What is a 'klusser'?

Klusser is the Dutch word for someone who does "klussen" — odd jobs, repairs, and small-to-medium trade work. It's the everyday term Dutch homeowners use for an independent handyman, painter, electrician, or plasterer, as opposed to a large construction firm (aannemer).

A klusser is almost always a one-person or small business, not an employee of a bigger company. That's the whole point: you deal directly with the person doing the work, you agree a price with them directly, and you pay them directly — no middleman marking up the invoice.

Klusser vs. aannemer vs. vakman

• Klusser — an independent tradesperson, usually for jobs that take hours to a few days.
• Aannemer — a contractor, usually for bigger renovation projects with a construction permit involved.
• Vakman — "craftsman", a more formal/respectful way to refer to either.

What to check before you hire one

Anyone can call themselves a klusser — the word itself isn't a licence or a qualification. What actually protects you is whether they're registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and carry liability insurance (AVB). On Klussen Fixer, every klusser is manually verified against both before they're allowed to send quotes.