Communities 1st runs a Handyperson service that undertakes small-scale jobs for residents of Hertsmere, St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield.
Our Handyperson isn't just one person, but a team of people. Currently the team is a group of fully trained volunteers who are thoroughly vetted and DBS-checked.
The team will carry photographic ID which you will request to see before allowing them into your home. They will also have agreed on a password with you over the phone which they will quote on arrival.
Handyperson Service
Who is eligible?
This service is available to individuals who meet two or more of the following criteria:
- Are over the age of 65
- Have a disability or a chronic health condition
- Receive government benefits
This service is available to both owner-occupiers and tenants. Tenants will need to check first whether some jobs are the responsibility of their landlords.
What type of help is offered?
Outdoor Maintenance:
- Garden: lawn cutting, strimming, hedge-cutting, weeding, jet-hosing, weed-killer preparation, gate-fixing, fence-fixing (within reason).
- Sheds: shed concrete bases, and patching leaks in shed roofs.
- Patios: grout-filling, and laying patio stones (within reason).
- Gutters: low-level clearing only (no height jobs).
- Glazier: small replacement glass jobs.
Indoor Maintenance:
- DIY: assembling flat-pack furniture (within reason), shelves, picture hooks, window frame locks, replacing locks, catches, curtain rails, blinds.
- Small carpentry jobs: fixing small pieces of furniture, e.g. coffee tables, gates, window-frames.
- Doors: filling, painting, fitting, sanding, fixing.
- Decorating: general house decorating, e.g. ceilings, walls, windows, doors.
- Plumbing: plunger blockages, toilet flushes/float balls, toilet seats, taps.
- Glazier: small replacement glass jobs.
Is there a charge?
There are two charges for this service:
- Garden Maintenance & DIY:
- £25.00 per hour
- Discounted rate: £15.00 per hour
- Decorating:
- £30.00 per hour
- Discounted rate: £25.00 per hour
Discounted rate
Our discounted rate is for people in receipt of benefits. You will need to provide proof of receipt of a relevant benefit (no older than 6 months) so as your name, address, and the date can be checked.
We usually ask you to provide this evidence by email. If you aren't able to do this we will discuss this over the telephone and may ask you to show it to the Handyperson team when they come to you.
How quickly will my work be done?
- Peak: March - September
- Off-peak: October - February
In peak periods, you should expect to be waiting 2-3 weeks. You are welcome to put your name down for a cancellation slot.
Urgent Jobs
Urgent jobs are scheduled as soon as possible, usually, on your week request comes in or the following. Subject to clients' goodwill, jobs may also be switched. This is not an emergency service, but we will always help where we can.
Get in touch!
To book an appointment or find out more, give us a call today on 01727 649980, email handy@communities1st.org.uk or submit the:
Once your job has been completed, you will be asked to complete a short survey to feedback on the service you received.