While you might have some expertise when it comes to fixing certain things around your house, there are bound to be some issues that you just don’t know how to repair. That’s where a handyman comes in.
But how do you go about hiring a handyman that’s right for the job, right for your wallet, and right for you?
In this article, we’ll share some tips on how you can confidently hire the best handyman. Of course, you don’t want things around your house to break—but with a good handyman on your side, disrepair is no cause for distress.
Where to Start
Here’s how you can hit the ground running to find a handyman that’s perfect for your situation:
Make a list of your problems.
Many handymen charge by the hour, so you want to make sure you have everything prepared to get the best deal possible.
Know the difference between a handyman and a contractor.
If a job takes more than a day and requires someone who’s licensed and trained in a specific field, then it’s a job for a contractor. A handyman has a broader scope, but there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to training and licensing.
Handyman Tasks
As we said, handymen have a broad scope of things they’re capable of. To hire the best one possible, it’s good to know what kinds of jobs you can expect from a run-of-the-mill handyman.
These jobs include
installing shelves or cabinets,
hanging curtains/picture frames,
painting (usually just for singular rooms or touch-ups—if you need a full house painted, you should consider hiring a painting crew),
caulking,
assembling furniture,
decorating or setting up holiday displays,
assembling a swing or treehouse,
cleaning gutters, and
minor woodwork.
Hiring a good handyman also involves knowing what they don’t cover. When it comes to big jobs like remodeling, installing drywall, electrical work, and plumbing, that’s when you should call a contractor.
Know Your Options
Now that you know what a handyman’s job entails, you’re probably wondering where to find one.
The internet is a great resource, offering sites like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly known as Angie’s List). These sites don’t just provide names of handymen, but they also provide reviews, verification of licensing, and background checks, so you can feel good about who you’re letting into your home.
There are also a couple apps that you can use to find a quality handyman. Check out TaskRabbit and Handy—you’ll be surprised at how many resources you can find there.
Word of mouth is never a bad idea either. Neighbors are great for recommendations—whether that’s in person or in Facebook groups for your specific neighborhood. You’re sure to find people who are more than happy to share their handyman; many people develop a working relationship with their handyman and are eager to find more jobs for them in the area. And if the handyman does good work for your neighbors, it’s likely they’ll do good work for you too!
You can also find quality handymen through real estate agents because they commonly keep a list of contractors and handymen that they work with, and they make sure that who they hire provides good work.
Do Your Research
Once you’ve found your handymen, make sure you put in the time and do adequate research on their background. This includes looking for their website (if they have one) and checking out their social media profiles. Search around for public reviews and ask for references from their previous clients. If they don’t have references, they’re probably not someone you should hire.
Ask Questions
Before you start working with a handyman, get curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions:
How much do they charge?
What are their areas of expertise, if they have any?
Are there jobs that they won’t do?
What’s their availability?
How long does it take them to finish jobs similar to the one you’re proposing?
Test Them Out
A test run is the best way to figure out if you’re going to enjoy working with a handyman or not. By providing them with a smaller list than what you might have, you can get a feel for their work ethic and quality of work. If they pass the test, you can give them a longer list. But if you don’t like the work, you can feel free to move on to your next choice.
Our Handymen
At One Man & A Toolbox, we value our customers and their experiences, which is why we put our best foot forward with the work that our handymen provide. Give us a call today to see if our team can help you out.