If you are juggling multiple home projects, it may be faster to consider hiring a handyman rather than working on the weekend yourself. However, knowing how to hire a reliable and skilled handyman makes all the difference.
Whether you’re updating your bathroom in Los Angeles, California, repairing your Miami, Florida apartment, or repairing your Chicago, Illinois rental, asking the right questions is key to finding the right professional.
What does a handyman do?
Handymen are skilled professionals in handling a variety of home repair and maintenance tasks. From repairing leaky faucets to assembling furniture, they tackle many unexpected tasks, from small to medium sized jobs, to save time and effort.
Nathan Baddon, CEO of BiltPros, a highly rated general contractor service in Temecula, California, emphasizes the importance of understanding the abilities of a handyman. “A good handyman will try everything and take on only the skilled work, rather than trying some of the work poorly. A handyman is extremely valuable as long as he understands his skills and limitations.”
Common tasks that a handyman can handle include:
Drywall repairs and installation of paint supplies (ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, faucets) Basic carpentry and furniture assembly groove cleaning and maintenance Minor plumbing or electrical work (according to your local regulations)
However, for larger jobs that involve structural changes, electrical rewiring, or plumbing overhauls, a general contractor may be required.
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Do you need a handyman or general contractor?
Knowing how to hire a handyman starts with understanding the difference between a handyman and a general contractor. This allows you to select the right expert for your project.
“For larger or more complex jobs, we always recommend that you hire a general contractor to ensure that the work is done properly and safely in accordance with building code guidelines,” said Nathan Baddon of Biltpros.
Important differences
Factor Handyman General Contractor Range Range Small-scale repairs, maintenance, and installation Large project licenses and bonds that require multiple transactions are not usually required, but vary by state.
Permissions and compliance manage permissions that are not generally required and guarantee code compliance
“We assess the scope of repair needs. For larger or more complex projects, it may be better to hire an existing company,” said Fort Smith, a modification of Arcadia.
Checklist for hiring the right handyman
Knowing how to hire a handyman means protecting yourself from hiring the wrong thing. This can lead to time, money and frustration. Follow this checklist before making a decision.
License, Insurance, and Bond Requests Multiple references and online reviews get detailed agreements for range, costs and timelines. If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably
General contractor Amaximum Construction said, “We’ll check out recent Google reviews. While real clients leave consistent feedback, fake reviews often come from inactive profiles. Beware of ultra-stable offers from categorized sites where unreliable contractors may disappear overnight.”
How to Hire a Handyman: Questions to Ask
1. Are you licensed, bound and insured?
Many handymen don’t need to have a license, but it’s still wise to ask about insurance and bonding. Insurance advisor Sean Plummer said, “Bonded Handymen have an extra layer of protection and will cover if they fail to complete the work as promised.”
Aharshan Tangarasa, Sensense’s senior insurance broker and business insurance broker based in Toronto, adds: “Before hiring a handyman or an independent contractor, homeowners and tenants must verify their eligibility and liability insurance. Ask for proof of license and insurance policy. Always contact your insurance company to make sure it is valid.”
AR Arkansas City’s local services comparison platform, 4menearme, emphasizes the importance of verification. “Always ask your handyman about specific experiences related to the type of project and request requests from similar recent jobs. Additionally, make sure you have the right insurance to protect yourself from liability and unexpected costs. These simple steps will help you ensure quality work and reliability.”
2. Have you had experience with similar projects?
Experience is especially important when hiring a handyman. Chris of ProfitDig, a construction bidding platform for contractors, said, “Before you hire a handyman, it’s important to ask about your experience with the specific type of work you need. Please inquire about licensing and insurance to protect yourself from responsibility.”
Contractor app Aju Neeraj reflects this. “When hiring a handyman, I always recommend asking about experience with similar projects, verifying licenses and insurance, and requesting references and reviews. Please agree before the scope of work, timeline and costs.”
3. Can you provide references and examples of past works?
To measure reliability and skills, ask for references and examples of completed projects.
“In our community, we always recommend that homeowners and tenants get 2-3 references, check online reviews, and see how long a handyman or company is doing business,” said Tony Bitter, a real estate agent in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Roger Howroyd of San Francisco, California, agreed to California Invoice Fly, the homeservice invoice platform, and said, “We request that you be referred to a previous client and review examples of similar work that we have completed to verify your skill level and reliability.”
4. How do you clarify the scope of your work?
Before you hire a handyman, it is essential to define the scope of your work to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your project runs smoothly.
The Matt of Tock Builder in Dewey Beach emphasizes, “Clearly define and communicate what tasks need to be completed and communicated in advance. Provide as many details as possible, ensuring that the handyman gives accurate estimates and ensures that the right tools and experts for the job are available.”
Steven Odorisio of Trustwork Home Renovation and Repairs, Lafayette, CO., also emphasizes the importance of having a written agreement. “We always get written contracts detailing the work, costs, schedules and warranty. We are accountable to the contractor and guarantee clear expectations. We provide detailed contracts for peace of mind, from small repairs to renovations.”
5. How do you process your payments?
Discussing payment structures in advance prevents misunderstanding. Roger Howroyd of Invoice Fly advises. “We discuss payment structures in advance, such as whether to charge hourly or project-by-project, and get detailed estimates covering realistic timelines for materials, labor and completion.”
Johann Blacksmiths of Spartanburg Handyman Upstate in Columbus, North Carolina, outlines their approach. “Our prices are based on the scope of the project, the special permits required, the materials needed, and the time required to complete the job. We provide a free estimate to provide a clear idea of the costs involved.”
6.Do you offer warranty or warranty?
A reliable handyman should stand behind their work. “Contact us about warranty policies. A trusted professional will stand behind the job and guarantee your workforce,” said the Emerald City Repair Mike in White Center, Washington.
Professional handyman and owner, Phil of Phil offers a one-year labor guarantee in Seattle, Washington, and “Phil’s Home Services offers a one-year labor guarantee, whereas materials are the responsibility of the homeowner.”
7. How do you handle unexpected changes?
As projects rarely go 100% as planned, it is essential to ask how changes will be handled. “Before you hire a handyman, you ask how unexpected changes will be handled. Projects don’t always go as planned. It’s important to ask what you’ll do when impossible repairs and changes and work aren’t finished.”
8. What are your cleanup and debris removal policies?
Knowing how to hire a handyman includes clarifying details such as post-job cleanup and debris removal.
“Before hiring a handyman, we ask how to handle post-job cleanup and debris removal. Some handymen include cleanup as part of their service and make sure the workspace remains clean, but we expect homeowners to handle it.”
9. Do you want to mark up the markup materials or can you buy them yourself?
Material procurement is another important consideration. Phil explains: “Some handimen charge for markup of purchased materials to cover the time and effort of sourcing, transport and selection, but allow homeowners to purchase the materials themselves to avoid additional costs.”
Paying this upfront prevents the final bill from surprises.
10. How many projects do you take on at once?
A handyman who takes on too many projects may not give you the necessary attention. Natalia Herrera of Katalox Construction in Des Moines, Washington, recommends asking, “What is the expected timeline for starting and finishing a project? Can it be handled at the same time? This will help you manage your workload and avoid delays for your project.”
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Ensuring a smooth experience when hiring a handyman
Asking the right questions can protect you from unexpected costs, delays and poor workmanship. Learning how to hire a handyman will help you avoid anything that will wind you up and make you wonder if you should hire a contractor or try again yourself.
Whether you are thinking of hiring someone for a project in your eternal home or hiring a handyman when selling your home, being informed is key to success.
