What is a Handyman?
If you ask a handyman, or handyperson, what it is that they do, they will probably say, "A little bit of everything." What that really means is that they have numerous skills, extensive experience, ingenuity and some patience. They work with wood, metal, electricity and many tools. Handymen are on company payrolls and have their own businesses.
The actual definition for handyman, according to Merriam-Webster, states something to the effect that it is someone who is highly skilled in many tasks and exhibits some genius. A handyman, or handyperson, is expected to know how to take care of any variety of problems that arise including:
- Troubleshooting
- Repairs
- Building and Grounds Maintenance
- Engineering
Commercial Handymen
Handymen are hired to take care of all problems that arise at a home, office building or complex, apartment building and school or business. On any given day, the handyman may have to troubleshoot why something stopped working, repair a renter's toilet, build a pavilion, clean and polish floors, clean bathrooms, and install new lighting fixtures.
Industrial Handymen
Handymen are often on maintenance crews at large production factories due to the nature of their knowledge and skills. They may repair pneumatic systems as well as electrical issues and repair industrial equipment big and small.
Jack-of-All-Trades
Think of it this way: if it breaks, the handyman fixes it. Considering what can go wrong, that could be anything and everything. The handyman is a "jack of all trades, master of none." Still, the handyman must be knowledgeable and preferably does not work alone. Much of the time, troubleshooting things like electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems require at least two people. Handymen may be required to have not only project management skills, but people management skills, too.