Why We Don’t Do Handyman Work (And What You Should Do Instead)

It’s not about saying no—it’s about pointing you in the right direction.

At Tuck Home Services, we get a lot of calls asking if we can “just patch a little drywall” or “swing by to fix a leaky faucet.” These requests fall into a category known as handyman work—and while we appreciate being top of mind, we want to explain why that’s not something we typically offer.

So What Is a Handyman Job?

Handyman jobs are usually small, quick-turnaround fixes that don’t require planning or multiple trades. Think:

Rehanging a door
Fixing a deck board
Repairing a small section of siding
Swapping out a faucet or light fixture
Patching drywall

These are the kinds of things a handyman might knock out in a couple of hours.

Why THS Rarely Does Handyman Work

Our business is built around two core offerings:

Recurring Maintenance – mowing, seasonal cleanups, snow removal, trash pickup.
Larger Construction Projects – decks, roofing, siding, interior remodels, rot repair, painting, driveways.

That’s what we’re built to do well, with the personnel and systems to match. Handyman work has a different rhythm. It requires lots of coordination for short, scattered visits—something that doesn’t align with how we operate or staff our crews.

We’ve found that staying focused on what we do best leads to better results and happier customers.

The truth is, many businesses like to say, “No job is too big or too small.” But in our experience, that should be a red flag. The systems, tools, and staff it takes to do a high-end deck or addition are completely different from those needed for punch-list repairs. Trying to do both often means doing neither well.

How to Find a Good Handyman

We used to recommend a few local handymen for small jobs. Unfortunately, we had a situation where a provider we referred to gave a customer a poor experience—and it reflected badly on us.

That’s not something we’re willing to risk again. That said, handyman work matters—and here’s how we’d go about finding someone who’s reliable.

Start by posting in local Facebook groups with a clear description of the job:

NH Contractors
Plymouth NH News and Events
Rumney NH News and Events
Lincoln – Woodstock Community Forum
Town of Campton NH News and Events
Friends of Waterville Estates
Waterville Estates Home Owners Association (if you are an owner in the Estates)

How to Vet a Good Handyman

When you start getting responses, vet them using these questions:

How’s their communication? Are they clear, timely, and professional?
Do they hit basic checkpoints? (Answer the phone, show up on time, follow through)
Do they explain their process? Do they know what they’re good at—and what they’re not?
How do they price? Flat rate, hourly, or by estimate?
What’s their availability? Are they booking next week or next month?
Is it just them, or do they have a helper/crew?
Can they send documentation? Ask for a W9, certificate of insurance, references, and photos of past work.

Taking these steps can save you a lot of stress down the line.

Need a Larger Project Done? That’s Where We Come In.
If you’re thinking about a deck, roof, siding job, or remodel—those are right in our wheelhouse.