The everyday jobs a handyman handles, and the gas and electrical work that legally needs a registered trade instead.
A good handyman is the answer to the list of small jobs that never quite get done. But some work is off limits to anyone who is not registered for it, however capable they are, because the law ties it to a scheme.
Everyday handyman work
Mounting TVs, mirrors, shelves and pictures.
Flat pack assembly and securing furniture to walls.
Easing sticking doors, fitting handles, locks and draught excluders.
Filling, sanding, painting and decorating.
Fitting curtain poles, blinds and small fixtures.
Not a handyman job
Gas work of any kind: it is a criminal offence to carry it out without being on the Gas Safe Register.
Notifiable electrical work, such as a new circuit or a consumer unit, which needs a Part P registered electrician.
Anything structural, or work that affects a party wall, without the right trade and approvals.
The line matters for insurance as much as legality: work done by the wrong trade may not be covered if something goes wrong. General small repairs and mounting are listed under handyman on Halo Hive; gas and electrical jobs have their own trades on the platform.