Advice for Hiring a Handyman
By ProMatcher Staff
10 Tips for Hiring a Handyman
Use the list below to learn some helpful tips for hiring a residential handyman service.
1. Make a list. Before getting an estimate, make a list of all of the work you would like done. You'll save money by having the handyman complete a number of different projects in one visit or over a few days. Calling a handyman every time a minor issue comes up can be very expensive. Check out this Spring Home Maintenance Checklist from Redfin to get some help ideas.
2. Get several estimates for the work. Before hiring a handyman, don’t be afraid to make a call a few companies. If you're looking to save time, ProMatcher can help you can get free quotes from pros in your area. You can get several competing estimates for the work and then choose the best one. This will ensure that you are getting a fair price. Don’t automatically go for the lowest bidder as there could be hidden costs.
3. Check references and verify insurance. In many places, a handyman must have a contractor's license. Hiring an unlicensed professional can be a disaster. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask the handyman for a few references. You can call some of their past clients to see if they were satisfied with the work performed. At the very least, look online to see if you can find any review from the contractors former customers. Also, ask the contractor if they carry any liability insurance. This can be very important, especially if an issue arises.
4. Get everything in writing. Before the handyman begins the work, make sure that you have everything in writing. This will help you avoid any surprises or unexpected charges. Labor, materials, parts, and cleanup should all be included in the cost estimate.
5. Set realistic expectations. A handyman will be able to help you out with basic repairs and home improvement projects, but major issues should be left to the appropriate specialists. You shouldn’t expect the handyman to have same skill set as a master carpenter or a licensed electrical contractor. For larger projects, like remodels, you may be better off hiring a general contractor.
6. Emergency calls. Emergency repairs are generally going to cost more. If you notice a problem around your house, fix it before it become a major issue. This will likely you save you time and money in the long run.
7. Establish a timeline. Make sure to get a good idea of how long it will take to perform the work. Simple repairs may take less than hour, while a laundry list of tasks may take several days.
8. Communication is key. Before the handyman starts the work, make sure to find out the best way to contact them. If a problem ever comes up, you will be able to reach them and express your concerns.
9. Ask about warranties and guarantees. Ask if any of the parts or materials come with a manufacturer's warranty. It will be important to have the necessary paperwork on hand after the work is complete. Additionally, see if the handyman offers a guarantee on the work performed.
10. Discuss payment options. Do they prefer personal checks? Do they accept credit card payments? Will you need to pay a portion of the cost before the work is performed? Make sure that you feel comfortable with the price and payment schedule before moving forward.
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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