The "No Job Too Small" Handyman
After 18+ years in Exeter, I've learned that the small jobs matter most. The dripping tap keeping you awake. The sticking door that frustrates you daily. The loose fence panel making your garden look shabby.
Big companies won't come out for these jobs. I will.
Common Home Repairs We Handle
1. Door Repairs
The most common request in my 18 years. Exeter's Victorian and Edwardian properties are beautiful, but those old doors need attention:
Sticking Doors
- Problem: Door catches on frame, won't close properly
- Cause (Victorian/Edwardian): Building settlement, timber swelling from Devon's damp climate
- Fix: Plane down high spots, adjust hinges, rehang if necessary
- Price: £45-£75
- Time: 30-60 minutes
Broken Door Handles & Locks
- Problem: Handle loose or broken, lock not catching
- Victorian property issue: Original mortice locks often need replacement
- Fix: Tighten screws, replace handles, install new locks
- Price: £50-£95 (including hardware)
Draught-Proofing
- Problem: Cold air whistling through gaps
- Victorian/Edwardian challenge: Original single-glazed doors with large gaps
- Fix: Brush strips, compression seals, threshold strips
- Price: £60-£90 per door
- Saving: Reduces heating bills - pays for itself
Squeaking Doors
- Fix: Remove hinges, clean, lubricate, replace pins if worn
- Price: £45 (minimum call-out covers this)
2. Plumbing Repairs (Basic)
Note: For gas work or major plumbing, I work with Gas Safe certified plumbers. The repairs below are within handyman scope.
Dripping Taps
- Problem: The classic "drip-drip-drip" that wastes water and sleep
- Cause: Worn washer or cartridge
- Fix: Replace washer (traditional taps) or cartridge (modern mixers)
- Price: £50-£70
- Exeter water note: Hard water damages washers faster - I carry spares
Toilet Repairs
- Running toilet (faulty flapper valve) - £55-£75
- Weak flush (limescale in rim holes) - £50-£70
- Loose toilet seat - £45 or free with other jobs
- Toilet won't stop filling - £55-£80 (new fill valve)
Shower Heads & Hoses
- Replace blocked/limescale-clogged shower head - £50-£65
- New shower hose - £45-£60
- Re-seal shower tray or bath - £75-£120
Minor Leak Fixes
- Tighten compression fittings - £45-£60
- Replace flexible tap connectors - £55-£75
- Seal leaking waste pipes - £50-£80
3. Window Repairs
Sash Window Repairs (Common in Heavitree, St Leonards, Pennsylvania)
- Broken sash cords - Windows won't stay open - £90-£140 per window
- Rattling sashes - Draught and noise - £60-£95 (draught-proofing strips)
- Painted shut - Free paint seals - £55-£85 (cut seal, sand, adjust)
- Rotten sills - Wood filler repairs or timber replacement - £80-£150
Modern Window Repairs
- Failed double glazing (misted units) - Arrange replacement, fit new units - £POA (price depends on supplier)
- Broken window handles - £45-£65
- Window won't lock - £50-£75 (adjust mechanism)
- Broken hinges - £70-£110 (including parts)
4. Fence & Gate Repairs
Devon's wet, windy weather is hard on fences. Storm damage is common:
Fence Panel Replacement
- Problem: Broken/rotten panel after storms
- Price: £75-£120 per panel (including 6'x6' panel from local supplier)
- Time: 60-90 minutes per panel
- Exeter suppliers: I use Travis Perkins or Jewson (Marsh Barton) for quality panels
Fence Post Repairs
- Wobbly post (concrete in) - £65-£95
- Rotten post replacement - £90-£140 (concrete spur repair) or £120-£180 (full post replacement)
- Gravel board replacement - £55-£85
Gate Repairs
- Sagging gate (new hinges/bracing) - £70-£110
- Gate won't latch - £45-£65
- Rotten gate replacement - £POA (depends on size/style)
5. Damp & Mould Issues
Exeter's coastal Devon climate creates damp challenges. Not all damp needs a specialist:
Condensation Mould
- Problem: Black mould on walls, around windows
- Cause: Poor ventilation, cold walls
- Fix: Anti-mould wash, ventilation improvement advice, mould-resistant paint
- Price: £75-£140 (treatment and painting)
Leaking Gutters Causing Damp
- Problem: Overflow running down walls
- Victorian/Edwardian issue: Cast iron gutters often leak at joints
- Fix: Clear blockages, seal joints, replace sections if needed
- Price: £65-£150 depending on extent
When to Call a Specialist
I'll be honest if damp is beyond handyman scope:
- Rising damp (DPC issues) - Needs specialist
- Penetrating damp (wall problems) - Needs structural survey
- Major leaks - Needs plumber/roofer
I can recommend trusted Exeter specialists and coordinate with them if needed.
6. Tile Repairs
Loose/Broken Tiles (Kitchen & Bathroom)
- Problem: Cracked tiles, tiles coming off wall
- Fix: Remove damaged tile, prepare surface, replace, grout
- Challenge: Matching old tiles (I keep common whites/creams in stock)
- Price: £55-£85 for 1-3 tiles
Re-Grouting
- Problem: Discolored, mouldy, or missing grout
- Fix: Rake out old grout, clean, apply fresh grout, seal
- Price: £95-£180 (small bathroom), £140-£250 (kitchen splashback)
7. Electrical Repairs (Basic)
Note: For major electrical work, I work with Part P certified electricians. The repairs below are within handyman scope.
Light Fittings
- Replace bulbs (especially high/awkward ones) - Often free with other jobs
- Install new light fitting - £50-£85
- Replace pull cord switch - £50-£70
- Install dimmer switch - £55-£75
Socket/Switch Replacement
- Replace cracked/discolored sockets - £45-£60 each
- Tighten loose faceplates - Often included with other work
8. Miscellaneous Repairs
Floorboard Repairs
- Squeaky floorboards - £50-£85 (screw down, add adhesive)
- Loose/broken boards - £65-£120 (replace section)
- Victorian property note: Original boards are valuable - I repair rather than replace where possible
Skirting Board & Architrave
- Replace damaged sections - £60-£100 per meter
- Fill gaps (shrinkage) - £55-£85
- Repaint - See Painting Services
Silicone Sealant
- Bath/shower seals - £60-£95
- Kitchen worktop seals - £55-£85
- Window sills - £45-£70
Emergency & Same-Day Repairs
Some repairs can't wait. I offer same-day service for urgent issues:
Emergency Call-Out Service
Available 7 days/week for genuine emergencies:
- Burst pipes (temporary stop until plumber arrives)
- Door lock failures (can't secure property)
- Storm damage fence/gate (security risk)
- Broken window (security/weather protection)
Emergency Premium: £30 additional for same-day service within 4 hours
Exeter Property Expertise
Victorian & Edwardian Properties
Exeter has thousands of period properties (built 1840-1920). I've worked on hundreds:
- Original Features - I respect and preserve period details (sash windows, picture rails, cornicing)
- Lime Plaster - Requires different approach than modern gypsum
- Solid Walls - No cavity, prone to damp - I understand the issues
- High Ceilings - I have the proper ladders and equipment
- Building Movement - Normal for old buildings - I work with it, not against it
Modern Estates (Cranbrook, Monkerton, Pinhoe)
New builds have different challenges:
- Snagging Issues - Common in first 2 years (I can handle builder warranty work)
- Plasterboard Walls - Require care when fixing heavy items
- Integrated Systems - Modern electrics, heating controls
- Warranty Compliance - I'm aware of NHBC requirements
Student Properties
Landlords and letting agents regularly use my services:
- End of Tenancy Repairs - Quick turnaround before new tenants
- Wear & Tear - Door handles, locks, decorating touch-ups
- Compliance - Understand HMO regulations
- Multiple Units - Can schedule batch repairs across portfolio
Real Repair Stories from Exeter
The Heavitree Victorian Sash Window Rescue
Elderly couple in Heavitree couldn't open their bedroom windows - both sash cords had snapped. The room was stifling in summer. Replaced all four cords (two windows), freed up the painted-shut catches, and installed draught-proofing strips. They can now enjoy fresh air without the winter draughts. Job took 3 hours - they brought me tea and biscuits halfway through!
The St Thomas Emergency Fence Fix
Storm overnight took down three fence panels in St Thomas. Customer called at 8am worried about dog escaping. Was there by 10am, temporary barrier in place by 10:30am, new panels fitted by 2pm. Dog safe, customer happy, fence better than before.
The Pennsylvania Property Portfolio
Letting agent with 12 student houses near the university. Do regular maintenance for them - everything from changing locks between tenants to fixing doors kicked in by drunk students (happens more than you'd think). They trust me because I'm fast, reliable, and don't charge silly money for simple jobs. Been working with them for 6 years now.
Why Choose Me for Home Repairs?
Actually Answering Your Call
I answer my phone. Or call back within 2 hours. No automated systems, no waiting days for a callback.
Showing Up When Promised
If I say Tuesday 2pm, I'll be there Tuesday 2pm. Or I'll call you if something's genuinely preventing me (happened maybe 5 times in 18 years).
Fixing It Properly
No bodge jobs. If it needs a proper fix, I'll tell you. If it can be repaired rather than replaced, I'll save you money.
Fair Pricing
£45 minimum call-out covers most small jobs. Larger jobs quoted upfront. No hidden fees, no surprise bills.
Local Knowledge
18+ years in Exeter. I know which suppliers stock what, understand local property types, and can source materials quickly.
Pricing Guide
| Repair Type | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Dripping tap repair | £50-£70 |
| Sticking door adjustment | £45-£75 |
| Replace door handle/lock | £50-£95 |
| Fence panel replacement | £75-£120 |
| Sash window cord replacement | £90-£140 |
| Tile replacement (1-3 tiles) | £55-£85 |
| Toilet cistern repair | £55-£80 |
| Silicone resealing (bath/shower) | £60-£95 |
Minimum Call-Out: £45 (covers most small repairs, 30-45 minutes work)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's your minimum charge?
£45 minimum call-out, which covers up to 45 minutes work. This handles most small repairs like changing washers, fixing squeaky doors, tightening handles, etc. Larger jobs quoted separately.
Do you work weekends?
Yes, Saturday mornings are available. Sundays for emergencies only (security issues, major leaks, etc.). No weekend premium for Saturdays, £30 Sunday emergency premium.
How quickly can you come?
Usually within 2-3 days for normal repairs. Same-day available for emergencies (£30 premium). I keep common parts in stock so rarely need to order and come back.
What if the repair needs a specialist?
I'll be honest if something needs a gas engineer, electrician, or structural specialist. I can recommend trusted Exeter professionals and coordinate with them. You won't be charged for a call-out if I can't help (though this rarely happens).
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. If something I've fixed fails within 90 days (and it's not due to misuse), I'll come back and fix it free of charge. Parts are guaranteed by manufacturer (typically 1-5 years depending on item).
Can you do multiple small jobs in one visit?
Absolutely - this is very common. Many customers have a list of "little things" that need doing. I'll work through them systematically. After the £45 minimum, additional jobs are usually discounted as I'm already there.
Do you work with letting agents/landlords?
Yes, regularly. I understand tenancy turnaround pressures, HMO requirements, and the need for quick, reliable service. References available from several Exeter letting agents.
Are you insured?
Fully insured with £5 million public liability insurance. Also DBS checked. Happy to provide certificate copies if required (some letting agents request these).
Areas Covered
Home repair services across all of Exeter and surrounding areas:
- City Centre
- Heavitree
- St Thomas
- Pinhoe
- Whipton
- Wonford
- Pennsylvania
- St Leonards
- Alphington
- Stoke Hill
- Newtown
- St David's
- Cranbrook
- Monkerton
- Topsham
- Exminster
Also covering: Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Crediton, and surrounding Devon villages.
How to Book a Repair
Call or Text
07766 501664 - Describe the problem. I'll give you an idea of cost and timeframe immediately.
Send Photos
WhatsApp or text photos of the issue. A picture tells a thousand words - I can often diagnose and quote from photos.
Book Online
Use the contact form with problem description. I'll respond within 2 hours (usually much faster).