Handyman Hiring Hints
By E. E. Kane
Photo: © Crystal Craig - Dreamstime
 It's spring. Your faucet is leaking, and you made a New Year's resolution to fix the sticking closet door—last year. You are not lazy. You are much too busy, and tool-challenged. Time to call a handyman.
But wait—aren't all handymen ex-convicts, ready and willing to rob you blind while they charge you $200 to screw in a light bulb?
While the handyman profession garners a hefty share of complaints (being second only to the used car salesman), plenty of honest, hard-working skilled handymen are out there. Now all you have to do is find one. With the hints provided, you should be able to find a reputable handyman (which includes women, who are more than a small presence in this profession) in your area, and be pleased with the outcome.
Hiring a handyman requires more than a look-see in the classifieds. While you may find a great tradesman, it could also be the beginning of a disappointing relationship. A little bit of research will tip the scales in your favor to a more pleasant transaction.
Should you hire Jo Handy-man, the independent with a truck and tools, or call on a franchise to send a uniformed worker? Either is a viable option. How do they compare?
The Independent Jo:
1. The biggest advantage to you: hourly rates. If you find someone reliable and skilled in the job you need done, you will definitely come out ahead.
2. Jo isn't hampered by company rules. While this may also be a disadvantage, Jo can give a free estimate if he/she chooses, go the extra mile, and often gives household maintenance advice.
3. Most independents try to be fair to protect their reputation. A reputable Jo will provide valid references, let you see samples of recent work, and give you a written estimate in detail. In recent years progressive handymen have built websites to increase business.
4. Most will tell you up front if they aren't as skilled in some areas. "I don't do plumbing."
5. When possible, it's always good to support your local small business man.
Cautions & Concerns:
1. Some states allow handymen to operate without a contractor's license—as long as they stick to minor repair work such as painting, yard work, etc. Bigger jobs require a contractor's license. The Better Business Bureau says you have limited recourse for damage done by an
unlicensed contractor.
2. Ask for proof of liability and workers compensation insurance. If the handyman you hire gets hurt on your property, you could be liable for his medical bills. If the injuries are long-term, you may incur indefinite liability.
3. Ask for at least three references, and check on them. Be aware you could be calling a relative of the handyman—ask how long the referral has known him/her, and what is the relationship.
4. Better yet, ask friends and neighbors for a recommendation. The best handymen operate by word-of-mouth referrals. Ask at your local mom & pop hardware store or ask the pickiest person
you know.
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5. If you use the phone book to choose a handyman, take the time to check with the local police for a criminal record. This might require a fee and will only be for your area. Also, check with your local Better Business Bureau for a record of complaints.
6. Get two to three estimates. Most people choose the middle bid. A good recommendation is worth more than saving a little on the bid.
7. Get a bid in writing, and signed. Make sure you know up front what you are paying for; look to see if supplies are included in the bid.
8. Only make a partial payment up front. Pay the entire amount once you are content with the finished work.
9. Be reasonable and understanding when minor glitches occur, as they usually do.
Advantages of Handyman Companies:
1. The biggest advantage in hiring a handyman company is saving time. The company has done criminal background checks on its employees. And since the company is licensed and insured, this saves you effort, and gives you peace of mind.
2. Companies usually employ handymen with a significant amount of experience and skill. Some require at least ten years in the trade or construction profession to be hired. And most companies have a satisfaction guarantee. Some will even guarantee their employee will show up on time—important if you have taken the day off of work.
3. Most companies require employees to wear surgical booties in the home and to clean up after the job.
Cautions & Concerns:
1. Some give “assessments” over the phone, and will not give free estimates
on site.
2. Some will give a traditional bid or contract up front. Others work on a time plus materials basis (which can be two or three times the independent). A reputable company will train its employees to alert the customer that a job will take longer than expected and get your approval.
3. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints against the company. A few complaints are normal. A large amount of frequent complaints is a red flag.
4. Even though a company's trump card is its reputation, ask around for anyone who has used the company and what their experience was.
Additional Advice:
1. Never hire the independent going door to door, asking for work. It is likely a scam, or even a setup for criminal activity.
2. Be mindful that most independents and companies charge mark-up costs for materials, from 20 to 100 percent. This is not an unfair practice in an occupation where the tradesman is only getting paid by the hour for the time he is on the job, not for the time it takes to shop for materials (which can be very time-consuming). Some companies offer to let you pick up the materials to save you money, and most handymen will be glad to offer specific advice in what you need to get for the job.
3. Some communities have free home-improvement programs for the elderly, or services at discounted rates. Check with your local chamber of commerce, church or synagogue.
Now that you're armed with adequate information and warnings, begin your search with confidence. Your next step is to decide what jobs to prioritize, but that's a different story. |
