How to Hire a Handyman to Mount Your TV and Hang Shelves
That flat-screen has been leaning against the wall for three weeks, and the floating shelves are still in their boxes. You could spend a Saturday wrestling with a drill and hoping you don't crack the drywall—or you could hire a handyman and have it done in an hour or two while you do literally anything else.
Hiring someone to mount a TV and hang shelves is one of the most common handyman jobs, and for good reason: it's quick, affordable, and saves you from measuring three times and drilling once into a water pipe. This guide walks you through exactly how to find someone reliable, what to expect, and how to make sure the job goes smoothly.
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Step 1: Decide what you need done and gather details
Person using a tape measure to check dimensions on a living room wall Before you start looking, write down exactly what you want: TV size and weight, wall type (drywall, brick, concrete), whether you want wires hidden, and how many shelves need hanging. Measure the TV width and the wall space. Check if you have the mounting bracket and shelf hardware already, or if the handyman needs to bring them.
Most handymen charge $75–150 to mount a TV (varying by city and TV size) and $40–80 per shelf, but prices jump if you need in-wall wire concealment or work on brick. Having this information ready means you'll get accurate quotes and won't waste time going back and forth.
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Step 2: Find and compare local handymen
Close-up of a phone screen showing service provider ratings and customer reviews You have a few options: ask neighbors for referrals, search Google for "handyman near me," or use an app like Lumo where you can see ratings, availability, and book instantly. On Lumo, you open the app, pick the Handyman category, describe the TV mounting and shelf job, and get responses from local pros with their rates and availability.
Look for someone with recent reviews mentioning TV mounting specifically—it's a different skill than fixing a leaky faucet. Check that they're insured (most pros carry liability coverage). Compare at least two or three quotes, but don't just pick the cheapest; read the reviews and look for mentions of showing up on time and cleaning up afterward.
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Step 3: Confirm the scope, timing, and price
Handyman and homeowner shaking hands in agreement at a front door Once you've picked someone, confirm the details in writing—whether that's a text thread, an in-app message, or email. State the TV size, number of shelves, wall type, and whether you're providing the hardware. Ask if the price includes finding studs, leveling, and cleanup.
Agree on a date and time window. Most handymen work in two- or three-hour blocks, and a TV mount plus two or three shelves usually takes 60–90 minutes. If you're using Lumo, you confirm the job details in the app's messaging feature, and the handyman will head to you at the agreed time. Pin down whether payment happens before or after (on Lumo, you pay securely in the app after the job is done).
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Step 4: Prep the space before they arrive
Tidy living room with cleared wall space and furniture moved aside for installation Clear the area where the TV and shelves will go. Move furniture, take down any old wall hangings, and make sure there's room to work. If you have pets, put them in another room—nobody needs a curious dog nosing around a power drill.
Have your mounting bracket, shelves, and all hardware unpacked and ready. If the handyman is bringing supplies, confirm that ahead of time. Make sure the TV is accessible and any cables or streaming boxes are nearby. A clean, organized workspace means the job goes faster and you're less likely to pay for extra time.
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Step 5: Walk through the plan together
Handyman holding a level against a wall and marking measurements with a pencil When the handyman arrives, spend five minutes walking through what you want. Point out the exact spot for the TV (most people mount it so the center is at eye level when seated, around 42–48 inches from the floor). Show where the shelves go and confirm spacing if you're hanging multiples.
Ask how they plan to hide cables if that's part of the job, and where the power outlet is. This is also the time to mention any quirks: "That wall has metal studs," or "I'd like the bottom shelf low enough for my toddler to reach." A good handyman will use a stud finder, a level, and will double-check measurements before drilling.
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Step 6: Let them work, inspect the results, and pay
Newly mounted flat-screen TV on wall above floating shelves in a modern living room Step back and let them do their thing. Most handymen prefer to work without someone hovering, though it's fine to check in if you have questions. The job is done when the TV is secure, shelves are level, and any visible hardware is tightened.
Before they leave, test the TV mount by gently pulling on it (the handyman will likely do this too), and eyeball the shelves with a level if you're picky. Make sure there's no drywall dust on your floor and that tools are packed up. On Lumo, payment happens in the app and you can add a tip—10%, 15%, or 20% is standard for good work. If anything isn't right, speak up before they leave so it can be fixed on the spot.
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Step 7: Leave a review and keep their contact info
Customer typing a five-star review on a smartphone after a completed home service After the handyman leaves, leave an honest review. Mention what went well (or didn't) so future customers know what to expect. If you used Lumo, rate the job in the app—it takes thirty seconds and helps other people find reliable pros.
Save the handyman's contact info for future jobs. Someone who mounts a TV well can probably also install a ceiling fan, fix a door hinge, or assemble furniture. Building a relationship with a reliable handyman is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner or renter.
Pro tips
- Studs are typically 16 or 24 inches apart; if your handyman says there's no stud where you want the TV, you may need to shift the mount a few inches or use heavy-duty anchors.
- Bring the TV manual to the appointment—it lists the VESA mount pattern (the distance between screw holes) which the handyman needs to know.
- If you want cables hidden inside the wall, check local building codes first; some areas require special in-wall-rated cable.
- Take a photo of the wall before and after, especially if you're renting—it helps document the condition if you need to patch holes later.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to mount a TV and hang shelves?
- TV mounting typically runs $75–150 depending on TV size and wall type, and shelves cost $40–80 each to hang. Prices vary by city and complexity—brick walls or in-wall wire hiding costs more. Always get a quote before booking.
- Do I need to buy the mounting bracket and hardware, or does the handyman bring it?
- Most customers buy their own bracket and shelves (Amazon, Home Depot, IKEA) and the handyman installs them. Some handymen will pick up supplies for you for an extra fee. Clarify this when you book so there's no confusion.
- How long does it take to mount a TV and hang a couple of shelves?
- Plan on 60–90 minutes for a TV mount and two or three shelves, assuming straightforward drywall and studs in the right places. Jobs on brick, concrete, or with in-wall cable routing can take two hours or more.
Hiring a handyman for TV mounting and shelf hanging is one of the easiest ways to cross a nagging project off your list without spending your Saturday swearing at a stud finder. With a little prep and clear communication, you'll have a clean, professional install in under two hours. If you want to book a local handyman fast, open Lumo, describe the job, and you'll have someone at your door as soon as today.
Photos are illustrative. Service prices are typical ranges and vary by city. How we write our guides.
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