Guide

What a handyman can and cannot do by law

Short answer

A handyman can do most small repairs, fixings and decorating. The law keeps some work for registered trades. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer may work on gas appliances in a home. Notifiable electrical work and some building work need certifying under the Building Regulations. Ask who will certify the work before it starts.

Updated 15 October 2026 · 3 min read · 6 sources

Jobs a handyman can usually do

Most small repairs and maintenance jobs need no registration and no approval. GOV.UK lists most repairs, replacements and maintenance as exempt from Building Regulations approval. The exceptions are heating systems, oil tanks, fuse boxes and glazing units.

Odd jobs, fixings and flat-pack assembly.
Painting, decorating, tiling and most flooring.
Replacing a bath, toilet, basin or sink.
Gutters and downpipes.
An external door that is less than half glazed.
Fences, gates and garden jobs, within the planning limits.

Gas work: Gas Safe engineers only

Any work on gas pipes or gas appliances in a home needs a Gas Safe registered engineer. HSE says anyone employed to work on gas appliances in domestic premises must be on the register. This comes from the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

This includes fitting or moving a gas cooker or gas fire. A handyman who is not on the register must not do it. Gas Safe Register takes reports of illegal gas work on 0800 408 5500.

If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Electrical work and Part P

Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical safety in homes in England. Three types of work are notifiable.

A registered electrician can self-certify notifiable work. Otherwise, a registered third-party certifier or the council’s building control must check it, arranged before work starts. Work that is not notifiable must still be safe.

A new circuit.
A new or replacement consumer unit (fuse board).
Any new work or change to circuits in a special location, such as round a bath or shower.

Other work that needs Building Regulations approval

GOV.UK lists building work that can need approval. You do not need to apply yourself if a firm on a competent person scheme does the work and self-certifies it.

Replacing windows and doors (but not an external door that is less than half glazed).
Installing a bathroom that involves new plumbing.
Installing or replacing a heating system, or adding radiators.
Replacing roof coverings on pitched and flat roofs.
Replacing a fuse box and the electrics connected to it.

Planning permission and listed buildings

Building Regulations and planning permission are separate. A job can need one, both or neither.

In the Cotswolds, many houses are listed or in a conservation area. Listed building consent covers work inside and outside that affects the building’s character. Our guide to conservation area and listed building jobs explains more.

How to protect yourself

Ask before work starts whether the job needs a registration, a certificate or consent. Ask who will get it.

Keep every certificate with your house papers. A buyer’s solicitor will ask for them when you sell.

Questions

Can a handyman fit a gas cooker?

No, unless the handyman is on the Gas Safe Register. Fitting a gas cooker is gas work. HSE says it must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Can a handyman add a socket?

Adding a socket to an existing circuit, away from a bath or shower, is not notifiable. The work must still be safe. A new circuit is notifiable.

Can a handyman replace my windows?

Replacing windows needs Building Regulations approval. A firm on a competent person scheme, such as FENSA, can self-certify. Otherwise someone must apply to building control.