When something breaks or needs fixing at home, it’s tempting to look for the most affordable handyman available. After all, repairs can be unexpected, and you might want to save money.
But before you choose the cheapest option, it’s important to understand that low prices can sometimes come with hidden risks. What seems like a good deal now could end up costing you more time, money, and stress in the long run.
In Singapore, where quality home maintenance is essential for safety and comfort—especially in HDBs, condos, and landed properties, it's crucial to hire someone with the right skills, tools, and experience. Find out here why hiring a cheap handyman might not be the best decision, and why paying more for expertise is often worth it!
Why a Cheap Handyman May Cost You More Later?
Possibility of Repeat Repairs
One of the biggest problems with hiring a very cheap handyman is that the quality of their work may not meet proper standards. Without the right training or attention to detail, a small repair could quickly become a recurring issue.
For example, a minor leak that wasn’t properly sealed may cause water damage later, or an incorrectly installed electrical socket could become a fire hazard.
When workmanship is poor, you may need to fix the same problem again within weeks or even days. In the end, you may need to hire a more experienced handyman to fix both the original problem and the damage caused by the first repair. So while the initial price may have been low, the total cost becomes much higher over time if the handyman is not able to fix the problem properly.
Lack of Proper Tools and Equipment
A well-equipped handyman invests in the right tools to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Cheap handymen, however, often try to get by with the bare minimum. This can affect the quality of the work and cause delays, especially for more complex repairs involving plumbing, wiring, or drilling.
Without proper tools, repairs may be done using temporary fixes or shortcuts that don’t last. For instance, patching up a wall without sealing or smoothing it properly can lead to cracks appearing again within weeks. Or using the wrong size tools on fixtures may damage surfaces or strip screws, causing more frustration later. This shows that hiring a handyman who’s prepared and equipped properly will ensure that the job will be done right the first time.
No Guarantee or Warranty for the Work
Reliable handyman services typically offer some form of guarantee or warranty. This means if something goes wrong after the job is done, they will return to fix it at no extra charge. On the other hand, very cheap handymen may not provide any form of assurance. Once they’re paid, they might not return your calls, and you're left to deal with the consequences.
Thus, if something goes wrong, you’ll either have to live with a faulty repair or spend more money hiring someone else to do the job properly. This is especially frustrating for larger repairs, such as plumbing leaks or electrical work, where long-term safety and functionality are essential.
Safety and Legal Risks
Some repairs—especially those involving electricity, gas, or structural parts of your home—require proper knowledge and compliance with safety regulations in Singapore. Hiring someone without proper training or certification can lead to serious safety risks. A badly wired switch could cause an electrical fire, or a poorly mounted wall shelf could fall and cause injury.
In Singapore, certain repairs may also require permits or must comply with HDB guidelines. If a cheap handyman does not follow these rules, you could be fined or forced to undo the work. This means more time and expense to fix the problem legally.
Hiring a professional handyman who understands local rules helps protect your home and your family from unnecessary drama!
Possibility of Being Charged with Hidden Fees
Sometimes a low quote can be misleading. A cheap handyman might offer a very low upfront price but later add extra charges for tools, materials, or time. These hidden fees can quickly add up and even exceed the price of a reputable service. You may also encounter handymen who start a job but leave it unfinished, or repeatedly delay due to other side jobs.
Unprofessional behavior can make the entire experience more stressful than it should be. Missed appointments, messy workspaces, and poor communication make it hard to trust the person you’ve let into your home. In contrast, a trained and reliable handyman is punctual, organized, and focused on delivering quality service.
Why It’s Better to Hire a Professional From the Start?
While it may seem like you’re saving money by hiring the cheapest handyman, in some cases–it often leads to more repairs, more stress, and ultimately more cost. A poorly done job can damage your home, risk your safety, and waste your time.
By choosing a skilled and experienced handyman from the beginning, you get peace of mind knowing the job is done properly, efficiently, and with lasting results.
At Luce, our handymen are fully trained and equipped to handle all kinds of home repairs, from simple tasks to complex fixes. Whether it’s plumbing, electrical, or general maintenance, we handle every repair with care and professionalism. We also provide clear pricing, service guarantees, and quick response times, so you’re never left in the dark.
Don’t let a cheap fix turn into an expensive problem. Trust Luce for handyman services, where every repair is expertly handled!
