How to Hire a Handyman
Anyone can claim to be a handyman. Finding a person you can trust is a process, however it is worth the research. Licensing for a handyman differs by state, yet every expert needs to have, at minimum, a service permit, background check, insurance coverage as well as a guaranty bond. While several handymen are self-taught, others have gone through training at technical schools. Here are some things to look out for.
Make a List
Make a complete list of repair work that needs to be done and develop a standard, itemized budget plan. If you’re uncertain regarding the expense for something to be fixed, compare reputable online pricing platforms such as HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. This is a great way to see what home-owners are spending on comparable tasks.
Get Referrals
The best place to find reputable contractors is in your own neighborhood. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for the names of handymen they have used for projects in the past. Be sure to contact several contractors to give yourself some options. Ask if they provide free estimates and request to see photos of their previous work.
Price
Before working with an expert handyman, request a quote. Compare your rates. See to it that the handyman recognizes your repair services and also has comparable rates. Please keep in mind it is okay if your handyman’s rates are more expensive, however keep an eye out for irregular rates.
Once the handyman comes, they can give you a better pricing estimate, especially if you are combining several tasks. Be wary of a handyman that calls ahead of time to schedule a payment.
Education
You may want to confirm that the handyman has competed training at a technical school or community college. Hiring a handyman with hands-on experience is excellent. However, you can have more confidence in them if they are certified or licensed. Additionally, they are considered more reputable if they are members of the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals (ACHP) or the United Handyman Association (UHA).
Experience
It’s also important to ask if they have experience with the job you require to be finished. One handyman may be great at fixing a sink, however may not be as skilled when tiling a kitchen floor.
Reviews
Take a look at their Google or Yelp reviews. To go the extra mile, you could request previous job recommendations. If your handyman has complaints, you can address it with them to see their side of the story or keep looking.
In Summary
Even if your state does not require for a local handyman to have an expert certificate, ask if they received technical training and have a work permit. Prepare your list of repairs by priority and request a free estimate before beginning any project. Hiring the right handyman takes some time, however it’s worth the effort.
