Top 10 questions homeowners Should ask a handyman

 

Handyman services are great for actually getting those little jobs around the house completed. The average American homeowner has 9 repairs required in various rooms around the house, and 32% have been putting off at least one job for over a year.

But before you get a local handyperson in, what are the questions you need to ask them to ensure they’re qualified to do the job?

 

1. How many experiences do you have with this type of work?

One of the best things about hiring a handyperson is that he has a range of skills. So it’s important to find out what sort of experience your handyman has in the job (or jobs) that you need doing. Some of this information will be available on their website, but there’s no substitute for hearing it from the horses’ mouth. So, don’t be shy!

 

2. Are you licensed?

Different states and counties have different rules and regulations when it comes to licensing handyman services. Find out the law where you live by checking the local government website and ensuring you see evidence of your handyman’s license before any work begins.

 

3. Are you insured?

This is crucial. But don’t just ask for proof that your handyman has insurance. Make sure you check exactly what insurance he has. Liability and workers’ compensation insurance are essential. If they can’t provide evidence of insurance, look elsewhere. Accidents happen, and the last thing you want is to be liable for somebody else’s mistake or get left with a damaged house and an expensive repair bill.

 

4. Are you planning to hire sub-contractors for this project?

It’s important to know who will be carrying out the work. It may not bother you that a sub-contractor comes in, but you’ll want to have their details and confirmation that they are experienced, licensed, and insured to do the work.

 

5. What’s the best way to get in touch with you?

You’re trusting someone with what is most likely your most valuable asset, so you must have a named point of contact and a reliable method of communication. Please find out the best days or times to call and make sure you know their business address, so you have somewhere to send correspondence or report any issues.

If sub-contractors are carrying out the work, be sure to get contact details for the handyman and complete the work.

 

6. How be bill additional charges dealt with?

When you hire a handyperson, you’ll be given an estimate of the cost, but things can change, and unexpected costs may arise during the completion of the work. To avoid any conflict or unnecessary disputes, ask your handyman to inform you of any additional costs and get your approval before carrying out any work not included in the original brief.

 

7. Can you provide references?

References are a great way of checking that your handyman is experienced and has provided good quality work to previous clients. The most reliable references you will get are from friends or family who has used the same tradesman. You know you can trust them and can ask to see the workmanship too. If you can’t get references from people you know, look online.

In particular, look out for references from clients who instructed the handyman to carry out tasks similar to yours. But keep an eye on comments about their level of customer service too. This could be vital as the project unfolds.

For added peace of mind, check out whether any complaints have been lodged against the handyman at the local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, or the state licensing department.

 

8. What is the expected timeline for completion?

A good quality handyman will be able to give you a pretty accurate idea of how long the project will take. Again, unexpected issues might mean the job takes a little longer than anticipated. Ask how long it will take to reach certain milestones so you can easily see if things are on schedule.

 

9. Who is responsible for acquiring building permits?

If building permits are required for the work to be carried out, agree who is responsible for obtaining them. This should be decided before agreeing to any work. If you’re told it’s your responsibility, it might be worth looking elsewhere for a contractor who will take care of everything.

 

10. What is the payment schedule?

A reliable and reputable handyman will not ask you to pay the full price upfront for any major. Standard practice is to pay a 10% deposit of the estimated cost with further installments as agreed milestones are reached. This suits both parties and should ensure a trouble-free working relationship.

You may agree to pay on completion of the work for smaller jobs, but make sure you have a written quote before any work begins.

Hiring a handyman takes the burden of those jobs around the home off of you. Instead, a reliable and trusted professional will carry out the work. This gives you peace of mind and frees up your time for other things.

By following the guidance above, you can make sure the handyman you get in is qualified, competent, and professional. If you’re looking for local handyman services and want tradespeople who are fully vetted and pre-qualified, download the ChoreRelief app. We check out all our professionals. Independent reviews give you confidence.

To find out more about the services available from a handyman or to get in touch with a handyman in your area, head to our services page.

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