Hiring a Handyman After Moving in Montreal: Costs & Tips

Common Handyman Tasks After Moving Into a New Home

The first week in a new home usually reveals a list of small jobs: mounting a TV on the wall, assembling flat-pack furniture, installing curtain rods, securing bookshelves to walls for child safety, and adjusting sticky doors or drawers. Individually these tasks take 15–30 minutes each, but bundled together they can fill a full day.

A good handyman knocks out the entire list in one visit, saving you weekends of frustration and trips to the hardware store. In Montreal, post-move handyman visits are especially popular in July and August when thousands of households settle into new apartments after the July 1st moving rush.

Montreal Handyman Costs: What to Expect in 2026

Most Montreal handymen charge $50–$85 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. Some offer flat rates for common tasks: TV mounting runs $75–$150, IKEA furniture assembly averages $50–$100 per piece, and curtain rod installation is about $40–$60 per window. For a typical post-move visit bundling five or six tasks, expect $200–$400 total.

Always ask for a written estimate before work begins. Confirm whether the rate includes materials like screws, anchors, and brackets, or if those are extra. Reputable handymen carry their own basic hardware, but specialty items may be billed separately. For larger jobs like plumbing or electrical, ensure the contractor holds an RBQ license — general handymen are not licensed for regulated trades in Quebec.

Finding a Reliable Handyman in Montreal

Word of mouth is still the most reliable method. Ask neighbors in your new building, check your borough's Facebook community group, or browse reviews on Google and Yelp for your specific neighborhood. Platforms like TaskRabbit and Jiffy are active in Montreal and vet their contractors, though rates may be slightly higher.

Before hiring, ask for references, confirm liability insurance, and check reviews specifically for post-move work. A handyman who is great at home repairs may not be efficient at assembling IKEA furniture — and vice versa. Booking your handyman before moving day ensures availability, especially during the busy July-to-September season in Montreal.