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Use your Handyman skills to help you travel on a budget.

Whatever skills you have, whether they are related to plumbing, electrical, landscaping, painting, general repair skills or something else completely -- they can be your ticket to a wonderful and unique adventure.

Many of our hosts needs help with basic maintenance and in exchange for your help, they will offer you accommodation and food during your stay. This will help you save a ton of money, which in turn will enable you to travel for longer!.

Host: Mark Wiersma, Selva, Spain

Fulfill your maintenance needs by offering accommodation and meals

HOSTS

Host: Sue Hemingway, Pomona, Australia

If you have a long maintenance checklist, you can either hire your local handyman or do it yourself. The first solution will cost you money while the second will be exhausting and time consuming. Why not invite one of our travelers to stay with you and in exchange they will help you with your projects, saving you time and money!

Sign up now to connect with volunteers. Be clear about your expectations and if there's hard work involved be sure to let your potential house-guests know

You're sure to find enthusiastic and skilled individuals with some experience in maintenance work.

Wins from this experience

As a host you will learn to cooperate with and take care of your volunteer(s). You’ll be able to get more work done without any huge increases in costs. Furthermore, a host will learn more about the country, background, culture and lifestyle of their travelers – it’s a great experience and exchange.

Travelers interested in maintenance tasks

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VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer: Gökhan Kara, Izmit, Turkey

Do you like to repair things? Are you handy around the house?

Your host may expect your assistance with a variety of maintenance tasks. They can range from cleaning and organizing to inspection and replacements. For instance, you may be asked to offer a hand with roof repair, tighten knobs or handles around the house, inspect and clean the basement, check exhaust vents, wash the deck, clear dead plants/shrubs or clean out the gutters. Decide if you're up to the tasks(s) - if you don't think maintenance jobs are for you, there are a number of other projects on our site to explore.

When you volunteer to help a homestay host with their projects, it makes sense to choose something that you enjoy doing and/or are proficient at. It is especially true when the project in question is maintenance work.

If you're naturally inclined to help with maintenance tasks - whether at home or in the shared kitchen in your student dormitory - consider this project. It helps to make a checklist of things you want to ask your host to be absolutely sure that this project is for you.

Hosts may define 'general maintenance' in different ways. Make sure you know what you're in for before agreeing to volunteer. Some hosts may give you very little/easy maintenance chores, while expecting you to assist with other jobs such as pet care, cooking or gardening. Others may want you to have a bit of technical experience or be a fast learner and work alongside them as they perform repair, replacement and maintenance. Have a chat with potential hosts to determine whose project is most compatible with your interests and skill.

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Wins from this experience

You will also learn how to live abroad with another family far away from your familiar surroundings. You will gain insight into their lifestyle and traditions. It's a win-win situation for both sides. Hovos brings hosts and travelers together.

Hosts that need help with maintenance tasks

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What is the cost to sign up as a Host or Traveler?

Traveler Membership: $10/Year This gives them full access to all hosts as well as a FREE Travel SIM. However, they can create an account for free so they can start ‘favoriting hosts’ and build their profile - but advanced features such as contacting hosts will be unavailable until they become members.

Host Membership: $0/Year It is free for hosts to sign up and they can begin contacting travelers immediately.

An additional advantage of being a member is that you become more trustworthy and therefore members will be shown first on the website. Members can build up more trust by verifying their mobile phone and passport as well.

Are you interested in different types of work?

If you’re not interested in maintenance work or you need help with a different type of project, there are many other categories available. Once you sign up, you can select as many different categories as you like.

Hovos offers language practice, help with art projects, gardening, internet support, tourist support and many other options!

animal care | art projects | child care / au pair | boat handlers | charity work | child care | computer help | construction | eco projects | elderly care | farm work | forest work | hostel support | fruit picking | gardening | house sitting | help in the house | internet support | language practice | maintenance tasks | pet sitting | music practice | spiritual projects | teaching projects | tourist support