How To Hire A Handyman: Steps And Tips For Finding The Right Person

A handyman has the right tools and expertise to repair, maintain, install, or modify any part of the house. For instance, if you want to install a new fan, fix the AC or faucet, or make a modification, you need a handyperson.

It saves time and gets the job done efficiently if you hire a handyperson. They are professionally trained to perform these tasks. They can also be hired to remodel your home or backyard.

Hiring a handyman instead of a contractor for a specific job is better. It is cost-effective as a handyman is trained to perform multiple tasks instead of a specific task.

How To Hire A Handyman? Essential Steps

Finding the right person to do a job can take some research. First, check for their track record. They must be reliable and be able to work efficiently without supervision.

Word Of Mouth References

Ask your friends or neighbors to refer a handyman for the job you need. You can also get an estimate of their charges. This usually works well because you get recommendations from known contacts.

Once you get the reference, check their work and evaluate them. This will give you an idea if they are trained to do a couple of tasks you want to get done.

Even if they do an excellent job with others, check if they can perform the tasks you give. Get a couple of references to know which one suits you best.

Look For Handyman Online

You will get a list of contacts along with testimonies and reviews. This gives you an idea of whom to choose. You can contact a few and know if they can handle the task you want them to perform and get an estimate.

This works best because you can compare rates and choose from many people available for work at your rates. You can find them in directories or job websites, which they use to promote their work.

Avoid An Uncertified Handyman

Many handymen promote themselves by knocking on the door or making unsolicited calls. Avoid them as they could scam you. It is good to pick one licensed to do the work with a good track record to prevent issues.

A few handymen ask for a small deposit to guarantee they get paid after the work is done. There is no harm in paying a small deposit as long as they are licensed to do their job.

Ask For References Of Their Clients

When you contact a handyman, ask for references from their previous work and clients. Be wary of those who are unwilling to provide you with prior references.

Those who have not been working for some time must be able to give you references from their previous clients. This way, you are assured you hire one who is reliable and does a good job.

Do a Background Check

Check if any major complaint against them has been registered. Hire one who has a clean track record. If you find any complaints, read every detail and interview the handyman to know everything about the complaint.

Use background verification services if they have any criminal records. You do not want someone with a criminal record entering your home. It is better to take these safety measures before hiring one.

Get An Action Plan From The Handyman

If you have a single task or a couple of tasks, get details on how they will do the job. Please provide them with details of the deadline and any other information they need so you get the job done on time.

Get everything in writing so there is no ambiguity in the tasks performed. The details should include information such as the equipment used, the problem-fixing process, etc.

Doing this will give you an exact estimate of expenses and leave room for unexpected expenses. You will have clarity in the timeframe the job will be done.

Look For Insurance

Liability is part of every job, especially if it needs physical work such as repairs.

Ask the handyman if they are insured so it is safe for you and the handyman in case of any accidents, injuries, etc.

Negotiate About Payment

A small deposit is a common practice to pay. But do not make full payment upfront before starting the work.

It is easy to start work as it also gives the handyman confidence that they will be paid after the job is done.

Set A Schedule

Set a time and date for the handyman to perform the tasks. Outline the time from your schedule and availability, and check their availability too.

You can set a schedule to get the work done.

Top Skills Your Handyman Should Have

A minimum high school diploma

Experience in electrical and plumbing

Knowledge of apartment unit and layout

Ability to communicate clearly with everyone

Adhering to the company’s compliance and standards

Experience and expertise in performing repair and maintenance tasks

Quick fixes and elaborate planning as and when needed

Being able to solve complex problems

Ease in handling a variety of tools

How Much Does A Handyman Job Really Cost?

A handyman is hired for minor and major repairs, home improvement projects, maintenance, etc. They work at an hourly rate, but the overall cost also depends on the complexity of the task.

Typically, an independent handyman charges between $60 to $70 per hour. If you hire one sent by the company, the average would be $125 per hour.

A small task should cost you between $75 to $150. A medium job that requires two to four hours for completion could cost between $150 to $300. A large job requiring a couple of hours for completion and specific tools and equipment should cost between $300 and $1000.

Jobs like gutter cleaning could cost between $100 to $150. It usually takes 90 minutes to clear all the clutter from hard-to-reach areas that a handyman is equipped to handle.

Reinstalling washers and dryers to a different area inside the house could cost between $100 to $150.

Replacing a faucet costs between $60 to $100. Additional tasks could add up to the cost.

Replace any part of the shower should cost between $100 to $280. They must take care of things such as removing the old sealant and caulk lines, preparing the surface for a new caulk, removing soap and dirt, etc.

Repairing drywall costs $60 to $90 per hour. Since this is not a minor repair and could take a few days, it could cost between $250 to $750. The cost includes sanding, painting, drying time, re-touching, etc.

Painting a room with a 12-foot wall costs between $400 to $1000. It requires prep work, covering floors, and furniture, uninstalling electrical units plugged into the wall, cleaning walls, fixing cracks, priming, etc.

This also includes fixing tapering around the doors and windows. It could cost a bit more if you have textured walls and other decorative items.

Why Hiring A Handyman Is The Smart Choice?

There are plenty of home projects for which you can hire a handyman. Apart from plumbing, installation, repair, and maintenance, a handyman can be hired for home renovations.

A handyman can handle a variety of tasks. You do not have to look for a specialist as it could cost you more.

A handyman is a jack-of-all-trades who can handle various repair, maintenance, and home renovation work.

Key Takeaways

Hiring a handyman can be a cost-effective way to take care of household repairs and tasks.

Referrals from friends, family, and neighbors can be a good way to find a reliable handyman.

Check online reviews and ask for references to ensure the handyman has a good reputation.

Make sure the handyman is licensed and insured to ensure they are a professional service provider.

Get multiple quotes and ask about their experience and qualifications before hiring a handyman.

Sign a contract outlining the details of the job, including the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule.

Look for a handyman with a wide range of skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, communication skills, reliability, experience, professionalism, time management skills, physical fitness, and problem diagnosis skills.

Conclusion

Hiring a contractor could take a couple of months as they are usually busy with long-term projects.

So you might have to wait for months for their availability. Hiring a handyman who can handle various home jobs is convenient and cost-effective.

You can save time and money by hiring a handyman with tools. You don’t have to rent equipment or tools when you hire a handyman.

FAQs

Why should I hire a handyman?

Hiring a handyman can be beneficial for several reasons. They can help you with household repairs and tasks, from fixing leaky faucets to painting walls.

They are often more affordable than hiring a specialized contractor for each job.

How do I find a reliable handyman?

You can find a reliable handyman by asking for referrals from friends, family, or neighbors.

You can also search online for handymen in your area and read reviews from previous customers to ensure they have a good reputation.

Additionally, you can check if they are licensed and insured to ensure they are a professional service provider.

How do I know if a handyman is qualified to do the job?

It is important to ask a potential handyman about their experience and qualifications. You can also ask for references and check their online reviews to see if they have successfully completed similar jobs in the past.

If they are licensed and insured, it is a good indication that they are qualified and professional.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with the handyman’s work?

If you are unsatisfied with a handyman’s work, you should clearly and respectfully communicate your concerns to them clearly and respectfully.

Most handymen will want to make things right and be willing to return and fix any issues. If you cannot come to a resolution, you may need to consider hiring a different handyman to complete the job.