Hands on Duty is a Cambridge handyman team for homeowners, landlords and local businesses. We handle home repair in Cambridge, MA from small indoor fixes to siding, trim and exterior upkeep. Tell us what needs attention and we’ll get it done.
Cambridge has a rare mix of housing. Near Harvard Square and Mid-Cambridge you’ll see Victorian houses with detailed trim. In Cambridgeport and Inman Square, wood-frame triple-deckers sit shoulder to shoulder. Around Kendall and Central Square, condos and apartments fill converted buildings. Each type ages differently, and a handyman who knows the difference saves you from repeat visits.
Hands on Duty works across all of it. As a Cambridge handyman service, we take on door and window adjustments, shelving, caulking, fixture swaps, wall patching and the long list of small jobs that pile up in busy households. We arrive when scheduled, bring the right tools and clean up before leaving.
Maybe you’re a longtime owner, a new buyer with a punch list or a landlord managing several units. Call us for a single task, or keep us in mind for regular upkeep.
Cambridge winters are hard on the outside of a building. Freeze and thaw cycles, wind-driven rain and summer humidity work on the exterior all year. Wood clapboard can warp or rot at the lower courses, vinyl panels can crack or come loose, and failing caulk lets moisture in behind the surface where you can’t see it.
Our siding maintenance in Cambridge covers loose or damaged boards, cracked panels, gaps around windows and doors, worn caulk and paint touch-ups on weathered siding. Catching these issues early usually costs far less than replacing wet sheathing later. We’ll look at the exterior, point out what’s urgent and give you a clear price before any work begins.
For older homes or properties in historic districts, it’s smart to confirm local exterior-change requirements before starting larger projects. We’re happy to talk through the scope with you.
Searching for home repair near me in Cambridge? Describe the problem and we’ll help you decide what to fix first.
A hundred-year-old two-family off Massachusetts Avenue doesn’t behave like a newer unit in North Cambridge. We look at your building first, then match the repair to what’s there instead of using a one-size-fits-all fix.
You also get a single crew for many trades. Painting, carpentry, plumbing, drywall and electrical repairs all come through one phone call.
On the job, we protect floors, respect shared hallways and keep you updated. Before we go, we walk through the finished work together.
An outdoor panel pulling loose after a windstorm. A bathroom fan that stopped working. A rental that needs touch-ups before a new tenant arrives. Hands on Duty serves homes and commercial spaces, so you only need one number.
Here’s what we can help with.
Interior or exterior, we do the prep that makes paint last: scraping, sanding, filling and priming. The result is a clean finish that holds up to New England weather.
Squeaky hinges, loose handles, wobbly railings and TV mounting. Our Cambridge handyman crew works through your list efficiently, and we’re equally ready for larger repair tasks.
Cracks, dents, nail pops and water marks come out clean. We patch or replace damaged drywall and finish it smooth, ready for paint.
Original plaster is common in Cambridge’s older buildings. We repair cracks and damaged areas so the surface blends in and is ready to finish.
Rotted trim, stuck doors, stair parts, built-in shelves. We fix or build the woodwork that gives older Cambridge homes their character.
Dead outlets, flickering lights and loose switches get fixed with care. We handle routine electrical repairs for homes and small businesses.
Dripping taps, slow drains and running toilets. We find the source and repair it before water harms floors or ceilings.
Boston winters and humid summers are hard on heating and cooling systems. We help keep yours working all year.
Skip the instruction manual. We assemble beds, desks, bookcases and storage units, then remove the packaging.
Yes. One sticky window or a single shelf is a perfectly good reason to call. We also manage larger repair projects.
Yes. We handle damaged boards and panels, gap sealing, caulking and paint touch-ups on siding for homes and small commercial buildings.
Yes. We patch, paint, repair and tidy units between tenants so they’re ready to rent again.
Yes. We’re used to old trim, plaster walls and uneven framing. For larger exterior changes, check any local requirements that may apply to your property.
Usually. Share your full list and we’ll plan the work to reduce the number of trips.
For a reliable handyman in Cambridge, MA, or help with home repair and siding maintenance, contact Hands on Duty. We’ll find a time that works for you.
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MansaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great quality work and exceptional craftsmanship. Dilson/Clay and his team effectively reinforced our crawl space to prevent rodents from entering. I highly recommend them for any appropriate work. They are very organized, communicative, and thorough.Posted on Google![]()
Susan Maze-RothsteinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I do not give out 5 stars in my feedback assessments generally. But Hands on Duty Inc. is an exception. Here's why. My husband and I moved to our home quite recently. In a few short weeks our son and his fiance would like to have an 80 person engagement party in our home. There were a number of projects that needed attention, carpentry, plumbing, lighting etc. We interviewed several companies. The Hands on team stood out among all those we spoke to and interviewed. Even in our walk through the impressive breadth and depth of their skills was evident in their in-the-moment problem solving. When we checked their references, all of the contacts called back immediately. Each reference was a multi-unit dwelling owner and they all spoke glowingly about how much they can rely on and can trust the Hands on team staying with them for many years because of their skill and reliability. When it came to the work itself, the team arrived precisely on time. They communicated thoughtfully and reasonably about what they were doing and why. And, they noticed and shared a thing or two that we had overlooked. One had to do with the HVAC, which, though vital and evident, and having been through two inspections, had not been caught other HVAC, "experts". Their attention to detail was so impressive. They did not leave (and came back ) until the job was done. Hands on Duty treated our house with great care as if it were their own home that they were working on. Since they have worked with us, everything works as it should and better still! Without hesitation, my husband and I recommend Hands on Duty. They have earned our high regard for their skill, workmanship, and warm kindliness.Posted on Google![]()
Kate DugganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The crew at Hands on Duty is excellent. They have helped me many times make properties look beautiful and ready to sell. I highly recommend them.Posted on Google![]()
Ken CousensTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Hands on Duty is awesome. They are quick to do jobs and are very professional. High Quality work!Posted on Google![]()
Matthew ScottTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
One of the best around! I’ve worked with them many times over the past few years and I can’t recommend them enoughPosted on Google![]()
Paul GleasonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent service! Our company handles 400 plus units and I don't have to worry about a thing when I call Hands On Duty. Paul Gleason Fairfield Realty (Est 1967)Posted on Google![]()
Donna PalomboTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent help with home maintenance, such as clogged sinks, replacing sink fixtures, etc. I very highly recommend Hands On Duty Inc.!Posted on Google![]()
Andre MedeirosTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great service for reasonable pricePosted on Google![]()
Harun BuljinaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dilson and co did a great job with finishing up our condo renovation. After previous contractors botched a number of important details and dragged out the project for months, Hands on Duty came in and immediately set things right. They handled paint touch ups, shoe trim installation, wall repair, crown molding, caulking, shelves, and more. They were professional, knowledgeable, worked very quickly, communicated well, and did everything we asked of them. They even have an in-house cleaning service that went above and beyond to leave our space spotless ahead of the final inspection. If we had worked with them from the start, we would have saved ourselves a lot of time, money, and headache. As it is, I'm happy to recommend them to anyone needing help with home renovation tasks.