking doors, handles, hinges	30 mins - 1 hour
Carpentry	Skirting, architrave, small repairs	1-4 hours
Blind & curtain fitting	All types, including bay windows	30 mins - 2 hours

Outdoor Jobs

Service	What's Involved	Typical Time
Fence repairs	Panels, posts, storm damage	1-4 hours
Gutter cleaning	Clear debris, check downpipes	1-2 hours
Shed assembly	Full build from flat-pack	4-8 hours
Pressure washing	Patios, driveways, decking	2-4 hours
Garden maintenance	Tidying, small landscaping	2-4 hours
Gate repairs	Hinges, latches, realignment	1-2 hours

Property Maintenance

Service	What's Involved	Typical Time
Landlord services	Tenant changeovers, repairs	Varies
Home adaptations	Grab rails, safety modifications	1-3 hours
Seasonal prep	Winter checks, gutter clearing	2-4 hours
General repairs	The "odd jobs" list	Varies

What a Handyman Can't Do (Legally)

There are some jobs that require qualified tradespeople:

• Gas work - Must be Gas Safe registered
• Major electrical work - Needs Part P certification
• Structural alterations - Requires building control
• Anything with building regulations - Extensions, conversions

A good handyman knows their limits and will tell you when you need a specialist.

Why Use a Local Exeter Handyman?

Local Knowledge Matters

Exeter has its quirks. Victorian terraces in St Thomas with solid walls that need special fixings. New builds in Pinhoe with plasterboard everywhere. Listed buildings in the city centre with restrictions on what you can do.

A local handyman has dealt with all of this before.

Quick Response

Need something sorted before the in-laws visit this weekend? A local handyman can often fit you in within days, sometimes same-day for small jobs.

Ongoing Relationship

Find a good handyman and you've got someone to call whenever something needs doing. No more hunting around every time.

How Much Do Handyman Services Cost in Exeter?

I've written a full pricing guide here, but the quick summary:

Type	Typical Cost
Minimum charge	£50-£80
Hourly rate	£40-£60/hr
Half day	£150-£220
Full day	£280-£400

At Hembury Contracting:

• £60 minimum (includes callout + first hour)
• £50/hr after that
• £25 for half hours

Areas We Cover in Devon

We're based in Exeter but cover:

• City centre & suburbs - St Thomas, Heavitree, Pinhoe, Exwick, St Leonards, Alphington
• East Devon - Exmouth, Sidmouth, Honiton, Ottery St Mary
• Coastal - Dawlish, Teignmouth, Budleigh Salterton
• Inland - Crediton, Tiverton, Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey
• Villages - Pretty much anywhere within 20 miles of Exeter

How to Find a Reliable Handyman in Exeter

Look For:

✅ Real Google reviews - Not just testimonials on their website

✅ Proper insurance - Public liability at minimum

✅ Clear pricing - No vague "it depends" without explanation

✅ Good communication - Replies to messages, shows up when promised

✅ Online presence - Website, Google Business listing

Avoid:

❌ Cash-only with no receipt

❌ No fixed address or contact details

❌ Quotes that seem too good to be true

❌ Pressure to decide immediately

❌ Asking for full payment upfront for small jobs (deposits are normal for larger projects or material-heavy jobs)

The Hembury Contracting Difference

Here's what you get when you book with us:

• Online booking - Check availability and book 24/7
• Fixed pricing - Know the cost before we start
• No callout fee wasted - Minimum charge includes first hour of work
• Text updates - Know exactly when we're coming
• Clean and tidy - We always clean up after ourselves

Common Questions

I've only got one small job - is it worth calling a handyman?

Yes, but you'll pay the minimum charge regardless. Better value is to save up a few small jobs and get them done in one visit. That dripping tap, the shelf that needs putting up, and the door that sticks - that's a perfect handyman visit.

Should I buy the materials or will you?

For specific items (taps, light fittings, furniture) - you buy them. You know what style you want. For fixings and basics - we bring those, usually included in the price.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Depends on the time of year. Usually a few days to a week. For bigger jobs or specific dates, book earlier. For genuine emergencies, we try to help same-day when possible.

Do you work weekends?

We can do Saturday mornings for the right job. Sundays are family time.

---

Ready to get those jobs ticked off? Book online or call us on 01392 964094 for a quick quote. No obligation, no pressure - just honest advice about what needs doing and what it'll cost.