Handyman: Four Things To Consider Before Making A Selection

Nothing’s more frustrating than having something break down in your home and you don’t know how to fix it. Finding a good handyman can help you save time and money.

If you’ve ever been in a tough spot and needed a handyman immediately, you’re not alone. However, there are a number of things to look for when choosing a repair person to ensure you do not get ripped off.

Experience

A good handyman will have a decent amount of experience doing repairs; approximately 8 to 10 years is an adequate range. In addition, you want him to have extensive expertise about his craft, as well as general knowledge regarding different structures or homes in your area. When choosing your repair man, it’s also good to confirm if he is currently licensed and insured. You want to make sure unforeseen incidents are covered in case something happens on the job.

Location

Knowing if your home improvement specialist is operating his business locally can help reduce some risk. If you work with a person that is not locally owned and operated, you could be more susceptible to shoddy work. In this case, the handyman has nothing to lose since he isn’t from the area and doesn’t have a reputation to protect. Most local workers want to do a good job and quality work. Many jobs are through word of mouth, so oftentimes, these workers do not want to jeopardize their good name.

References

Getting reviews or comments from previous customers is a wonderful way to help you gage how this person does business and whether or not others have been satisfied with their service. When asking for references, your repair man’s response should be very detailed. If you get vague or awkward responses or he tries to change the subject, you should move on.

Quotes

Once you think you have found a good, professional repair man, it’s important to document all your requests and discussions in writing. You do not want to be surprised once you get a bill. Sometimes there are hidden costs that you were not aware of. A quote can spell out everything you need, covering not only you but also the handyman. It’s a good practice for both parties.

Obtaining a written quote is a necessity if you want to ensure what you thought you were getting is exactly what you receive in the end. For instance, if for some reason your repair man fixes something you didn’t discuss, your written quote can be proof that you only agreed to the terms described in the quote. This will save you lots of confusion and frustration later.