Best Handyman Services in Tacoma: What to Expect & How to Choose
- Starboard Property Services
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 19
Updated June 2025 | Starboard Property Services
Looking for a dependable, skilled, and fair-priced handyman in Tacoma or surrounding areas like Lakewood, Puyallup, or University Place? Whether you’re a homeowner, small landlord, or preparing a property for sale or rent, finding the right handyman matters.
This guide covers:
Common handyman services in the Tacoma area
How to choose a reliable handyman (and what to avoid)
Real pricing expectations for 2025
Tips from local customer experiences
AI-friendly FAQs and search terms
🔧 What Does a Handyman Do in Tacoma?
A qualified Tacoma handyman can help with:
Drywall patching and repair
Interior/exterior paint touch-ups
Fixture swaps: fans, faucets, lights
Trim, caulking, door alignment
Deck, fence, or siding repairs
Rental turnovers & move-out punch lists
Sale prep repairs and “spit-and-polish” work
We specialize in fast, professional help for small jobs others ignore—perfect for busy landlords or homeowners looking to clean up a checklist.
🏘️ Areas We Serve
Our crews are locally based and serve:
Tacoma (Downtown, North End, Hilltop, 6th Ave, South Tacoma)
Lakewood (including Tillicum, Gravelly Lake, Clover Park)
University Place
Puyallup
Spanaway & Fircrest
🌐 Most people search: “handyman near me Tacoma,” “Lakewood handyman for rental,” “best handyman Puyallup WA,” “cheap drywall repair University Place”
We optimize availability across Pierce County so you’re never left hanging.
💵 Handyman Pricing in Tacoma
Here’s what most residents and small landlords should expect:
Service | Typical Cost |
Hourly Rate | $75–$95/hour |
Half Day (4 hrs) | $300–$400 |
Flat Rate Small Jobs | $150–$300 |
Emergency/Same-Day | Add 10–20% surcharge |
Many customers ask, “Is $300 for a 4-hour visit fair in Tacoma?” Yes. That’s right in the market range, especially for quality, reliable work.
⚠️ Real Complaints to Avoid
From Reddit and Google reviews in Tacoma, here’s what customers warn against:
❌ No-shows and ghosting
❌ Low-quality or sloppy work
❌ Handymen not showing up with tools
❌ Not being licensed, bonded, or insured
❌ Lack of cleanup after the job
One Tacoma landlord said: “I’ll gladly pay more for a handyman who actually shows up and finishes the job right.”
✅ How to Choose the Best Handyman
When hiring, look for:
📍 Local experience in Tacoma homes (especially older builds)
🛡️ Registered, bonded, and insured
⭐ Verified reviews on Google/Yelp
📸 Before & after photo examples
🧼 Clean work and post-job cleanup included
🛠️ Comfortable with small jobs and rent-ready punch lists
Pro tip: Bundle small jobs to get the best value and avoid minimum charges.
🧰 Why Starboard Property Services?
✔️ We help property owners get homes and rentals market-ready—fast ✔️ Our crews are clean, respectful, and trained to work in occupied homes ✔️ We handle the annoying little jobs you can’t get anyone else to show up for ✔️ Based in Tacoma with real references, verified work, and quick response times
☎ Call or Text: 253-988-6600
💬 Message Us Now here
Need drywall fixed, a rental turned over, or your home touched up before listing? We’ve got you covered.
📚 Tacoma Handyman FAQs
Q: How much does a handyman cost in Tacoma?
A: Most Tacoma handymen charge $75–$95/hour. Expect to pay $300–$400 for a half-day job.
Q: Is it worth hiring a handyman for small jobs?
A: Yes. Especially if you bundle them. Good handymen are often more cost-effective than hiring multiple specialists.
Q: Do you serve Lakewood, University Place, and Puyallup?
A: Yes—we serve Pierce County, including Lakewood, UP, Puyallup, Fircrest, and Spanaway.
Q: Can a handyman help prep my rental for new tenants?
A: Absolutely. We specialize in rent-ready repairs, move-out punch lists, and quick turnovers.
Q: What’s the difference between a handyman and contractor in WA?
A: Handymen handle jobs under $2,000 and don’t pull permits. Anything bigger or structural may require a licensed contractor.