How to Hire a Handyman or Home Maintenance Service in Colombia

Maintaining a home in good condition in Colombia often requires quick solutions for minor repairs like paint touch-ups, faucet adjustments, shelf installations, or small electrical fixes. To avoid hiring a different specialized company for every small task, the figure of the todero (or multitasking maintenance technician) has established itself as the most practical and economical option for owners and tenants in the country's main cities.

1. Quotation by Task vs. Daily Rate: Which is better?

One of the most common mistakes when looking for maintenance repairs is not clearly defining the payment method before starting work. In the Colombian market, there are two main schemes:

• Hiring by daily rate (full day or half day): This is ideal when you accumulate several minor repairs in different areas of the house (for example, changing three light fixtures, adjusting a closet door, painting a balcony wall, and filling two drill holes). In 2026, the labor cost for a full day (8 hours) is between $100,000 and $180,000 COP depending on the level of technical expertise.
• Quotation by task or fixed price: This is the best option when dealing with a specific and complex task where the technician assumes the risk regarding time (for example, unclogging a main drain, installing a complex kitchen cabinet, or repairing a specific leak). Paying by task avoids surprises in the cost if the repair becomes complicated.

If you wish to compare advice on larger maintenance projects, you can consult our complementary guide on how to hire general home maintenance and repair services.

2. Comparison Table of Payment Methods and Material Costs

To better understand the difference in costs and the logistics of buying supplies, review the following indicative breakdown:

Golden rule regarding supplies: Hardware materials (wall plugs, screws, silicone tubes, paint, connectors) are never included in the labor price, unless the technician provides a formal written quote itemizing each item with its respective original hardware store receipt or invoice.

3. Legal Framework, Social Security, and Type of Contract

When hiring a todero for occasional home maintenance work, the legal relationship established is a civil or commercial service provision contract, which means the technician works autonomously, with their own tools, and without continuous employment subordination.

It is very important not to confuse these occasional tasks with hiring permanent domestic personnel. In Colombia, according to current labor regulations (Law 2101 of 2021), the maximum weekly formal working hours were reduced to 42 hours in July 2026. If you are going to hire recurring domestic help by the day, we recommend checking our guide on hiring domestic workers by the day in Colombia and their social security.

For technicians and independent contractors who provide maintenance services, Colombian regulations establish that those whose net monthly income reaches or exceeds the Current Legal Monthly Minimum Wage (SMMLV of $1,750,905 COP in 2026) must make their social security contributions (12.5% for health and 16% for pension) on a Contribution Base Income (IBC) of 40% through a PILA operator.

4. Security Protocols When Letting Personnel Into Your Home

The safety of your family and property is the number one priority when hiring home services. Always follow these steps before authorizing a technician to enter your home:

1. Identity verification: Request a copy or photo of the technician's national ID (cédula) beforehand and confirm their full name.
2. Reference verification: Ask for at least one verifiable reference from recent clients or check their ratings on digital platforms.
3. Clear written work agreement: Send a detailed list via WhatsApp or email with the agreed-upon repairs and the set price fixed before starting the day.
4. Payment handling: Never pay 100% in advance. The standard practice in Colombia is to pay upon completion of the work against satisfactory delivery. If an initial cash amount is required for supplies, provide only the exact amount demanded by the hardware store against a receipt.

5. For Technicians and Independent Contractors: How to Get Direct Clients Without Paying Commissions

If you are a professional plumber, electrician, painter, or todero, offering your services independently in Colombia used to depend on word-of-mouth or paying high commissions to intermediaries. According to active ads on Colombia Move (September 2026), there are 3 cleaning ads, 12 repair ads, and 67 plumbing ads, while the electricity category is empty (0 ads).

Publishing your professional profile on a direct classifieds portal, such as the services section, allows you to manage your own schedule, agree on transparent prices with the client, and keep 100% of what you charge for your work.

If you are independent or a representative of a small service company, also read our guide on how to post job vacancies and hire technical or operational staff for free in Colombia.

Frequently asked questions

❓ How much does a todero charge per day in Colombia in 2026?

A full 8-hour workday for a todero in major cities costs between $100,000 and $180,000 COP in 2026. Minor half-day repairs (4 hours) are around $50,000 to $80,000 COP, excluding supplies.

❓ Is it better to hire a todero by the day or for a specific job?

It is best to hire by the day if you have a backlog of several small household tasks. For one-off or more complex repairs, it is preferable to request a flat-rate quote per task.

❓ Who should buy the materials for the repair?

The standard rule in Colombia is that the employer or homeowner provides the materials. If the technician purchases them, they must present the original hardware store receipt or proof of purchase for immediate reimbursement.

❓ What type of contract is used for an occasional handyman?

In 2026, one-off maintenance jobs are governed by a civil or commercial service provision contract. The contractor performs the work with technical autonomy and their own tools, without an employer-employee relationship.

❓ Is it safe to let a handyman in and what measures should I take?

Yes: ask for their ID before the visit and do not pay 100% in advance. In 2026, check references, put the list of repairs and the agreed price in writing, and pay upon verifying the work.

❓ Where can I post my handyman services for free in Colombia?

You can post your maintenance and repair service ads on Colombia Move in 2026. This allows you to connect directly with homeowners and tenants without paying contact commissions.