How to hire a painter, tiler or handyman
Painting, tiling and handyman work need no licence in South Africa, which makes them easy to start and easy to get wrong. A good job comes down to a clear quote, sensible payments and knowing which jobs need a registered professional instead.
Compare quotes like for like
Get at least three written quotes, and check they cover the same thing. For painting: the surface preparation, the paint brand and range, and the number of coats. For tiling: who supplies the tiles and adhesive, how the floor or wall is prepared, and what happens to the old tiles. A cheap quote often leaves out preparation, which is where most bad jobs start.
Pay in stages
Agree a small deposit, with payments linked to visible progress and the balance on completion. Pay into an account in the business's name. Under the Consumer Protection Act you are entitled to an estimate before work begins, and charges should not exceed it without your approval.
Ask about the guarantee
Ask what workmanship guarantee they give, for how long, and get it in writing. Ask for photos of recent jobs and, for bigger work, the number of a previous customer.
Jobs a handyman should not do
Electrical work must be done and certified by a registered electrician, and work on geysers and water supply by a registered plumber. A handyman who offers to "just" move a plug point or replace a geyser can leave you without a valid certificate and with an insurance problem.
Common questions
Do painters and tilers need a licence in South Africa?
No licence is required for painting or tiling. That makes a clear written quote, staged payments and a workmanship guarantee your main protection.
How much deposit should I pay a contractor?
Keep the deposit small, link further payments to visible progress, and pay the balance on completion into an account in the business's name.
Can a handyman do electrical work?
Not legally if the work needs a Certificate of Compliance. Electrical work must be done and signed off by a registered electrician.