"Can you...?" is how most calls start. Usually it's shelves, flat pack, or fixing something broken. Sometimes it's something else entirely.
Jobs I've Actually Done
The Ladder Holder
The request: Stand at the bottom of a ladder while the customer cleaned their own gutters.
Why they asked: Nervous about heights, didn't want to be alone on the ladder.
Did I do it? Yes. Easy money, and I understood the concern. Also checked the ladder was safe and the gutters were actually clear.
The Spider Removalist
The request: Come round and remove a large spider from the bathroom.
Why they asked: Genuine arachnophobia. The spider was, admittedly, substantial.
Did I do it? Yes. Cup and card method. Spider relocated to the garden. Customer very grateful.
The Wardrobe Relocator
The request: Move a wardrobe from one side of a bedroom to the other. That's it.
Why they asked: Elderly couple, physically couldn't manage it, didn't want it disassembled.
Did I do it? Yes. 15 minutes. They insisted on paying for a full hour.
The Christmas Light Architect
The request: Help plan and execute a multi-thousand bulb Christmas light display.
Why they asked: The customer had the vision but not the ladder, time, or electrical confidence.
Did I do it? Yes. Over several visits. Genuinely fun project. The display was impressive.
The Escape Room Prop Builder
The request: Build a secret compartment for a home escape room.
Why they asked: Running escape room parties for their kids, wanted hidden mechanisms.
Did I do it? Yes. Built a bookshelf with a magnetic release panel. One of my favourite jobs.
Jobs I've Declined
Animal Removal (Beyond Spiders)
The request: "There's something living in my loft - can you get it out?"
Why I declined: That's pest control territory. Could be rats, squirrels, birds - all need proper handling. I referred them to professionals.
Tree Surgery
The request: "Can you take down this tree?"
Why I declined: Chainsaw work at height is specialist territory. Proper tree surgeons have insurance, training, and equipment for a reason. Falling trees are no joke.
Anything Involving Gas
The request: Various gas-related jobs over the years.
Why I declined: You need to be Gas Safe registered. I'm not. No exceptions. Ever.
Roof Work (Beyond Minor)
The request: "Can you re-tile my roof?"
Why I declined: Full roofing is a specialist skill. Heights, structural knowledge, and scaffolding needed. I'll check something from a ladder, but I won't walk on roofs.
Structural Changes
The request: "Can you knock through this wall?"
Why I declined: Unless you know what's structural and what isn't, you can cause major problems. This needs a builder or structural engineer.
The Grey Areas
Pet-Related
Will do: Fit a cat flap, build a dog run fence, mount a bird feeder.
Won't do: Look after your pets, build anything requiring specific vet knowledge.
Garden Work
Will do: Minor repairs, fence panels, shed assembly, small decking repairs.
Won't do: Full landscaping, large paving jobs, tree work, pond installation.
Cleaning-Adjacent
Will do: Gutter clearing, pressure washing on ground level, post-building cleanup.
Won't do: General cleaning, carpet cleaning (I'll recommend professionals).
Technology
Will do: Mount TVs, run visible cables, set up simple equipment.
Won't do: Network installation, server setup, anything requiring IT knowledge.
Why I Say No to Some Things
Safety
If I'm not qualified, I could hurt myself or damage your property. Not worth it for either of us.
Quality
Specialist jobs done by non-specialists tend to be worse. You deserve proper work.
Insurance
My insurance covers handyman work. If I do something outside that scope and something goes wrong, neither of us is covered.
Reputation
One botched job doing something I shouldn't have attempted would undo years of good work.
What Counts as "Handyman Work"?
Generally Yes
- Flat pack assembly
- Shelving and storage
- Picture and TV hanging
- Minor plumbing (taps, toilets)
- Minor repairs
- Painting and decorating
- Door and window adjustments
- Lock changes
- Fence repairs
- Basic garden work
Generally Maybe
- Tiling (small areas)
- Laminate flooring (simple rooms)
- Minor electrical (changing light fittings)
- Kitchen fitting (depends on scope)
Generally No
- Gas
- Major electrical
- Structural
- Roofing
- Tree surgery
- Full bathroom/kitchen installation
The Best Part of Unusual Jobs
They break up the routine. After the tenth MALM chest of drawers, building an escape room mechanism is genuinely exciting.
And often the unusual requests come from people who've tried to find help elsewhere and been turned away. Being able to say "yes, I can do that" is satisfying.
Have an Unusual Request?
Try me. The worst I can say is "that's not something I do" - and I'll probably know someone who does.
Some of my best jobs have started with "I know this is a weird ask, but..."
Call 01392 964094 or get a quote - I promise not to judge the request.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.