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Need a handyman in Staten Island? How to hire the right one

Staten Island houses come with yards, decks, fences, garages and basements, so the to-do list is usually longer than in an apartment. A good handyman can clear a lot of it in one visit, as long as the job stays within what a handyman is allowed to do in NYC.

Renting? Repairs to building plumbing, wiring and windows are normally the landlord's job. Tell your landlord or super in writing first, and use 311 if it isn't handled. Our matching is for owners, landlords and small businesses.

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Emergency? Gas smell, CO alarm, fire, sparking or flooding: get to safety and call 911 first.

Typical Staten Island handyman jobs

Sticking doors, storm doors, locks and hardware.
Drywall patching, trim and painting touch-ups.
Small deck and fence repairs, loose railings and steps.
Mounting TVs, shelves and blinds; assembling furniture.
Caulking, weatherstripping and minor gutter repairs (see our gutter guide).

What needs a license in NYC

If a handyman job is a repair, remodel or improvement to your home and costs more than $200, NYC requires the business to hold a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license, and you should get a written contract listing the work, materials, dates and payment schedule. Plumbing and gas work need a DOB Licensed Master Plumber; electrical work needs a DOB Licensed Master Electrician. You can check a DCWP license on the city's license search.

Seasonal checklist for Staten Island houses

Fall: clean gutters, shut off and drain outdoor faucets, seal gaps around doors and windows.
Spring: check decks, railings and steps for rot or loose boards, check fences after winter storms.
Any time: test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Protect yourself

For anything over $200, get a written contract with the scope, materials, dates and payment schedule, and avoid paying most of the job up front. Check the DCWP license yourself, and keep photos and receipts.

Questions

Does a Staten Island handyman need a license?

For home improvement work over $200, NYC requires a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license. Plumbing and electrical work require DOB-licensed trades.

Can a handyman fix my deck?

Small repairs, yes. Rebuilding or enlarging a deck can need DOB permits and a licensed contractor, so ask before work starts.

Can I bundle several small jobs?

Yes. Send the whole list with photos so the pro can quote it as one visit.

Sources

Rules and phone numbers can change. Check the official source before relying on them.

Related guides

Published 2026-10-20 · Updated 2026-10-20

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