Who doesn’t love a good deal? But sometimes, cheap can come at a high cost.
If you’ve ever hired a handyman because their rates seemed too good to pass up, only to end up with subpar work (or worse, added costs), you’re not alone.
In this article, I’ll uncover the pitfalls of cheap handyman services and show you how to find a reliable and affordable handyman.
Why Are Some Handyman Services So Cheap?
There’s usually a reason why someone offers services at rock-bottom prices. Here are the most common reasons:
Lack of proper licensing: A cheap handyman in Singapore may not hold the necessary licenses to perform regulated tasks like plumbing or electrical work.
Subpar materials: To keep costs low, some handymen may use low-quality materials that can cause issues later on.
Inexperience or cutting corners: Cheap prices often mean rushed jobs or inexperienced workers learning on the job.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
The Handyman Service Industry in Singapore
There are 3 main types of handyman services in Singapore—plumbing handyman, electrician handyman, and carpenter handyman.
You'll naturally find a range of prices if you're looking for a handyman, but if you come across a really cheap handyman in Singapore when comparing quotes, you should know this:
1. Unlicensed Plumbing Handyman in Singapore
A plumber handyman may be a common choice for homeowners, but here’s the catch: They may not be licensed to perform regulated plumbing services in Singapore.
A licensed plumber, approved by the Public Utilities Board (PUB), must meet stringent safety, technical, and water quality standards. As of 1 April 2018, hiring an unlicensed plumber for regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works in Singapore is not only risky, but also illegal.
Regulated plumbing works in Singapore that require a licensed plumber include:
Laying, installing, altering, repairing, or replacing water pipes, tanks, taps, and fittings within the drinking water supply system—to ensure the proper conveyance of water provided by PUB.
Handling sanitary discharge pipes and appliances, including the installation, replacement, or relocation of components like toilet bowls, urinals, sinks—which facilitate the removal of used water into the used water system.
However, the good news is that handymen CAN legally provide simple plumbing services, such as:
Replacing taps, shower heads, or dishwasher hoses
Unclogging blockages in floor traps and toilets
Repairing components in a flushing cistern
Learn more about the plumbing services that a handyman can perform.
2. Unlicensed Electrician Handyman in Singapore
An electrician handyman is another popular budget-friendly option, but you should know this before hiring one.
A Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) in Singapore is officially authorised by the Energy Market Authority (EMA). An electrician handyman might be unlicensed.
Check out this other article I wrote on how to verify if your electrician is licensed.
For major electrical works such as a full-scale HDB renovation or a large electrical wiring project, I recommend working with a licensed electrician in Singapore.
However, the truth is a lot of people find it hard to spend extra money on hiring a licensed electrician. Ultimately, it’s up to you to make the call.
3. Carpenter Handyman in Singapore
Unlike plumbers and electricians in Singapore, licensing is less straightforward for carpenters in Singapore. It's also common for renovation companies and interior designers to classify themselves as carpenters, which makes things confusing.
Simple jobs can be done by a carpenter handyman in Singapore, but for more complex projects such as full-scale home renovations, consider engaging a company registered under the Building & Construction Authority (BCA).
The construction industry is vast, consisting of various specialised fields. One of these is: Interior Decoration & Finishing Works, categorised under “CR06.”
This category includes interior design, planning, and building decoration—and covers work such as installing ceiling panels, constructing partitions and built-in fitments, implementing raised flooring, as well as plastering and tiling services.
A BCA registration under the Interior Decoration & Finishing Works category ensures that the company meets stringent requirements, including:
Financial Backing: Companies must demonstrate stability with sufficient paid-up capital
Project Track Record: A proven history of handling relevant projects over the past 3 years in Singapore
Qualified Personnel: Staff must hold minimum technical qualifications, with a "polytechnic diploma in Civil/Structural Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Architecture, Building or equivalent awarded by BCA Academy, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic or such other diplomas or qualifications as approved by BCA from time to time."
Hidden Costs of Hiring a Cheap Handyman in Singapore
Cheap doesn’t always mean cost-effective. Here are some hidden costs you might encounter:
Safety Risks: Regulated industries face regulation for a reason. If you engage an unlicensed handyman in Singapore for regulated industries, you might be putting yourself and your property at risk.
Liability Risks: If an unlicensed handyman causes damage or injury (particularly for regulated services in Singapore), you may have no legal recourse.
No Warranties: A cheap handyman may not offer after-service support, and this means you’ll bear the cost of fixing any issues yourself.
These hidden costs can quickly add up, making a cheap handyman service far more expensive in the long run.
How To Evaluate Handyman Services In Singapore
So, how do you find a good deal on handyman services in Singapore without falling into any traps?
Checking Licences
A licensed handyman in Singapore provides assurance of compliance with legal and safety standards. If you're looking for a plumbing handyman, electrician handyman, or carpenter handyman, consider the insights that I've shared above.
For general or simpler tasks that may not require a license, it'll be best to confirm the handyman's experience through their portfolio of completed projects.
Reading Reviews & Testimonials
Online reviews and testimonials offer insight into the reliability and quality of a handyman service in Singapore.
At UnkerList, we’ve done the legwork for you. With reviews and ratings sourced from Google business profiles, you can quickly gauge the quality of each handyman's work. Look out for customer mentions of handyman services you need, as well as any consistent negative comments which signal red flags.
Comparing Quotations
Get quotes from a few different handyman service providers. It'll help you to see how their prices and services stack up. Always ask for a breakdown of costs—things like materials, labor, transport fees and any surcharges—so you know exactly what you're paying for and avoid hidden charges.
How to Find The Best Handyman in Singapore
It’s okay to save money, but make sure you’re not sacrificing safety and quality in the process.
Want to find the best handyman services in Singapore? I started UnkerList because, honestly, finding reliable contractors in Singapore shouldn’t be such a headache.
With the largest directory of contractors here, you can easily check out detailed profiles, compare customer reviews, and reach out to professionals directly. Why not give it a try today and check out handyman services in Singapore ranked by customers?
