Guide
How to prepare for a handyman visit in Melbourne
A practical guide to what to have ready when contacting a general handyman about a maintenance job at home.
Short answer
Take a couple of clear photos, note where the item is in the home, and describe how the issue is behaving. That's usually enough to start a useful conversation about scope and next steps.
Describe the issue in plain language
A single sentence usually helps most: what the item is, where it is, and what it's doing (or not doing). If several small jobs are stacking up, list them together so they can be scoped in one visit.
Photos and short video
One wide photo showing the room, plus one close-up of the item, is often enough. A very short video is useful for anything intermittent — a dripping tap, a squeaking hinge, a fan that only sometimes runs.
Consider whether the job is regulated
Some work in Victoria is regulated and must be done by an appropriately licensed provider — most notably fixed plumbing and electrical work. A general handyman can help identify whether that applies to your specific job.
Access and timing
Note anything about access that isn't obvious — apartment building entry, off-street parking, pets, or times of day that don't work.
Checklist
- • Wide photo of the room
- • Close-up photo of the item
- • Short description of the issue
- • Suburb, floor and access notes
- • Any parts already purchased