Is a handyman cheaper than a licensed trade for small jobs?

Usually, because you're not paying a trade minimum call-out. But any electrical, gas or in-wall plumbing work must go to a licensed trade regardless of price.

Should I buy the materials myself?

If you know exactly what you need, yes — it removes a shopping trip and a markup from the offer. Otherwise ask workers to include materials in their offer.

Pricing

What a handyman costs in Melbourne for small jobs

5 min read · Updated 22 August 2026

Small handyman jobs are awkward to price because a trade minimum call-out often costs more than the job itself. That's why so much of this work moves through job marketplaces instead.

Here's how Melbourne posters are budgeting for the most common small jobs, and where the price genuinely needs to go up.

Common jobs and where they sit

Small handyman jobs on Sidekickk are usually posted between A$80 and A$250.

Mounting a large TV with cable management: mid range, higher for brick or a fireplace wall
Hanging shelves, mirrors or artwork: lower end, unless it's a long run into masonry
Flat-pack assembly of a wardrobe or bed: mid range, priced by number of units
Adjusting or rehanging a sticking door: lower end
Patching and touching up plaster: mid range once painting is included

Things that change the number

Two factors matter more than anything else: what the wall is made of, and who supplies the materials.

Brick, concrete or double-brick walls need different fixings and take longer than plasterboard
If you've already bought the bracket, fixings or timber, say so — it lowers offers
Apartment jobs with a lift booking or narrow stairs add time
Anything electrical or plumbing-related needs a licensed trade, not a handyman

Where to draw the licensed-trade line

Handyman work covers mounting, assembly, patching, sealing and general repairs. New wiring, switchboard work, gas and anything behind a wall in the wet areas belongs with a licensed electrician or plumber. If a job is borderline, describe it plainly in the listing and let qualified workers tell you.

Fees on top

Sidekickk adds a 5% service fee on top of your budget when you post, and 5% comes out of the worker's payout. There is no subscription and no per-offer charge.

A A$150 job therefore costs A$157.50 for the poster, and the worker takes home A$142.50.

Common questions

Is a handyman cheaper than a licensed trade for small jobs?: Usually, because you're not paying a trade minimum call-out. But any electrical, gas or in-wall plumbing work must go to a licensed trade regardless of price.
Should I buy the materials myself?: If you know exactly what you need, yes — it removes a shopping trip and a markup from the offer. Otherwise ask workers to include materials in their offer.