Handyman: Is Yours Qualified?

It takes very little skill to look at a task and say, “Yep, I can do that!” Before you hire a handyman to work around your home, make sure that the individual is fully qualified to do the task set before him. These tips will help you weed through the less qualified contractors as you look for someone to help you fix up your home.

When a contractor tells you that he is certain he can do the job, ask him what experience he has. Has he done a similar job in the past? Does he have before and after pictures? What timeframe was the task completed in? The answers to questions such as these will help you determine his true level of experience with the project.

If the project involves electrical work, plumbing, or a change to the structure of your home, make sure that the handyman has the proper licensing and credentials to do the job correctly. If he does not, ask him what other contractors he will bring into the task to ensure it is done correctly and meets all building codes. 

Do not be afraid to ask for references. Remember, you will be paying for the services the contractor offers, and if the task is a big one, the bill could also be big. If possible, call or contact the references to find out their opinion of the job the contractor did in their home. 

If your handyman works with a large company, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints of poor workmanship. A few negative comments are not necessarily a problem, but if you notice a pattern of poor jobs done, consider looking elsewhere for your contractor. 

Use third-party review websites to find out even more about the particular contractor you are looking to hire. These reviews offer you an unbiased look into the skills and qualifications of a particular handyman or company. Because these reviews are not solicited by the contractor himself, they will be completely honest. If you notice that the contractor regularly gets glowing reviews for the type of work you need done, chances are you have found a very qualified individual to take on the task for you. 

Your goal when hiring a handyman should be to find the most highly qualified individual for the task. Careful research into an individual’s qualifications will help you weed out those with poor qualifications and a lack of experience and choose the best possible man for the job.