Whether you’ve just moved into a new home in Denmark or need to fix something in your current place, chances are you’ll need help from a skilled craftsperson or a general handyman at some point. From plumbing and electrical work to painting walls and assembling furniture, crafts- & handymen in Denmark help keep Danish homes running smoothly.
For foreigners, however, finding and hiring the right crafts- & handymen in Denmark can be a challenge. Language barriers, different standards for workmanship, and unfamiliar regulations can make the process confusing. In Denmark, some tasks require certified professionals, while others basically can be done by generalists. Understanding these distinctions, and knowing where to find trustworthy workers, can save you time, money, and stress.
This guide will walk you through the types of services crafts- & handymen in Denmark offer, the differences between certified craftsmen and general handymen, and practical tips for getting the job done right.
Here are the key points in this article:
- Variety of Crafts- & Handyman Services in Denmark: Craftsmen and handymen in Denmark handle a wide range of tasks including plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting, tiling, assembly, and repairs, with some requiring certified professionals.
- Certified Craftsmen vs. General Handymen: Certified craftsmen like electricians and plumbers have formal training and licensing, suitable for regulated work, while general handymen handle non-certified jobs such as painting and furniture assembly.
- Cost Overview for Handyman Services: Hourly rates in Denmark vary from 200 to 800 DKK depending on the service and certification, with certified specialists generally costing more than general handymen.
- Tips for Hiring Reliable Professionals: Locating trustworthy crafts- and handymen can be done through recommendations, online platforms, community groups, certification checks, and obtaining multiple quotes.
- Considerations for Foreigners Hiring in Denmark: Foreigners should ensure work involving safety standards is performed by licensed professionals, communicate clearly, and understand that prices and availability may vary across regions.
If you’re looking for specific advice on crafts- and handymen in Denmark, we also have separate guides that dive into those topics in more detail:
- Best Handyman services in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Home renovation in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Gartners in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Plumber in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Masons in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Kitchen fitters in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Electricians in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Furniture and furnishing services in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Interior designers in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Carpenters in Denmark for foreigners
- Best Homebuilders in Denmark for foreigners
Types of Services Crafts- & Handymen in Denmark Offer
Craftsmen and handymen in Denmark cover a wide range of services, from simple repairs to specialized installations. Below are the most common categories:
- Plumbing (VVS-arbejde) — Includes fixing leaks, installing sinks, toilets, and showers. In Denmark, most plumbing work must be carried out by a certified VVS technician.
- Electrical work (El-arbejde) — Installing outlets, lighting fixtures, or rewiring a home. Electrical tasks almost always require a licensed electrician due to strict safety regulations.
- Carpentry (Tømrerarbejde) — Carpenters are building or repairing wooden structures, such as doors, floors, furniture, or decking.
- Painting and decorating (Malerarbejde) — Interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, and finishing work.
- Tiling and flooring (Flisearbejde & gulvlægning) — Installing tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, or laying new flooring.
- Assembly and mounting — Putting together flat-pack furniture, mounting shelves, TVs, and curtain rods.
- General repairs — Fixing small household issues that don’t require certification.
Note for foreigners: In Denmark, safety standards are taken seriously. Even if you’re handy yourself, certain jobs—especially electrical and plumbing—are legally restricted to certified professionals. Hiring someone without the proper license can lead to fines and insurance problems if things go wrong.
Hiring Certified Craftsmen vs. General Handymen in Denmark
When you’re looking for someone to help with home repairs or renovations in Denmark, one of the first things to understand is the difference between certified craftsmen and general handymen.
Certified Craftsmen
Certified craftsmen—such as electricians (elektriker), plumbers (VVS-installatør), and gas fitters—have completed formal education, apprenticeships, and licensing exams. They are registered with the Danish Safety Technology Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen) and must follow strict building codes and safety standards.
When to hire:
- Installing or repairing electrical wiring, outlets, or lighting
- Installing plumbing systems, heating systems, or gas appliances
- Renovations requiring building permits
- Any work where incorrect installation could lead to safety hazards or legal issues
General Handymen
General handymen (altmuligmand in Danish) offer a broad range of basic home services that don’t require formal certification. They’re often more affordable and can handle smaller tasks quickly.
When to hire:
- Painting and decorating
- Furniture assembly
- Mounting shelves, mirrors, or TVs
- Minor repairs that don’t involve electrical or plumbing systems
- Garden work or outdoor maintenance
How to Decide
If the job involves regulated systems (electricity, plumbing, or gas), always hire a certified professional. For smaller, non-technical tasks, a handyman is often the faster and cheaper choice. Many foreigners in Denmark use a combination of both: a handyman for small fixes and certified craftsmen for larger, more complex work.
The Average Costs for Common Services in Denmark
Below is an overview of typical hourly rates and price ranges for popular handyman and craft services in Denmark. Prices vary depending on location, complexity, and whether the work requires certification.
| Service Type | Typical Hourly Rate (DKK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Electrician | 500–800 | Includes call-out fees; emergency rates can be higher. |
| Certified Plumber (VVS) | 500–800 | Materials and parts charged separately. |
| Carpenter | 400–650 | Custom furniture or renovation work costs more. |
| Painter/Decorator | 300–500 | Price per m² also common for larger projects. |
| Tiler/Floor Installer | 400–600 | May quote per m² for big jobs. |
| General Handyman | 250–400 | Often has a minimum booking time (e.g., 2 hours). |
| Furniture Assembly | 200–350 | Can be faster and cheaper than certified services. |
| Garden/Lawn Maintenance | 200–350 | Seasonal work may be more expensive. |
How to Choose the Crafts- and Handymen in Denmark
Finding a trustworthy craftsman or handyman can be tricky if you’re new to Denmark, especially if you don’t yet speak Danish fluently. Luckily, there are several ways to locate reliable professionals:
- Ask for recommendations — Friends, colleagues, or neighbors can often point you toward trusted professionals they’ve used before.
- Use online platforms — Websites like Håndværker.dk or ServiceByen.dk allow you to post your job and receive quotes from vetted professionals. Many profiles include customer reviews.
- Check Facebook groups — Local expat or community groups often have threads recommending reliable tradespeople, sometimes with English-speaking options.
- Look for certifications — For regulated work, make sure the professional is listed in the official Autorisationsregisteret. This ensures they meet Danish safety standards.
- Get multiple quotes — Prices can vary widely. Requesting 2–3 offers helps you find a fair rate and compare services.
- Discuss communication upfront — If your Danish is limited, clarify whether the professional is comfortable speaking English before you book them.
FAQ About Crafts- & Handymen in Denmark as a Foreigner
How much does a handyman cost in Denmark?
Prices vary depending on the task and location, but most handymen in Denmark charge between DKK 380 and DKK 600 per hour. Certified specialists like plumbers or electricians often cost more—up to DKK 750/hour in Copenhagen. Always check if VAT and materials are included in the price.
Do I need to speak Danish to hire a handyman?
Not necessarily. Many handymen, especially in larger cities, speak English. However, in smaller towns or rural areas, English skills may be limited. It’s useful to send photos or write a short description of the task to avoid misunderstandings.
Are handymen in Denmark licensed?
General handymen do not need a specific license, but certain trades—such as plumbing, electrical work, and gas installations—require certification. Always ask for proof of qualifications if the job involves safety regulations.
How far in advance should I book a handyman?
In larger cities, good handymen can be booked one to three weeks in advance, especially during busy periods like spring renovations. For urgent jobs, you may pay a higher call-out fee.
Is it possible to get a fixed price instead of an hourly rate?
Yes, many handymen offer fixed-price quotes for clearly defined jobs (e.g., assembling furniture, mounting shelves). This can help avoid surprises on the final bill.
Are there tax deductions for handyman services in Denmark?
Yes. Through the BoligJobordningen scheme, homeowners can get tax deductions for certain home improvements and maintenance work. The rules change frequently, so check the Danish Tax Agency’s website for the latest conditions.
Can foreigners hire handymen without extra paperwork?
Yes. There’s no additional requirement for foreigners—simply agree on the job details, price, and payment method. For large projects, it’s wise to sign a short written agreement.
