Handyman Services: Small Fixes That Save Big Money

Small maintenance issues have a way of turning into expensive repairs when ignored. A dripping tap becomes water damage. A loose door hinge becomes a damaged frame. A cracked tile allows moisture to penetrate the subfloor. Addressing these small fixes promptly with professional handyman services is one of the smartest investments a Dubai homeowner can make.

Small Fixes, Big Savings

Dripping Taps and Faucets **The fix:** Replace the washer or cartridge (AED 50-150 including parts and labor) **If ignored:** A dripping tap wastes up to 5,000 liters of water per year, adding AED 100-200 to your DEWA bill. Continuous moisture also promotes mold around the tap base and can damage countertops and cabinetry underneath.

Loose Door Handles and Hinges **The fix:** Tighten screws, replace worn components (AED 50-100) **If ignored:** A loose hinge puts stress on the door frame, eventually cracking or splitting it. Door frame replacement costs AED 500-1,500, plus repainting.

Cracked or Missing Grout **The fix:** Regrout affected areas (AED 100-300) **If ignored:** Water penetrates behind tiles, damaging waterproofing membranes, promoting mold growth, and eventually causing tiles to lift. Retiling and waterproofing repair costs AED 2,000-8,000.

Running Toilet **The fix:** Replace flapper valve or fill mechanism (AED 100-250) **If ignored:** A running toilet can waste 20,000-75,000 liters per year, adding AED 400-1,500 to your DEWA bill annually.

Cracked Silicone Sealant **The fix:** Remove old sealant and reapply (AED 50-150 per area) **If ignored:** Water seeps behind the bathtub, shower, or kitchen sink, causing hidden water damage and mold that can cost AED 2,000-10,000 to remediate.

Flickering Lights **The fix:** Replace the fixture, tighten connections, or upgrade wiring (AED 100-300) **If ignored:** Loose electrical connections generate heat and are a fire hazard. Electrical fire damage can be catastrophic.

Common Handyman Services and Costs

TV and Monitor Mounting - **Wall-mounted TV (up to 55"):** AED 150-250 - **Wall-mounted TV (55"+):** AED 200-350 - **Includes:** Bracket installation, cable management, and alignment - **Important:** In Dubai apartments, check wall material before mounting. Many walls are hollow drywall that requires special anchors. Concrete walls need a hammer drill.

Furniture Assembly - **Flat-pack furniture (single item):** AED 100-200 - **Full room of furniture:** AED 300-600 - **Wardrobe assembly (large):** AED 200-400 - **Tip:** Have the handyman check all screws and connections 2 weeks after assembly, as new furniture often needs tightening after initial settling.

Shelf and Cabinet Installation - **Single shelf:** AED 80-150 - **Multiple shelves or shelving system:** AED 200-500 - **Kitchen cabinet adjustment/repair:** AED 100-300 - **Important:** Ensure shelves are anchored properly, especially in Dubai's drywall-heavy apartments.

Picture and Mirror Hanging - **Single frame:** AED 50-100 - **Gallery wall (5+ frames):** AED 200-400 - **Heavy mirror:** AED 150-300 - **Tip:** Use appropriate anchors for the wall material. Heavy mirrors in drywall require toggle bolts or specialty hangers.

Curtain Rod and Blind Installation - **Curtain rod (per window):** AED 80-150 - **Roller blinds (per window):** AED 100-200 - **Motorized blinds:** AED 200-400 per window (excluding the blind itself) - **Dubai tip:** Blackout blinds for sun-facing windows are particularly important — they reduce AC load and save on DEWA bills.

Door and Lock Repairs - **Door handle replacement:** AED 50-150 (plus hardware) - **Lock cylinder change:** AED 100-200 (plus lock) - **Door alignment/adjustment:** AED 100-200 - **Peephole installation:** AED 50-100 - **Important for move-in:** Always change locks when moving into a new rental.

Minor Plumbing - **Tap washer replacement:** AED 50-100 - **Toilet mechanism repair:** AED 100-250 - **Showerhead replacement:** AED 50-150 - **Drain unblocking:** AED 100-200 - **For major [plumbing work](/home-services/plumbing)**, a licensed plumber is recommended over a general handyman.

Minor Electrical - **Light switch replacement:** AED 50-100 - **Power outlet replacement:** AED 50-100 - **Light fixture installation:** AED 100-200 - **Doorbell installation:** AED 80-150 - **Note:** For anything involving the distribution board or new circuit installation, use a licensed [electrician](/home-services/electrical).

When to Call a Handyman vs a Specialist

Call a handyman for: - Mounting, hanging, and assembly tasks - Minor tap and toilet repairs - Light switch and outlet replacements - Furniture repairs - Small painting touch-ups - Silicone resealing - General fix-up jobs

Call a specialist for: - AC repair or maintenance — licensed AC technician - Major plumbing work — licensed plumber - Distribution board or wiring work — DEWA-approved electrician - Pest control — DM-licensed pest control company - Waterproofing — specialist waterproofing contractor

Choosing a Handyman in Dubai

Look for: - Valid trade license - Clear pricing (per-job or per-hour) - Positive reviews and references - Professional tools and equipment - Willingness to provide a receipt - Basic insurance coverage

Avoid: - Unlicensed individuals offering services on social media - Handymen who cannot provide any identification - Anyone who demands full payment before starting work - Services with no clear pricing structure

Conclusion

Regular handyman maintenance prevents small issues from becoming expensive problems. A few hundred dirhams spent on timely fixes can save thousands in major repairs down the line. ProKeep's handyman services are available across Dubai for all the small-but-important jobs that keep your home in top condition. Book a handyman visit today.