Handyman: Helping You Fix Your Home's Problems

Calling in a professional when you need major or minor repairs done just makes sense, especially in this economy where any mistakes could be very costly overall. If you are like most people, you have no talent for fixing things or doing necessary preventive maintenance, in which case you probably will not regret having a handyman do the job for you. Learn how to find a good one and make sure the job he performs meets your expectations.

When you have to find a reputable handyman, you should first check the phonebook or on the internet for some names, as well as ask friends and neighbors for any recommendations. You can also check one of the different websites on the internet that review companies offering goods and services in your area, although some require you to register with them to get access to that information. There are also several websites where you can post the details of your project and have repairmen bid on it. After checking out their information, you can award one of them the contract. Since repairmen often need to have a state or local license to operate a business, you should verify this as well as whether they are licensed appropriately. It is important that the repairman you hire has adequate general liability insurance to cover any damages that may occur at your residence.

Before you contact anyone on your list, make a list of the projects you want done prior to calling to be sure they can do the job. For example, if you need any plumbing work done, make sure the person you call has experience in that area. If your project involves electrical work, make sure the handyman is skilled in this aspect of home repair, as any mistakes could be deadly. If you are fortunate, you may come across a repairman who is a contractor and therefore skilled in many different areas. Some handymen refuse to work under dangerous conditions, however, such as working on the roof or painting the exterior of your home.

To avoid any performance problems or confusion about the job, make sure to put everything in writing, including what the job entails, the results you are expecting, and the method and timing of payment. It is also important to have specific dates for starting and finishing the work, including the ramifications of any job delays or not completing the project, such as whether or not money will be deducted from the final bill. Make sure to specify who is providing the necessary supplies, such as paint, ladders, and tools. If the repairman provides these, find out if you will be charged for them. Since problems and damages can occur with any repair job, you should have a definite plan outlining how you will deal with these issues if they arise. Try to get a signed waiver excluding you from a lawsuit in case he suffers an on-the-job injury.

Finding the perfect handyman is actually not that hard to do, especially if you just do a little basic research. Figure out what you want done and how much you can spend, and then start calling.