One of the downsides of being a house owner is keeping your home maintained and carrying out the maintenance fairly regularly.
While there are a bunch of simple DIY jobs that you can handle by yourself, more complex repairs like air conditioning installation need to be professionally dealt with. That’s when you require the assistance of a handyman.
But how do you find the right handyman for your home’s maintenance and repairs? Here are a few tips you should consider.
Determine the Scope of Work
Sometimes it’s difficult to know whether to hire an electrician, a plumber, a handyman, or a contractor. To make it easy for yourself, make a list of everything that needs maintenance like furnace maintenance, or things that need to get repaired around the house.
If all you have are small jobs like interior painting or patching drywall, then a handyman is perfect for the task. But if you require electrical work or moving plumbing, you’ll need to get a licensed contractor.
Get Testimonials From Previous Clients
It’s crucial to ensure that the handyman you hire has repeat clients, meaning they are satisfied with their work and return for further business. Testimonials and reviews are a great way to get an idea of what people think of the services they offer.
You can either ask the handyman to give contact info of their previous clients and see what they think or take a look at their reviews on their website or online forums.
Ask for Estimate Quotes
Don’t hire the first handyman that catches your eye. Interview at least three handymen with questions about their work experience, area of expertise, etc. Some companies also boast that they have insurance but the actual liability can differ, so always demand they show a certificate of insurance.
Once you have a list of potential handymen to hire, ask for cost estimates and compare so you can find one that provides the best value at the lowest price.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you’ve decided on the handyman you want to hire, it’s important to get a written agreement that includes details like the work they need to do, the cost, payment schedule, etc.
No matter how much you trust the person, it’s always a good idea to get work guarantees in writing before you officially hire them for the job. Written proof is very helpful in case they charge extra or try to get more money than it’s worth.
Be Wary of Scams
Scams are a common occurrence when it comes to handyman services and it’s likely that you will come across a few malicious people during your search. Fortunately, there are plenty of signs to look out for to avoid scams. For instance:
- Working for unreasonably cheap prices
- Asking for money upfront
- Using unreliable or subpar equipment and materials
- Lack of proper licensure
A reputable company would never ask for payment before the project is completed or contact you with unrequested emails and phone calls.