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The "Handyman" (or Handy-person) is the backbone of British home maintenance. You are the person who fixes the dripping tap, puts up the shelf, and eases the sticking door.

The problem is the job title: "Jack of All Trades." Clients assume you can do everything.

"While you're here, can you move that socket? Can you disconnect that old gas cooker? Can you take this old mattress to the tip?"

Being helpful is your USP. But saying "Yes" to the wrong question can land you with a criminal record. There are strict legal red lines that an odd-job business must never cross.

1. The Gas Safe Rule (Prison Time)

The Scenario: A client is remodeling their kitchen. They ask you to disconnect an old gas cooker so they can pull up the lino. It’s just a bayonet fitting. You do it.

The Legal Reality: You have just committed a crime. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, only a Gas Safe registered engineer can work on a gas fitting. This includes disconnecting/connecting cookers.

Being "competent" isn't enough. You must be registered. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regularly prosecutes unregistered workers. Prison sentences are real possibilities.

The Fix: Your Terms must have a strict Excluded Services list: "We do not undertake any work involving Gas." Never touch it.

2. Part P Electricals (The "Notifiable" Trap)

The Scenario: A client wants a new plug socket installed in the kitchen. You know how to wire a socket. You do it.

The Legal Reality: Electrical work in "Special Locations" (Bathrooms) or installing new circuits is Notifiable Work under Part P of the Building Regulations.

If you are not a registered electrician (NAPIT/NICEIC) who can self-certify, you must notify Building Control before you start (costly). If you don't, the work is illegal. The homeowner won't have a certificate, which causes havoc when they try to sell the house.

The Fix: Stick to "Minor Works" only (e.g., replacing a broken socket faceplate or changing a light fitting). Anything involved new wiring? Say no.

3. Drilling Blind (Concealed Pipes)

The Scenario: You are hanging a heavy mirror. You drill into the wall. You hit a water pipe. Water sprays everywhere, ruining the carpet and the ceiling below.

The Legal Reality: Negligence. You failed to check. You are liable for the repair and the damage.

The Fix:

• Public Liability Insurance: Essential. Check it covers "work at height" and "use of heat" if relevant.

The "Concealed Services" Clause: Your contract should state: "The Client is responsible for identifying the location of concealed water pipes and cables. The Contractor is not liable for damage to concealed services not clearly marked."* (Though you should still use a stud/pipe detector!).

4. The Waste Carrier Licence

The Scenario: You replace a door. The client asks you to take the old one to the tip. You take it to the local recycling centre in your van.

The Legal Reality: Commercial Waste again. You need a Waste Carrier Licence (Lower Tier is often sufficient for carrying your own waste like offcuts, but check the rules for construction waste).

Why Contract Review is Your Best Tool

You have a toolbox for the house. You need one for the law.

AI contract review checks your Terms & Conditions to ensure you explicitly exclude Gas and Notifiable Electrical work. It protects you from the "Scope Creep" where a helpful favour turns into a legal disaster. It lets you define exactly what you are—and more importantly, what you are not.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and is not intended as professional legal, financial, tax, or medical advice.