We have completed thousands of handyman visits across Dubai apartments, and the same jobs appear on almost every list. Here are the ten most common requests, roughly how long each takes, and what they should cost — so you can build a realistic job list and get it all done in one visit.
1. TV wall mounting (30 to 45 minutes): Every Dubai apartment wall is concrete. This requires an SDS rotary hammer drill, the correct concrete anchor bolts, and a spirit level. DIY attempts with a standard drill and wall plugs result in TVs that slowly pull away from the wall. Professional cost: AED 150 to 200 including fixings.
2. Curtain rod or blind installation (20 to 40 minutes per window): Floor-to-ceiling windows in Dubai apartments require drilling into concrete lintels above the window frame. The correct fixing depth and anchor type depend on whether the lintel is solid concrete or hollow block. Professional cost: AED 80 to 120 per rod.
3. IKEA or flat-pack furniture assembly (1 to 3 hours): PAX wardrobes are consistently the most time-consuming item because of the number of components and the need for precise alignment. A professional assembler with experience of the specific range works significantly faster than a first-time builder. Cost: AED 120 per hour.
4. Shelf and cabinet mounting (20 to 30 minutes per shelf): Floating shelves in particular require precise drilling and the correct heavy-duty anchors. A shelf loaded with books exerts significant leverage on its fixings — getting this wrong means the shelf pulls out of the wall. Cost: AED 60 to 100 per shelf.
5. Picture and mirror hanging (15 to 30 minutes per item): Heavy mirrors and large framed artwork need structural fixings into concrete — not hollow-wall anchors. A professional checks the wall type and uses the appropriate fixing for the weight. Cost: AED 60 to 120 per item depending on weight.
6. Silicone sealant replacement (30 to 60 minutes per area): The silicone around baths, sinks, and shower trays degrades over time — particularly in Dubai's hard water conditions, which accelerate mineral deposit buildup at the sealant joint. A professional removes the old sealant completely, cleans the joint, applies fresh silicone smoothly, and leaves it to cure. Cost: AED 100 to 200 per area.
7. Door adjustment (15 to 30 minutes per door): Doors that stick or fail to latch are usually a hinge adjustment rather than a door replacement. Dubai's temperature and humidity cycling can cause wooden doors to expand and contract seasonally. A handyman can adjust hinges, plane a sticking edge, or realign the strike plate. Cost: AED 80 to 150 per door.
8. Light fitting replacement (15 to 30 minutes per fitting): Replacing a ceiling light on an existing connection is within a handyman's scope as long as the wiring is not being modified — it is a straightforward swap. Cost: AED 80 to 150 per fitting.
9. Tap washer replacement (20 to 30 minutes per tap): A dripping tap is usually a worn washer or cartridge. This is a standard handyman job that requires isolating the water supply, disassembling the tap, replacing the washer, and reassembling. Cost: AED 60 to 120 per tap including the washer.
10. Furniture tightening and adjustment (15 to 30 minutes per item): Chairs, tables, and bed frames loosen over time. A handyman with the right tools can tighten every piece of furniture in an apartment systematically in under an hour. Cost: included in the hourly rate during a multi-job visit.