Is This Job Too Small for You?
Author: Sam Evans
Date: October 6, 2025
Why People Ask This Question
Many homeowners feel their repair is too small to call a professional. Common worries include:
- Will you even come for such a small job?
- Will I be overcharged?
- Will the quality be the same as with a larger project?
Why Some Tradespeople Say No to Small Jobs
Not every company accepts small jobs. Travel costs, minimum call-out fees, and scheduling make some minor tasks uneconomical. That’s why you may have been turned away in the past.
Why We Take Small Jobs Seriously
At St Austell Handyman, we see ourselves as small job specialists. Small jobs are how many customer relationships begin. We:
- Apply the same care whether it’s a hinge or a full property painting project (such as a full interior or exterior)
- Value reputation — every job reflects our standards
- Have structured systems that allow us to accommodate small tasks efficiently
When a Job Might Be Too Small
We’re transparent. A job may be too small if:
- Access is unsafe or impractical for the scale of the repair (for example, a leaky gutter above a conservatory where scaffolding or partial dismantling would be required, raising future liability concerns)
- Specialist materials cost more than the task’s value
In such cases, we’ll explain clearly and, where possible, suggest alternatives.
Examples of Small Jobs We Regularly Do
- Hanging shelves, curtain poles, and pictures
- Installing Ring doorbells
- Installing catflaps
- Replacing smoke alarms
- Fixing or replacing door handles and locks
- Patching plaster or plasterboard
- Replacing leaky taps (we do not repair or work on pipework)
- Installing light fittings or switches (completed by a qualified electrician)
Why Small Jobs Matter
We believe it’s the small touches that add up to make the biggest impact in a home. A properly hung picture, a smooth-running door, or a safely replaced smoke alarm may feel minor, but together they transform how a space feels and functions. These details make daily living easier, more enjoyable, and give a property its polished finish. It also gives the home a personal feel, as the homeowner has put their stamp on their home and made it their own. By handling the little things with care, we help homeowners avoid frustrations and enjoy their homes fully.
Why Use a Professional for Minor Repairs
Even the smallest repair deserves to be done properly:
- Durability: DIY fixes often fail quickly, or sometimes never work in the first place
- Safety: Some jobs can be hazardous if not handled correctly
- Value: Proper workmanship protects property value
- Guarantees: We stand by our work with insurance and warranties
In fact, a survey found that 43% of tradespeople have been called to fix failed tap installations — one of the most common DIY disasters.
How to Get Started with Us
- Contact us with a description or photo of the job
- We’ll advise honestly whether it’s a job we can help with, or whether you’ll require specialist help
- Book a time slot and receive a clear, itemised quote
- Work completed with full aftercare
FAQs
We cover St Austell and the wider Cornwall area. If you’re unsure whether we’ll come to you, just ask — we’ll be upfront.
We try to schedule small jobs promptly, often within a week depending on workload and availability.
We’ll stop, explain what we’ve found, show you the issue, and offer options before proceeding.
No — we schedule all jobs fairly. A small repair is treated with the same professionalism as a big project.
We’re transparent about pricing, with no hidden extras. For example, typical small tasks such as replacing a tap or installing a smoke alarm often fall within our standard minimum charge. In some cases, that minimum can feel too high for very small jobs — in these situations, we offer a half‑hour rate instead. We also operate a simple flat‑rate pricing structure with no call‑out fees; instead, we charge fairly for mileage from our base.
Yes — many customers book a list of small tasks together to save time and cost.
So, is your job too small for us?
In most cases — absolutely not. Send us a photo, give us a call, and we’ll let you know quickly if we can help. Big or small, every job deserves to be done properly.
