Handyman - Basics of the Business

If you look in your local phone book under handyman, you probably won’t find many listings, if you find any at all. Such a professional is typically a retired contractor or tradesman of some kind, looking for some extra work on the side while he enjoys his golden years. Having said that, there are some young professionals getting in on the game, training themselves as a jack of all trades so they can pick up jobs for people who would rather avoid expensive contractors.

Either way, these individuals are usually in business for themselves and they can often give homeowners a good deal on minor repairs and major carpentry work alike.

Though it happens from time to time, most of the time a handyman is not going to be contacted for an extensive job like a kitchen renovation. Most people will call one when they need something minor to be repaired such as a leaky faucet . They are there as the homeowner surrogate, doing things the homeowner is not skilled enough to do, or doesn’t have the time for. At the same time, they make a lot more sense to hire for these small things than a specified tradesman or a huge contractor. A good handyman will be somewhat knowledgeable in a diverse set of fields, such as plumbing, electricity, and carpentry.

If you’re thinking of hiring a handyman for a small project, it is important to keep your wits about you, just as you would when hiring a larger contractor. In every line of work, there are disreputable and dishonest people. Protect yourself by following a few simple rules of the game. Do a background check. With the internet, it is easier than ever to look up a person’s history and find out what people in the community are saying about them. Ask if they have any references and don’t hesitate to contact them. If you choose to go ahead with the hire, get a written estimate up front and request to be notified if the job is going to cost more money. Do not part with a single dollar until the work is done to your satisfaction.

Beyond doing the basic background research, make sure the person you’re hiring is licensed and insured. If something goes wrong on your property and someone gets injured, you can be held liable for the damages if you don’t have this extra wall of protection.