Handyman or licensed contractor? What the law requires in Singapore
Handyman or licensed contractor: which home jobs a handyman can do in Singapore, and when PUB or EMA rules require a licensed plumber or electrician.
Updated 1 min read
Deciding between a handyman or licensed contractor matters in Singapore, because the law requires licensed professionals for most plumbing and electrical work. Here's how to tell which you need.
Jobs a handyman can usually do
- Mounting TVs, shelves, mirrors and frames
- Assembling furniture
- Installing curtain rods and blinds brackets
- Fixing cabinet doors, hinges and handles
- Simple plumbing that PUB allows without a licence, such as replacing a tap or mixer or a shower hose
See handyman rates for typical prices.
When you need a PUB-licensed plumber
PUB requires a licensed plumber for regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works, such as:
- Installing or replacing an electric storage water heater
- Installing or replacing water service pipes
- Urgent leak repairs on water service pipes
PUB says that since 1 April 2018 it has been an offence to engage an unlicensed plumber for these works. Read more in our guide to licensed plumbers in Singapore.
When you need an EMA-licensed electrician
EMA's guidance is that electrical work should be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW), including:
- Installing, repairing or modifying wiring
- Adding or replacing power points
- Repairing circuit breakers or the consumer control unit
Electrical work in an HDB flat needs an electrician. See our guide to licensed electricians.
How to check a licence
- Plumbers: PUB's online listing of licensed plumbers
- Electricians: EMA's ELISE portal
Ask to see the licence card before work starts. On ServeGig, plumbers and electricians give their licence number when they sign up, and we check it before approving them.
Get the right person
Request quotes from a handyman, a licensed plumber or a licensed electrician: up to 3 vetted providers contact you.
Frequently asked questions
Can a handyman replace a tap?
PUB's guidance allows some simple plumbing works, such as replacing a tap or mixer or a shower hose, to be done without a licensed plumber. Most other water service and sanitary plumbing works need a PUB-licensed plumber.
Can a handyman install a new power point?
No. EMA's guidance is that electrical work, such as installing or modifying wiring, adding or replacing power points and repairing circuit breakers, should be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Electrical Worker.
Is it an offence to hire an unlicensed plumber?
Yes. PUB says that since 1 April 2018 it has been an offence to engage a plumber who isn't licensed by PUB for regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works.
How do I check a plumber's or electrician's licence?
Use PUB's online listing of licensed plumbers, and EMA's ELISE portal for licensed electrical workers. Ask to see their licence card before work starts.
Sources
Facts checked against these sources on 19 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm with the source or provider before you rely on them.
Related guides
5 best handyman services in Singapore (2026): rate cards compared5 handyman services in Singapore compared: published prices to hang a picture, mount a TV, fit curtain rods or clear a toilet choke.
Handyman rates in Singapore (2026): common jobs and pricesHandyman rates in Singapore for 2026: published prices for TV mounting, furniture assembly, drilling and hourly bookings, plus tips to keep the bill down.