If you’re a homeowner or a renter, you’ll likely find yourself needing to hire a handyman at one point or another.
Whether it’s replacing an overhead light, fixing drywall, or taking a look at an electrical issue, a handyman acts as a jack-of-all-trades. Some handymen are specialists in certain areas, while others can handle any repairs that come their way.
Before you commit to the first handyman service you find, there are a few things you need to consider. Don’t sign that contract until you take these into consideration.
1. Do Your Research
Whether you’re looking for a new paint job or specific air conditioning repairs, research is the most important part of the process.
Here are some details you should be sure to research:
- Average cost of a handyman in your area
- Reviews and testimonials
- Portfolios of work
- Approximate timeline for work
- Experience needed for the project
- License numbers
This kind of research can help you determine the quality, dependability, and cost of every handyman service—so you can have confidence in your hire.
2. Interview a Potential Hire
Never hire a handyman over the phone. If you’re satisfied with their experience, testimonials, and they give you an appropriate quote over the phone, you need to interview your potential hire to make sure they’re the best person for the job.
Here are a few questions to start with:
- How many years of experience do you have?
- What kind of experience do you have with this kind of repair?
- Do you have a portfolio or pictures of your work?
- Who else have you worked with in my area?
- How long will the project take?
- What do you charge for a project of this scope?
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- What do you pride yourself on when you work?
- Do you have a list of references?
3. Use Personal References
An easy way to cut down your list of potential hires—and find the best fit—is to rely on personal references.
Ask your friends and family which handymen they’ve worked with before. They might be able to refer you to somebody they trust.
You can also ask people you’ve worked with in the past—they might have friends in the industry who can get the job done.
4. Determine Payment Details
Just like with any home improvement project, you should never pay for the entire project until it’s done.
Many professionals will ask for a deposit upfront to ensure payment. But if they ask for the entire payment before they’ve started working, this could raise potential questions about the quality of the hire.
5. Get a Guarantee
Always ask the handyman if they guarantee their work. That means if something goes wrong or you’re not satisfied with the job, they’ll come back and redo it or do a quick touch-up.
Aim to get a guarantee in writing—but a good handyman service will usually do this upfront to prove how serious they are about doing their work right.
Hire a Handyman: What You Need to Know
When it all comes down to it, the key to hire a handyman that does the job right is finding someone you trust. By researching, going through a detailed interview process, and asking the right questions, you can ensure that this handyman is right for your project.
Looking for more lifestyle tips to keep your house in top shape? Take a look at our lifestyle section for more!
