Realistic 2026 pricing for every common handyman job — furniture assembly, drilling, painting, HDB minor repairs. HDB, condo, and landed rates explained.
You've just moved into a resale flat in Bedok and the previous owner left behind a wardrobe that's slightly too wide for the bedroom wall. Or you're staring at a half-assembled IKEA BILLY bookcase because you gave up after realising the cam lock was stripped. Or your HDB toilet ceiling needs a repaint after the neighbour's leak left a brown stain the size of a dinner plate.
These are the moments when a handyman earns his keep — but only if you know what you're paying for. Singapore handyman rates vary more than most people expect, and the wrong hire can leave you with a cracked wall, a wobbly shelf, or a bill that's higher than it should be.
This guide covers the typical costs of every common handyman job in Singapore, broken down by property type. We've pulled rates from actual 2026 quotes so you can walk into a conversation with a realistic number in your head.
Before we get to the numbers, let's be clear on what a handyman in Singapore typically covers. A licensed handyman can handle:
Heavy-duty electrical rewiring, gas work, structural carpentry, and major plumbing are outside the handyman scope and require licensed specialists.
These are typical price bands from verified handyman quotes in 2026. Final pricing depends on the job complexity, access, and property type.
Cost: SGD $80 – $350
The range is wide because "furniture" covers a lot. A single IKEA MALM bed frame? You're probably looking at $80–$120. A full living room set — TV console, coffee table, bookshelf, dining table with six chairs — could hit $300–$350. Custom or made-to-order pieces with unusual fastenings push toward the upper end.
Assembly-only (you bought the pieces, you just need someone to put them together) is cheaper than assembly plus installation into the wall or floor.
What's often extra:
Cost: SGD $50 – $250 per bracket/shelf
A simple curtain rod? Around $50–$80. A TV wall mount bracket? $70–$150 depending on the size and wall type. Multi-shelf installations (like a full wall of floating shelves) could run $200–$250.
HDB walls are typically cast concrete or pre-cast panels — both are straightforward to drill if you have the right bit. Condo walls vary more — some are solid concrete, others are brick or drywall over concrete, which changes the fixing method.
What's often extra:
Cost: SGD $300 – $1,500+ per room
Painting is the handyman job with the widest spread. A small touch-up job — patching a stain and repainting a section of wall — might cost $300–$500 for a single room. Full repainting of a 4-room HDB flat typically runs $1,000–$1,800 depending on the ceiling height, number of coats, and whether prep work (filling holes, sanding) is needed.
Typical price ranges:
Cost: SGD $150 – $500 per area
For grout replacement or epoxy grouting in a bathroom, you're looking at $150–$400 for a standard HDB toilet. Full waterproofing — hacking tiles, applying membrane, re-tiling — is usually done by a specialist contractor rather than a general handyman.
If your handyman offers waterproofing, ask about their experience with HDB bathrooms specifically. We've seen cases where a general handyman applied membrane without properly drying the substrate first, and the new grout started cracking within six months.
Cost: SGD $80 – $300
HDB main doors, gate adjustments, lock replacements, and digital lock installations fall here. A simple lock replacement: $80–$150. Digital lock installation (unit plus labour): $350–$800 for the unit and setup — but if you're sourcing your own lock, installation alone is typically $150–$300.
Property type genuinely affects handyman pricing — not always in the way you'd expect.
HDB advantage: Standard walls and layouts mean a handyman who's worked in a hundred Jurong East flats knows exactly what tools to bring. The job moves fast and prices stay at the lower end.
Condo consideration: Security passes, lift bookings, and work-hour restrictions add time. A handyman who charges $100 for an HDB job may charge $120–$130 for the same job in a condo — not because the work is harder, but because it takes longer to get started. Condos in prime areas like River Valley and Orchard sometimes have tighter MCST restrictions on working hours and lift access, which can add another layer of delay.
Landed factor: Longer travel distances and unusual wall types mean the handyman needs more preparation. Some landed jobs (especially terrace houses with shared walls or complex plasterwork) genuinely require more skill than a typical HDB callout.
We're not against saving money. But there's a line between "worth doing" and "regretting it."
You can probably DIY:
Definitely hire a pro:
Singapore's high-density living means a DIY mistake in an HDB flat can affect your neighbour's unit. A poorly mounted shelf that falls through the wall isn't just your problem — it's a potential injury and property damage situation.
A few things that catch people off guard:
You wouldn't hire a plumber without checking their PUB licence, and the same logic applies to handymen — even though there's no formal national licence for general handyman work. Here's what to look for:
Browse [handyman services in Singapore](/handyman.html) for verified providers with transparent pricing.
How much does a handyman charge per hour in Singapore?
Most handymen charge between SGD $50 and $100 per hour. Many prefer flat-rate quotes per job, which is usually better value — you know the cost upfront and there's no incentive to work slowly.
Is a handyman the same as a general contractor in Singapore?
No. A handyman handles small to medium jobs — assembly, drilling, painting, minor repairs. A renovation contractor manages larger projects like full flat renovations, kitchen overhauls, and structural changes. If you're hiring for a small job, a contractor will charge more and may not be interested in the work.
Do I need to provide materials, or does the handyman bring them?
Either. Many handymen offer materials-inclusive packages for items like brackets, screws, wall plugs, and basic paint. For furniture assembly, you provide the flat-pack. For custom shelves, some handymen can source materials for you — ask for a breakdown so you can compare.
Can a handyman install a digital lock in my HDB flat?
Yes, most handymen can install digital locks — but confirm they have experience with your specific lock model. Digital lock installation on HDB fire-rated doors requires care with the mortise cut. A bad installation can weaken the door's fire rating.
Do HDB flats have restrictions on what handymen can do?
HDB doesn't require approval for minor repairs and cosmetic work. However, structural modifications (removing walls, hacking tiles in certain areas, electrical rewiring) need HDB approval. A good handyman will tell you when a job falls outside their scope.
How long does a typical handyman job take?
Most jobs are completed in 1–3 hours. A full room of shelves might take half a day. Painting a 4-room flat could take 1–2 days depending on prep and coats. Confirm the timeline when you get your quote.
What's the cheapest handyman job I can book?
Many handymen have a minimum call-out charge of SGD $60–$80, which typically covers a 1-hour job. Small tasks like replacing a door handle, mounting a single hook, or assembling a small piece of furniture fall into this range.
At Harlo Unkle, we connect you with handymen who've actually done the jobs they're quoting on — not someone's cousin who's "handy around the house." You get fixed quotes, verified reviews, and providers who know the difference between a BTO in Sengkang and a resale in Queenstown.
Book via our [handyman services page](/handyman.html) and compare providers before you commit.