Unsure who to call for that odd household fix? Here's your guide to hiring for unusual home maintenance jobs—no guesswork, no stress.
As a homeowner, there’s always something that needs fixing, maintaining, or improving. Most of us know when to ring a plumber, call an electrician, or book a gardener. But what about those strange little jobs that don’t fall neatly into a category? When something weird or oddly specific needs doing, it’s easy to feel stuck.
That’s where this guide comes in. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Who do I even call for this?”—you’re not alone. Let’s walk through a few of the most common unusual home maintenance jobs and help you figure out exactly who to hire.
1. Mysterious Smells or Sounds in the Walls
You’ve sniffed around. You’ve knocked on plaster. Still, that strange odour or unsettling noise persists. This one’s tricky—it could be anything from a rodent issue to a burst pipe.
Who to call: Start with a pest control specialist if you suspect animals. If there’s moisture, mould, or water damage, a plumber or leak detection expert is your best bet.
2. Replacing Rotten Timber Under Eaves or in the Subfloor
It’s not just unsightly—it can become a safety risk. Replacing decaying structural timber requires a qualified trade, especially when it’s supporting parts of your home.
Who to call: A carpenter or builder will know how to remove and replace the timber safely and properly. If it’s extensive, a structural engineer might also be needed.
3. Removing an Unused Satellite Dish or Antenna
They’ve been on your roof for years. Now they’re rusting and you want them gone—but it’s high up and connected to who-knows-what.
Who to call: A handyman or antenna removal specialist can safely take it down and patch any holes. For roof safety, make sure they’re insured and experienced with heights.
4. Repairing or Replacing a Mailbox Post
It’s leaning at an odd angle, or worse—it’s been knocked over. It’s a small job, but digging and cementing can be fiddly.
Who to call: A handyman is ideal for this. They’ll reset or replace the post and make sure it’s solid and straight.
5. Getting a Pet Door Installed
This one feels niche, and it is. Fitting a pet door into a glass panel or sliding door requires a special skill.
Who to call: A door specialist. They’ll cut or replace the panel with safety glass that includes the pet door, keeping everything up to standard.
6. Patching Holes in Plaster or Cornices
Whether it’s from old curtain rods or a doorknob gone rogue, plaster damage is a common eyesore.
Who to call: A plasterer can patch the hole properly, blend it in, and prepare it for repainting. While some painters offer light patchwork, bigger holes are best left to a specialist.
7. Re-Siliconing Around the Bath or Sink
Over time, that clean silicone sealant turns mouldy or peels away, leading to leaks and water damage.
Who to call: A bathroom renovator or handyman with waterproofing experience can strip the old sealant, clean the area properly, and reapply it neatly.
8. Hanging Heavy Mirrors or Artwork
When you’ve got a mirror that weighs a tonne or an oversized canvas to mount, the usual picture hook won’t cut it.
Who to call: A handyman with experience in secure mounting can identify the right fixings and avoid damage to your walls, wiring, or plumbing.
9. Realigning a Crooked Gate or Fence Panel
It’s not broken, but it’s definitely not right. Gates and fences can warp over time, and hinges may loosen.
Who to call: A fencing contractor or general handyman can inspect the alignment, refix posts, or suggest repairs to bring it back into shape.
10. Removing an Old Built-In BBQ or Outdoor Sink
You want to reclaim the space or install something new, but the old setup is plumbed in, bolted down, and tied to your outdoor layout.
Who to call: A plumber and a builder or landscaper might be required depending on the complexity. A handyman can assist with demolition, but disconnection of water or gas lines should only be done by a licensed professional.
What About the Jobs You Can't Even Describe?
Sometimes, it’s not even about knowing the trade. You just need someone to come take a look and figure it out. That’s where our platform can make things easier. Instead of guessing which trade you need, post the job with a photo or short description and let the professionals respond. It’s the modern way to stop stressing about odd jobs.
How to Post a Weird Job the Right Way
To help tradies help you, here are a few tips for writing your job post:
- Be honest: “I don’t know exactly what this is, but it looks like...”
- Use photos: A picture really does speak a thousand words.
- Mention access: Is it on a roof? In the ceiling? Hard to reach?
- Be open to suggestions: You might think it’s one trade, but it turns out to be another.
The beauty of hiring someone through ServiceSeeking is that you don’t need to know every detail. You just need to explain the problem. The right tradie will spot it straight away.
You Don’t Have to Know Everything—You Just Need to Know Where to Look
Owning a home doesn’t mean becoming an expert in every trade. But it helps to know where to find the right experts. Whether it’s a crooked door, a suspicious smell, or a job you can’t quite describe, there’s always someone out there who’s done it before.
Instead of putting it off or guessing who to call, jump on ServiceSeeking.com.au and post your job today. There’s no need to overthink it—just ask, and the right help will find you.
