Find a handyman in Washington, DC
A handyman handles small repairs and odd jobs around the home, often several in one visit. People call one for things like fixing a door, mounting a TV, patching drywall or assembling furniture. A good handyman is honest about which jobs need a licensed plumber or electrician instead.
How many handymen are in Washington?
The Census Bureau counted 134 residential remodelers with employees in Washington, DC ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, District of Columbia has 138, or 20.5 per 100,000 residents: fewer than the US rate of 40.5, and 149th of 165 large US cities per resident.
Another 601 self-employed businesses in residential building and remodeling contractors are based in District of Columbia, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 20011 (19), 20002 (13), 20016 (13), 20009 (11).
Half of Washington's homes were built before 1957, and 59% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 134 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, District of Columbia | 20.5 US: 40.5 |
| Rank among large US cities | 149 of 165 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 77% |
| Self-employed, District of Columbia | 601 Census NES 2023: residential building and remodeling contractors |
| Median year homes were built | 1957 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 59% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 672,079 ACS 2023 |
What do handymen in Washington help with?
- Drywall patching and repair
- TV and shelf mounting
- Furniture assembly
- Door and cabinet repair
- Caulking and weatherstripping
- Fixture swaps like faucets and light fixtures where allowed
- Minor carpentry and trim
- Gutter cleaning
- Picture and mirror hanging
- Small painting jobs
How do you choose a good handyman in Washington?
- Make a list of every task before you call, so they can quote and bring parts.
- Ask how they charge: by the hour, by the job or with a minimum.
- Ask about liability insurance.
- Ask which jobs they do not take on. Larger electrical, plumbing, gas and structural work usually needs a licensed trade.
- Check reviews for being on time and cleaning up.
- Get a written price for anything beyond a small fix.
Rules vary: some states and cities require a contractor license for handyman work above a certain job size or for any trade work, so ask whether a license is needed for your job.
Questions to ask before you hire
- How do you charge, and is there a minimum?
- Are you insured?
- Do you bring the parts, or do I buy them?
- Is any of this work something that needs a licensed trade or permit?
- Do you guarantee your work?
- How long do you expect these jobs to take?
Red flags to watch for
- Offering to do major electrical, gas or plumbing work without a license.
- Saying a permit is never needed for any job.
- No written price for larger jobs.
- Asking for payment in full up front.
What changes the price?
- Number and type of tasks
- Hourly rate or job minimum
- Materials and parts
- Travel time
- Height and access
- Urgency and scheduling
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many handymen are there in Washington?
The Census counted 134 residential remodelers with employees in Washington, DC in 2023, plus 601 self-employed businesses in District of Columbia.
Can a handyman do electrical or plumbing work?
Usually only small tasks, depending on local rules. New circuits, panels, gas lines and moving pipes generally need a licensed electrician or plumber and often a permit.
How can I get the most from a handyman visit?
Group several small jobs into one visit. Have a list ready, with photos and any parts you have already bought.
Should I hire a handyman or a contractor?
A handyman fits small repairs. For remodels, structural work or jobs that need permits, hire a licensed contractor.
Handymen in nearby cities
Handymen in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a handyman.