Tips for Choosing a Handyman
by Sally Smith on Sep 3, 2014
Once we've purchased a home of our own, the need for a reliable and trustworthy handyman becomes quickly apparent. Sure, there are plenty of home repairs that we can do on a DIY basis. But the time will come when we need to access an expert. That's when we're faced with finding a person whom we can trust to take over the repairs and renovations.
Back in the day, the answer to finding a good handyman was easy: ask a family member or friend if there is anyone in the neighborhood who is qualified and reliable. Actually, this is still a good place to start. If you have a friend or relative living nearby who owns his or her own home and has had to have repairs or renovations made, don't hesitate to ask who did the work and whether it was done in a satisfactory and honest manner. But if you're living in an area new to you, things get a little more complicated. Consider going online to track down someone who can do the job. Categorized listings such as those found on Angie's List and Craig's List can give you some quick leads, and in some cases can provide feedback from previous customers.
Create a list of possibilities to do your job. Once you've got some names down, you'll feel much more in control of the situation, and can begin the process of finding the right handyman services for you.
Here's a checklist of the five most important steps to take in making your final selection.:
1. Have a clear picture of what you need to have done, and put it in writing. It may seem obvious to you and your family that you need to have new back porch steps constructed; but what exactly is this job going to require? Do you have specific construction materials in mind? Are you going to need a bit of concrete poured? What about painting? What do you want the porch steps to look like? Get all of these details down on paper so that you know exactly what you want.
2. You've now created your "short list" of potential handyman services. Contact the folks on your list to see if they can or are willing to do the work you've got in mind. There's no point in bothering a painter if you've got plumbing in mind. Be clear about what you're looking for; if you've got your own plans down on paper, consider emailing your description for greater clarity.
3. Do some background checking. Once you've got several prospective contractors in mind, contact the Better Business Bureau to be sure that they have no skeletons in their closets, and that they are bonded and insured.
4. Now you're ready to ask the folks on your short list for a general estimate of what your job will cost, how long it will take, and when it can be scheduled. You'll have to study the various estimates you receive, in order to select the person you feel most qualified and most convenient to your own schedule.
5. Once you've made your selection, ask for a detailed contract. Trust me, this is an essential step, and one that will save both you and the person you'll employ a lot of frustration, bad feelings, and even litigation. Trustworthy business people will know the importance of submitting a precise and detailed contract.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
74061 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
67744 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
63661 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
43690 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
27129 Views
Latest Articles
Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...
on Mar 22, 2023
What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House
Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...
on Feb 13, 2023
Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation
Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...
on Feb 12, 2023
Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You Need to Know about Rainwater Drainage Systems
In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...
on Feb 2, 2023
What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof
Metal roofing is durable and beautiful, allowing a home to stand out from others with conventional tiled roofs. A metal coating can last a...
on Feb 1, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Real Estate Investment for the Next Generation
on Oct 18, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Investing in real estate is something that people have been doing for a long time. Most people invest in a home, so they can stay at the home. This...
Real Estate Investment for Future Generations
on Mar 14, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Purchasing a home is not simply a financial commitment. It is also an excellent way to start accumulating your wealth. Your home is also a...
Can I Sell My House with a Leaky Roof?
on Oct 28, 2021
Real Estate / Finance

The answer to this query is YES. It is possible to sell a house with a leaking roof, but it's always essential to evaluate some factors before...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 195
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 183
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 143
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Reasons to Strengthen Your Roof with Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are very similar to asphalt shingles. In this article, we will discuss some of the main reasons to strengthen your roof with...
How to Choose a Lift Chair for Your Bedroom
This article is not particularly a lift chair review but a guide to help you make quality decisions while getting a lift chair for your bedroom....
5 Real Estate Investment Ideas You Need to Know
Just like any other business, real estate investment comes with a number of risks. Though there are many associated success stories, should a...
Choosing a New Above-Ground Swimming Pool Pump
If you are planning on setting up an above ground swimming pool this summer, you have definitely made a great choice. Above ground pools provide...
No Need for a Plumber to Replace the Bathtub Drain
If your bathtub drain needs to be replaced, either because it has become damaged or simply because it's not holding the water in the tub adequately...