What do you need to know in an essential guide? A handyman or handywoman is a skilled individual proficient in various home repairs, maintenance tasks, and small construction projects. Homeowners or businesses often hire them to fix leaky faucets, repair broken appliances, install light fixtures, paint rooms and perform minor electrical or plumbing work.
Handymen or handywomen can work independently or be employed by a company that provides these services. They typically have a broad range of skills and knowledge and can perform many tasks around the home or workplace.
A handyman or handywoman is a versatile and skilled professional who can tackle various maintenance and repair tasks, making them a valuable resource for homeowners and businesses.
History of the Handyman
The history of handymen and handywomen dates back to ancient times when skilled labourers were employed to perform various tasks around the home or workplace. In medieval times, skilled craftsmen such as blacksmiths, carpenters, and stonemasons were often called upon to perform maintenance and repair tasks.
In the United States, the concept of the handyman or handywoman emerged in the 20th century with the rise of suburban housing developments. As more and more people moved into single-family homes, there was an increasing need for individuals who could perform essential maintenance and repair tasks around the house.
During this time, many handymen and handywomen worked independently, advertising their services through classified ads in newspapers or by word of mouth. However, in the latter half of the 20th century, the concept of the handyman or handywoman began to evolve into a more professionalised industry, with companies offering a wide range of handyperson services.
Today, handymen and handywomen are necessary resources for homeowners and businesses, providing a wide range of services from essential maintenance and repair tasks to more complex construction and remodelling projects. With the growth of online platforms and digital advertising, it has become easier for handymen and handywomen to market their services and connect with potential customers.
Famous Handymen/women
While handymen and handywomen typically work behind the scenes and do not often receive widespread recognition, a few notable individuals have gained fame as skilled tradespeople and handypersons. Here are a few examples:
- Bob Vila: Perhaps the most well-known handyman in the United States, Bob Vila is a TV personality and home improvement expert who hosted the popular show “This Old House” from 1979 to 1989.
- Mike Holmes: Another popular TV personality, Mike Holmes is a Canadian contractor, and home renovation expert who has hosted several home improvement shows, including “Holmes on Homes” and “Holmes Makes It Right.”
- Richard Karn: Best known for his role as Al Borland on the TV show “Home Improvement” Richard Karn started as a carpenter before becoming an actor.
- Norm Abram: A master carpenter and frequent collaborator with Bob Vila on “This Old House,” Norm Abram has become a beloved figure in home improvement and woodworking.
- Ty Pennington: A carpenter and designer who rose to fame as the host of the TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” Ty Pennington has become a well-known name in home improvement and design.
These individuals have all used their skills and expertise as handymen and contractors to gain recognition and success in their respective fields.
Featured in Movies
Several movies have featured handypersons or characters who work in the trades. Here are a few examples:
- “The Handyman” (1980)
This movie tells the story of a handyman hired to perform odd jobs for a wealthy woman, only to become embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy. - “The War of the Roses” (1989)
In this dark comedy, a couple going through a bitter divorce hires a handyman to repair their home, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. - “Mr Fix It” (2006)
This romantic comedy follows a character played by David Boreanaz, a professional handyman women hire to fix their homes and hearts.
While these movies may not always accurately portray the work of handypersons and tradespeople, they highlight the importance of these skilled professionals in helping maintain and repair homes and buildings.
Picking the Right Handyman is no Laughing Matter.
If you are a fan of Fawlty Towers, you may recall when Basil calls in O’Reilly
By the Numbers
Sure, here are a few statistics about handypersons and tradespeople in Australia:
- According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as of 2020, over 1.1 million people were employed in the construction industry in Australia, including tradespeople and handypersons.
- According to the 2016 Census, Australia’s most common trade occupations included carpenters, joiners, electricians, and plumbers.
- The Australian government has several programs in place to support the training and development of tradespeople, including apprenticeships and traineeships. In 2020, over 278,000 people were enrolled in apprenticeships and traineeships across Australia.
- The Master Builders Association of Australia represents over 32,000 businesses in the building and construction industry, including many tradespeople and handypersons. The organisation provides training and support to its members and advocates for the industry’s interests as a whole.
Handymen can perform various tasks, from minor repairs and maintenance to major renovations and construction projects. Depending on the job, they may work independently or as part of a larger team.
Many handypersons are self-employed or work for small businesses. In contrast, others may work for larger companies or organisations, such as property management firms or homeowners’ associations.
Some handymen specialise in particular types of work, such as plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry. In contrast, others may be more generalists and able to perform various tasks.
The demand for handypersons and tradespeople can vary depending on factors such as the economy’s state, the construction activity level, and the overall demand for repair and maintenance services.
The work of a handyman can be physically demanding and often requires a high degree of skill and expertise. Many handypersons undergo extensive training and certification in their chosen field to provide the best possible service to their clients.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards eco-friendly and sustainable construction and maintenance practices, leading to new opportunities for handypersons and tradespeople with specialised knowledge.
Handypersons and tradespeople play a vital role in keeping our homes, buildings, and infrastructure in good repair and working order. Their work is essential to the smooth functioning of our communities and economies.
