Hiring a Handyman: What to Look For

There are times when we just don’t have the time or the know-how to get certain jobs done around the house. This is where your local handyman comes in. Thoroughly researching your candidate and being comfortable with your final choice will likely be the beginning of a fantastically productive working relationship. This article outlines advice on what to look for when hiring your handyman.

Bonded & Insured
Your first requirement should be that your handyman is bonded and insured. This relieves you of the threat of being held financially and legally responsible for an accident on your property during the course of your workman’s job. Additionally, it allows you replacement or repair cost reimbursement in the event of any damage to your home or its contents at the hands of your workman.

Guarantees & Warranties
You should always prefer a workman who guarantees his or her work. This protects you from paying for the same service twice, when it was rational to expect it to be done correctly the first time. Additionally, offering a guarantee on the parts used and passing on the related manufacturer’s warranty is a benefit you should expect.

Established Business
Your candidate, whether or not he or she is with a franchise or licensed company, should be established in your community and carry a favorable reputation. They should be able to provide you with testimonials and references that you can call on for information on experiences with them. If they operate a website, thoroughly review it and look for memberships and certifications they hold that will assist you in making your decision.

Fair Prices & Payment Rules
Obviously, price comparison shopping will narrow your list of possible hires drastically. But also inquire about how they prefer to be paid on jobs. Never pay a workman before the job is completed, and consider it a red flag if they request it. However, asking for a portion of the fee in advance to purchase parts and supplies isn’t always ominous, but if you find yourself in doubt you can offer to accompany your workman to the home center and pay for the items yourself.

You can utilize numerous other avenues for finding and researching your handyman. Asking for referrals from friends and family may lead you to a great workman you can trust. Also, conducting an online search will likely provide more information than you expected on all the options in your area. By following the above advice, it won’t be long before you find a candidate you can trust.