Hiring A Handyman: Win - Win

by Kim Kinrade

One of the most talked about occupations we have is the handyman. This is because almost everyone needs something done around their place, whether they own it or not. If they are renters, for a fix-it job they will have a super do it or, in a smaller rental, the owner will call a handyman service.

A handyman is just what the name implies – someone who is handy. A person who considers his or herself a member of this trade does not necessarily need to have a trade or can have a trade, like carpentry for instance, and still fix toilets or hang a door. The list of talents is endless and, like fingerprints, no two handymen have exactly the same skills or blend of skills. For example, one handyman may have exceptional plumbing skills and also experience in framing homes. Another may be a former framer who has worked on masonry projects and was a plumber's helper for a few years. And still another may be the proverbial “jack-of-all trades,” great in almost everything to do with the home including locksmithing. The prime example of a good handyman is one who has a trade but dabbles in smaller jobs to fill in.

In addition to differing skills a handymen come from all backgrounds. One could be a retired history teacher whose hobby is restoring cabinets or a retired fireman who does landscaping on the side. Others have full-time jobs and can build stairs, put up fences or clean yards on the weekend. And in many cases a handyman has been doing one type of job for so long that the results are as good or better than a tradesman could do.

How to Hire A Handyman

Since you now know that all handymen are not created equally – and there are few standards or accreditations -there are certain steps you should take to hire a handyman for your specific task or tasks:

What Do You Want To Do?

This is really important in order to match the right handyman to your needs. Make a list with everything you need to do.

Find Your Prospects

On thing that should be mentioned here is that there are many counterfeit handymen out there. These are unemployed persons – or just scoundrels – who show up in a truck and do substandard jobs. They are counting on you to pay them just to get rid of them. This is why you have to be careful.

• Look in the “Services” part of the classified ads

• Business Links: Many very good handymen have so much work they don't need to advertise. Ask around at building supply places, hardware stores, paint stores and other places where materials are sold. Most also have billboards with ads and business cards. The people who work in these places are very careful when giving referrals because no one wants a bad job to come back at the store in ill will.

• Word of Mouth: If your neighbor had a fellow put up a clothesline post or put up a set of stairs ask the neighbor the handyman would be asked back. If the answer is positive then there is a good chance this person may be the one.

The Interview

1. Experience: These days almost everyone in any kind of a business has a resume which lists past jobs , training and skills. Take out your list and ask if the work was within his or her skill level and how each job would be done. Get a feel for the person. Would this be someone you would want in your home?

2. Check References: This is extremely important. Ask if you can visit the home to see the results . Most homeowners have been in your shoes before so this shouldn't be a problem.

3. Better Business Bureau: Many handyman services are members of the BBB. Check out this source too.

4. Licenses: A competent handyman will tell you if he or she is not licensed for certain jobs but find out from your local building permit office just in case.

5. Insurance: This is extremely important for two reasons: First, you don't want to be liable for anyone hurt on the job; and second, you want to be covered in case the handyman damages either your or neighbor's property ( or person).

6. Price: There is a certain way of pricing a job and that includes materials, labor, etc. Anyone who blurts out a price – except an hourly one -should not be hired. See what others have paid for similar work. This another “getting a feel” time.

7. Bank Credit: This is for a big job and not necessary for the smaller ones.

Your main aim is to get your task, or tasks, completed to your satisfaction and for a reasonable price. The handyman should make a good wage for a good job and you should be happy: win=win