Hiring someone to come into your home and put things right—whether that’s fixing a leaking tap, hanging heavy shelves, or sorting out that mysterious bathroom leak—feels like a very modern dilemma, but it’s really an old story. We’ve always looked for the skilled, trustworthy person who can make things work again, who knows which wire goes where or how to build something that lasts. But in a huge, busy city like London, with thousands of adverts, websites, and recommendations flying around, how do you know you’ve found the right person?
It’s not just about getting a few jobs done. It’s about trust, reliability, and feeling like your home is in safe hands. Because really, when we let someone into our home, we’re letting them into our private space. And that’s personal. Very personal.
Let me share a story.
A couple of years ago, I needed someone to fix a long list of things around my flat in Camden. Small things—loose floorboards, a broken cupboard door, a tap that squeaked like a ghostly kettle. Nothing urgent, but enough to annoy me each time I walked past them. I wasn’t expecting magic. I just wanted someone reliable. Someone honest. Someone who would do the job properly without disappearing halfway through.
Sounds simple, right?
Turns out, not always.
The first person I hired cancelled twice, then turned up late, stayed for 30 minutes, and left with most of the list untouched. The second one seemed fine until I realised he’d fixed the wrong tap and left scuff marks on the wall where he’d used a screwdriver as a lever. It was a small disaster that made me think: maybe I’m going about this the wrong way.
That’s when I decided to approach it as if I were choosing someone to care for something valuable. Because that’s what it is—my home is my space, my safe zone.
Here’s what I learned, and what I want to share with you.
Understand what you actually need
It’s tempting to just yell, “I need a handyman!” but take a moment first. Make a list—not just of what you want done, but what kind of help you need. Is it mostly carpentry? Plumbing? Odd bits and pieces? Are there jobs that need a particular skill, like knowing how to safely mount heavy fixtures or wire a light? Do you need someone just once, or potentially someone you’ll call regularly?
Knowing this helps you filter out people. Some handymen (and women) are amazing at patching up walls and assembling furniture, but wouldn’t touch electric work. Others are ex-plumbers and can fix that dripping shower in their sleep. The idea of the ‘handyman’ is wide—and vague. Knowing what you actually need will help you ask better questions.
Ask real people, not just the internet
London is full of experienced, dependable tradespeople—but it’s also full of websites that make every profile look great. Everyone has five stars. Everyone is “Quick, professional, friendly, and reliable.” So how do you know?
Instead of starting with Google, start with people. Ask your friends, especially ones who take care of their homes. Ask your neighbours. Post in your resident Facebook group or local WhatsApp chat. You’ll be surprised how many people are more than happy to recommend someone who’s saved their bacon in a DIY emergency.
When someone recommends someone, it’s because they’ve had a good experience—and that’s gold. That matters more than a glittering online ad. Every good handyman I’ve hired has come to me through a human connection, not a search engine.
Speak to the person—really speak to them
Once you’ve found someone promising, don’t skip ahead. Speak to them. Either on the phone or in person, before the work begins. A proper conversation tells you a lot.
Are they listening when you tell them what you need? Do they ask smart questions? Do they offer suggestions or just say yes to everything?
The best people I’ve worked with—and I mean the real gems—didn’t just nod and promise the earth. They explained what was possible, what might take longer, and even what they didn’t feel confident doing. That honesty is more valuable than someone who seems like they can do it all but disappears when things get tricky.
A real conversation builds a kind of human trust. You’re not just hiring a tool with legs. You’re asking for help.
Don’t ignore your instincts
We get this feeling sometimes—a discomfort, a pause, that little alarm inside. The thing is, we often ignore it. Because we’re busy, pressed for time, or worried about being rude. But that feeling exists for a reason.
If something doesn’t feel right—vague answers, pushy behaviour, strange reviews—stop. You don’t need to explain yourself. You’re allowed to be picky about who works in your home. You’re allowed to say no.
It’s not about being paranoid. It’s about being respectful of your own space.
Look at the details, not the marketing
Of course, professionalism matters. Someone who’s punctual, who sends a written quote, who turns up when they say they will—that’s basic, but too often rare.
Look for signs that this person treats their work with care. Do they take time to explain costs? Do they offer to show previous work, or happily give references? Do they arrive with the right tools and protective gear, or do they borrow yours?
Even small details—a handwritten receipt, cleaned up worksite, the way they handle your furniture—tell you a lot. A good tradesperson sees themselves as part of something bigger. They’re not just fixing a door; they’re maintaining your home.
Don’t fall for the “cheapest quote” trap
It’s tempting, I know. Especially in an expensive city where costs can start to spiral. But the lowest price isn’t always the best deal. I once hired someone because they were cheap—and ended up paying someone else to fix their work.
Good tradespeople charge fair rates. That means they value their time, their skills, and the quality of their work. It doesn’t mean they’re out to fleece you. You’re not just paying for an hour with a hammer—you’re paying for years of experience, judgement, and care.
Think long-term
When you find someone good—someone reliable, honest, and skilled—hang on to them. This isn’t a one-time thing. Life, and houses, are full of unexpected repairs. A working relationship with a good handyman is one of the best investments you can make.
That person might end up helping you move one day, build custom shelving, fix your neighbour’s door. They become part of your little ecosystem. A dependable presence.
And if you’re lucky, they’ll even tell you when something doesn’t need repairing. I once called mine to look at a window hinge. He walked in, took one look, and said, “It just needs WD-40.” No charge. No fuss. Just respect.
You want that kind of person on your side.
Don’t be afraid to wait for the right one
When you’re in a tight spot—tiles falling off, boiler acting funny, dripping pipe—you want help quickly. But if it’s not an emergency, please, take your time choosing. Waiting three more days to find someone solid is better than rushing in and regretting it later.
Think how much effort we put into picking doctors or accountants. Why should your home be any different?
Your environment affects your state of mind. Having someone trustworthy to help care for that environment is worth the wait. You’re not being fussy. You’re being thoughtful.
Enjoy the results—and say thank you
When the work is done, and done well, take a moment to appreciate it. That fixed door that no longer bangs in the wind. The smooth drawer that glides instead of screeching. The calm of a job handled with care.
And then—tell others. Leave that review. Share their name. Pass it on.
Because someone else is also looking for that same sense of relief, clarity, and confidence. You might help them make the right choice, too.
And in a city as big as London, that kind of human connection is worth more than any algorithm.