Handyman - Selecting the Right Person For the Job

Hiring a handyman can be a tedious job in itself. But ensuring you get the right man or woman for the job is important. Whether you are correcting an exterior problem after severe weather, installing something new in your home, or starting fresh from scratch, there are ways to get beautiful results on a budget. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure you will be happy with the results of the repairs for years to come.

Determine the extent of the job you want to hire the handyman for and the specific skills required to get it done in a timely manner. Many contractors have different specialties and skill sets. Most states in the USA require contractors to be licensed in a particular specialty. Ensure you are hiring a contractor that has the skills to get your job done right the first time. Whether you are looking for someone to fix air conditioning, plumbing, electrical work, alarms, or structural features of a building, there is an individual or company in your area that specializes in it. Take the time to do your research and find the right person for the job. Often with big jobs, this means dividing up the contract between several people. Hire a plumber to do the plumbing. Hire an electrician to do the wiring. Do not hire a roofer to install the air conditioning and central heat.

Prepare a set of questions to ask the handyman in advance. Make an appointment to meet them at the work site and get to know them a little better. You’ll want to ensure you are able to communicate with the contractor and that they are open and receptive to your questions and concerns. Not being able to ensure an adequate two-way flow of communication may mean your input isn’t heard or can even result in costly delays. Hiring someone that shares a common point-of-view and is able to honestly address your concerns with their work is important.

Some of the questions you may want to ask your contractor can include licenses, references, estimates, work descriptions, insurance schedule, completion date, and warranty. Licenses are state-issued and can be verified in each individual certification boards. They should be happy to provide you with a list of references that include contact information for recent customers. Written estimates and descriptions of the work to be completed are important. It is often customary to shop around between contractors and compare estimates, but the fastest and cheapest isn’t always the best. A firm schedule should also be provided, including their completion date and clean-up. Insurance and warranties are also very important questions to have addressed before any hiring or work occurs. The handyman should be fully insured and be able to guarantee their work for a certain period of time that is agreed upon with both parties.

Following these steps will ensure peace of mind when hiring a handyman and help the repairs or new installation go smoothly.